An association between activity of the Na/K-pump and resistance of Schistosoma mansoni towards complement-mediated killing

The Na/K-pump or Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.37), couples the hydrolysis of ATP to the active transport of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions across the plasma membrane of virtually all animal cells. The relationship between activity of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and the sensitivity of Schistosoma mansoni to immunological attack has been investigated. It has been observed that ouabain, the specific inhibitor of the pump, via a synergistic effect with specific antibody and complement, affects the average membrane potential causing depolarization and death of complement resistant parasites. Thus, apparently, there is association between the inhibition of the Na/K-pump and the lysis and death of the complement-resistant parasite.