Diabetes-induced metabolic abnormalities in myocardium: effect of antioxidant therapy

Effects of hyperglycemia (both diabetes and experimental galactosemia) on cardiac metabolism have been determined. In addition, the effect of supplemental antioxidants on these hyperglycemia-induced abnormalities of cardiac metabolism has been investigated. Diabetes or experimental galactosemia of 2 months duration in rats significantly increased oxidative stress in myocardium, as demonstrated by elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid fluorescent products in left ventricle. Activity of protein kinase C (PKC) was elevated in the myocardium, and the activities of (Na,K)-ATPase and calcium ATPases were subnormal. Administration of supplemental antioxidants containing a mixture of ascorbic acid, Trolox; alpha-tocopherol acetate, N-acetyl cysteine, beta-carotene, and selenium prevented both the diabetes-induced and galactosemia-induced elevation of oxidative stress and PKC activity, and inhibited the decreases of myocardial (Na,K)-ATPase and calcium ATPases. The results show that these metabolic abnormalities are not unique to diabetes per se, but are secondary to elevated blood hexose levels, and supplemental antioxidants inhibit these metabolic abnormalities. Our findings suggest that antioxidants inhibit abnormal metabolic processes that may contribute to the development of cardiac disease in diabetes, and offer a potential clinical means to inhibit cardiac abnormalities in diabetes.     

Abnormalities of retinal metabolism in diabetes or experimental galactosemia. VI. Comparison of retinal and cerebral cortex metabolism,and effects of antioxidant therapy

Metabolic abnormalities observed in retina and in cerebral cortex were compared in diabetic rats and experimentally galactosemic rats. Diabetes or experimental galactosemia of 2 months duration significantly increased oxidative stress in retina, as shown by elevation of retinal thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and subnormal activities of antioxidant defense enzymes, but had no such effect in the cerebral cortex. Activities of sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase [(Na,K)-ATPase] and calcium ATPase became subnormal in retina as well as in cerebral cortex. In contrast, protein kinase C (PKC) activity was elevated in retina but not in cerebral cortex in the same hyperglycemic rats. Dietary supplementation with an antioxidant mixture (containing ascorbic acid, Trolox, α-tocopherol acetate, N-acetyl cysteine, β-carotene, and selenium) prevented the diabetes- induced and galactosemia-induced elevation of retinal oxidative stress, the elevation of retinal PKC activity and the decrease of retinal ATPases. In cerebral cortex, administration of the antioxidant diet also prevented the diabetes-induced decreases in (Na,K)-ATPase and calcium ATPases, but had no effect on TBARS and activities of PKC and antioxidant-defense enzymes. The results indicate that retina and cerebral cortex differ distinctly in their response to elevation of tissue hexose, and that cerebral cortex is more resistant than retina to diabetes-induced oxidative stress. The greater resistance to oxidative stress in cerebral cortex, as compared to retina, is consistent with the resistance of cerebral cortex to microvascular disease in diabetes, and with a hypothesis that oxidative stress contributes to microvascular disease in diabetes. Dietary supplementation with these antioxidants offers a means to inhibit multiple hyperglycemia-induced retinal metabolic abnormalities.     

Kinetics of phosphorylation of Na+/K(+)-ATPase by protein kinase C

The kinetics of phosphorylation of an integral membrane enzyme, Na+/K(+)-ATPase, by calcium- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) were characterized in vitro. The phosphorylation by PKC occurred on the catalytic alpha-subunit of Na+/K(+)-ATPase in preparations of purified enzyme from dog kidney and duck salt-gland and in preparations of duck salt-gland microsomes. The phosphorylation required calcium (Ka approximately 1.0 microM) and was stimulated by tumor-promoting phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate) in the presence of a low concentration of calcium (0.1 microM). PKC phosphorylation of Na+/K(+)-ATPase was rapid and plateaued within 30 min. The apparent Km of PKC for Na+/K(+)-ATPase as a substrate was 0.5 microM for dog kidney enzyme and 0.3 microM for duck salt-gland enzyme. Apparent substrate inhibition of PKC activity was observed at concentrations of purified salt-gland Na+/K(+)-ATPase greater than 1.0 microM. Phosphorylation of purified kidney and salt-gland Na+/K+ ATPases occurred at both serine and threonine residues. The 32P-phosphopeptide pattern on 15% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after hydroxylamine cleavage of pure 32P-phosphorylated alpha subunit was the same for the two sources of enzyme, which suggests that the phosphorylation sites are similar. The results indicate that Na+/K(+)-ATPase may serve as a substrate for PKC phosphorylation in intact cells and that the Na+/K(+)-ATPase could be a useful in vitro model substrate for PKC interaction with integral membrane proteins.     

Neurochemical Correlates of Alloxan Diabetes: Glucose and Related Brain Metabolism in the Rat

Diabetes mellitus is known to impair glucose metabolism. The fundamental mechanism underlying hyperglycaemia in diabetes mellitus involves decreased utilization of glucose by the brain. However, mechanisms responsible for progressive failure of glycaemic regulation in type I (IDDM) diabetes need extensive and proper understanding. Hence the present study was initiated. Type I diabetes was induced in albino rat models with alloxan monohydrate (40 mg/Kg iv). Cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata were studied 48 h after alloxanisation. Diabetes caused an elevation in glucose, glutamate, aspartate, GABA and taurine levels and a decline in the glutamine synthetase activity. The activities of brain lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) exhibited significant decrease during diabetes. Ammonia content increased (P < 0.01) as a function of diabetes. Na(+)-K(+) ATPase showed an elevation (P < 0.01) and Ca(++)-ATPase activity decreased (P < 0.01). Calcium content enhanced (P < 0.05) in the brain of diabetic rats. A General increase in the brain AMP, ADP and ATP was found on inducing diabetes. Impaired cerebral glucose metabolism accounts for the failure of cerebral glucose homeostasis. The impairment in the glycaemic control leads to disturbances in cerebral glutamate content (resulting in calcium overload and excitotoxic injury) and brain energy metabolism as reflected by alterations occurring in adenine nucleotide and the ATPases. The failure in the maintenance of normal energy metabolism during diabetes might affect glucose homeostasis leading to gross cerebral dysfunction during diabetes.     

Green tea impedes dyslipidemia, lipid peroxidation, protein glycation and ameliorates Ca2+ -ATPase and Na+/K+ -ATPase activity in the heart of streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Diabetes-induced hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and protein glycation impair cellular calcium and sodium homeostasis associated with abnormal membrane-bound enzyme activities resulting in cardiac dysfunction in diabetes. To explore the cardioprotective mechanism of green tea in diabetes, we measured the changes in the levels of calcium, sodium, potassium and the activities of Na+/K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -ATPase in green tea treated diabetic rat hearts. The effect of green tea on triglycerides, lipid peroxidation and protein glycation in diabetic heart were also measured to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg i.p.). Six weeks after the induction of diabetes, some of the diabetic rats were treated orally with green tea extract (GTE) (300 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. GTE produced reduction in blood glucose and lowered the levels of lipid peroxides, triglycerides and extent of protein glycation in the heart of diabetic rats. GTE blunted the rise in cardiac [Ca2+] and [Na+] whereas increased the activities of Ca2+ -ATPase and Na+/K+ -ATPase in diabetic rats. In conclusion, the data provide support to the therapeutic effect of GTE and suggest that a possible mechanism of action may be associated with the attenuation of the rise in [Ca2+] and [Na+] by ameliorating Ca2+ -ATPase and Na+/K+ -ATPase activities.     

Antioxidant supplementation normalizes elevated protein kinase C activity in the proximal tubules of old rats

Aging is associated with increase in oxidative stress. Earlier, we have shown that higher basal protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the proximal tubules (PTs) of old rats contributes to the hyperphosphorylation of Na,K-ATPase and subsequent decrease in basal Na,K-ATPase activity, resulting in diminished natriuretic response to dopamine in these animals. We hypothesized that the increase in PKC activity in PTs of old rats is caused by increased oxidative stress and that antioxidants administration should reduce/normalize the elevated PKC activity in the renal PTs of old rats. We studied the effect of two antioxidants, namely, alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and tempol, on oxidants level and PKC activity in the PTs of adult (6-month) and old (24-month) Fischer 344 rats. We found that the accumulation of fluorescent dichlorofluorescein (DCF), an indicator of oxidant production, was higher in the PTs of old compared to adult rats. Dietary supplementation with LA for 2 weeks normalized the increased DCF level in old rats. Carboxymethylysine and malondialdehyde, markers of oxidative damage, were elevated in the PTs of old rats, which were normalized to the level of adult rats when tempol was provided in drinking water for 3 weeks. Both LA and tempol treatment also normalized the higher basal PKC activity in the PTs of old rats to the level seen in adult rats. These results suggest that increase in oxidative stress causes an increase in PKC activity, and that antioxidants, while reducing oxidative stress, also normalize PKC activity in the PTs of old rats.     

Retinal glutamate in diabetes and effect of antioxidants

Diabetes results in various biochemical abnormalities in the retina, but which of these abnormalities are critical in the development of retinopathy is not known. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of antioxidant supplementation on diabetes-induced alterations of retinal glutamate, and to explore the inter-relationship between alterations of retinal glutamate, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide (NO) in diabetes. Glutamate was measured in the retina at 2 months of diabetes in rats receiving diets supplemented with or without a mixture of antioxidants containing ascorbic acid, Trolox, DL alpha-tocopherol acetate, N-acetyl cysteine, beta-carotene and selenium. The relationship between glutamate, oxidative stress and NO was evaluated using both bovine retinal endothelial cells and normal rat retina. In diabetes, retinal glutamate was elevated by 40, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) by 100, and NO by 70%, respectively. Administration of antioxidants inhibited the diabetes-induced increases in glutamate, TBARS and NO. Incubation of bovine retinal endothelial cells or normal rat retina with glutamate significantly increased TBARS and NO, and addition of either antioxidant (N-acetyl cysteine) or a NO synthase inhibitor prevented the glutamate-induced elevation in oxidative stress and NO. Incubation of retina with a glutamate agonist, likewise elevated oxidative stress and NO, and memantine inhibited such elevations. Thus, the alterations of retinal glutamate, oxidative stress and NO appear to be inter-related in diabetes, and antioxidant therapy may be a suitable approach to determine the roles of these abnormalities in the development of diabetic retinopathy.     

运动性骨骼肌疲劳亚细胞机制的探讨

本实验采用持续性下坡跑运动,观察大鼠骨骼肌运动后不同时相线粒体形态、代谢、机能等指标的变化,结果表明：大鼠运动后即刻线粒体钙含量、细胞膜丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）值明显增加,ＡＴＰ含量和细胞膜Ｎａ＋,Ｋ＋－ＡＴＰ酶活性下降;运动后２４ｈ线粒体钙含量、ＭＤＡ值增加最明显,ＡＴＰ含量仍未恢复,细胞膜Ｎａ＋,Ｋ＋－ＡＴＰ酶活性基本恢复,线粒体体密度、平均体积比运动前明显增加,比表面缩小;运动后４８ｈＡＴＰ含量完全恢复,线粒体钙含量、ＭＤＡ值开始恢复。本研究结果提示,急性运动引起的细胞膜脂质过氧化加强、线粒体形态、代谢机能异常抑制线粒体氧化磷酸化过程、减少ＡＴＰ生成可能是运动性骨骼肌疲劳的亚细胞机制之一。耐力训练可以通过改善线粒体形态、代谢、机能提高机体的运动能力。     

Bidirectional regulation of renal cortical Na+,K+-ATPase by protein kinase C

We examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the regulation of Na+,K+- ATPase activity in the renal cortex. Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized and the investigated reagents were infused into the abdominal aorta proximally to the renal arteries. A PKC-activating phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), had a dose-dependent effect on cortical Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Low dose of PDBu (10(-11) mol/kg per min) increased cortical Na+,K+-ATPase activity by 34.2%, whereas high doses (10(-9) and 10(-8) mol/kg per min) reduced this activity by 22.7% and 35.0%, respectively. PDBu administration caused changes in Na+,K+-ATPase Vmax without affecting K(0.5) for Na+, K+ and ATP as well as Ki for ouabain. The effects of PDBu were abolished by PKC inhibitors, staurosporine, GF109203X, and G? 6976. The inhibitory effect of PDBu was reversed by pretreatment with inhibitors of cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolism, ethoxyresorufin and 17-octadecynoic acid, inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), wortmannin and LY294002, and by actin depolymerizing agents, cytochalasin D and latrunculin B. These results suggest that PKC may either stimulate or inhibit renal cortical Na+,K+-ATPase. The inhibitory effect is mediated by cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolites and PI3K, and is caused by redistribution of the sodium pump from the plasma membrane to the inactive intracellular pool.     

Biphasic effect of protein kinase C on rat renal cortical Na+, K+-ATPase.

We examined the dependence of rat renal Na+, K+-ATPase activity on protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation. Infusion of either phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) into rat abdominal aorta resulted in dose-dependent changes of renal cortical Na+, K+-ATPase activity. Low doses of these esters (3 x 10(-11) mol/kg/min) increased activity of Na+, K+-ATPase whereas high doses (3 x 10(-9) mol/kg/min) decreased it. The changes in Na+, K+-ATPase activity induced by PDBu and PMA were prevented by staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor. 4Alpha phorbol didecanoate (4alpha PDD), phorbol ester which does not activate PKC had no effect on cortical Na+, K+-ATPase. PDBu and PMA did not change Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the renal medulla. The stimulatory effect of PDBu (3 x 10(-11) mol/kg/min) was neither mimicked by amphotericin B, a sodium ionophore nor blocked by amiloride, an inhibitor of Na+/H+-exchanger. The inhibitory effect of 3 x 10(-9) mol/kg/min PDBu was not mimicked by amiloride indicating that the observed effects of PKC stimulation are not secondary to alterations in intracellular sodium concentration. The inhibitory effect of PDBu was prevented by infusion of ethoxyresorufin, an inhibitor of cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolism. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PKC on renal cortical Na+, K+-ATPase is mediated by cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolites.     

Effect of bacoside A on membrane-bound ATPases in the brain of rats exposed to cigarette smoke

Membrane-bound enzymes play a vital role in neuronal function through maintenance of membrane potential and impulse propagation. We have evaluated the harmful effects of chronic cigarette smoking on membrane-bound ATPases and the protective effect of Bacoside A in rat brain. Adult male albino rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for a period of 12 weeks and simultaneously administered with Bacoside A (the active principle isolated from Bacopa monniera) at a dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w/day, p.o. The levels of lipid peroxides as marker for evaluating the extent of membrane damage, the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase, and associated cations sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) were investigated in the brain. Neuronal membrane damage was evident from the elevated levels of lipid peroxides and decreased activities of membrane-bound enzymes. Disturbances in the electrolyte balance with accumulation of Na+ and Ca2+ and depletion of K+ and Mg2+ were also observed. Administration of Bacoside A inhibited lipid peroxidation, improved the activities of ATPases, and maintained the ionic equilibrium. The results of our study indicate that Bacoside A protects the brain from cigarette smoking induced membrane damage.     

Role of protein kinase C in the signal pathways that link Na+/K+-ATPase to ERK1/2

We have shown before that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase acts as a signal transducer, through protein-protein interactions, in addition to being an ion pump. Interaction of ouabain with the enzyme of the intact cells causes activation of Src, transactivation of EGFR, and activation of the Ras/ERK1/2 cascade. To determine the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in this pathway, neonatal rat cardiac myocytes were exposed to ouabain and assayed for translocation/activation of PKC from cytosolic to particulate fractions. Ouabain caused rapid and sustained stimulation of this translocation, evidenced by the assay of Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent PKC activities and by the immunoblot analysis of the alpha, delta, and epsilon isoforms of PKC. Dose-dependent stimulation of PKC translocation by ouabain (1-100 microm) was accompanied by no more than 50% inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and doubling of [Ca(2+)](i), changes that do not affect myocyte viability and are known to be associated with positive inotropic, but not toxic, effects of ouabain in rat cardiac ventricles. Ouabain-induced activation of ERK1/2 was blocked by PKC inhibitors calphostin C and chelerythrine. An inhibitor of phosphoinositide turnover in myocytes also antagonized ouabain-induced PKC translocation and ERK1/2 activation. These and previous findings indicate that ouabain-induced activation of PKC and Ras, each linked to Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase through Src/EGFR, are both required for the activation of ERK1/2. Ouabain-induced PKC translocation and ERK1/2 activation were dependent on the presence of Ca(2+) in the medium, suggesting that the signal-transducing and ion-pumping functions of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase cooperate in activation of these protein kinases and the resulting regulation of contractility and growth of the cardiac myocyte.     

Interactions of oxidative stress with cellular calcium dynamics and glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease

Considerable evidence suggests that oxidative stress (elevated levels of reactive oxygen species), altered energy metabolism, and changes in calcium dynamics are central to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Abnormalities in each of these processes occur in AD, and they can be plausibly linked to the pathology and clinical outcome of the disease. Abnormalities in these same processes in peripheral tissues, such as fibroblasts, indicate that these are inherent properties of AD cells and are not merely a secondary response to neurodegeneration. Results in cultured cells including fibroblasts demonstrate that oxidative stress can lead to the AD-related changes in calcium and energy metabolism. Data also suggest that abnormalities in the cellular calcium stores, the ability to handle oxidative stress, and to respond to metabolic impairment link the AD-causing gene mutations to the disease process. Abnormal metabolism and oxidative stress alter the proteins and cellular processes that are modified in AD, and can be readily linked to neuronal death and brain dysfunction. Prevention and/or correction of these abnormalities are appropriate therapeutic targets.     

Effect of low calcium on high-energy phosphates and sarcolemmal Na+/K(+)-ATPase in the infarcted-reperfused heart.

This study was undertaken to compare the effect of low to normal serum calcium on biochemical parameters in the myocardium of dogs subjected to 90 min of coronary artery ligation followed by 30 min reperfusion. The accumulation of calcium, the decrease of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) and the inhibition of sarcolemmal ouabain-sensitive Na+/K(+)-ATPase which are prominent findings in the ischemic-reperfused myocardium, were studied under normal and low serum Ca produced by normal and modified hemodialysis (HD). The results showed a lower accumulation of Ca (P less than 0.002) in the ligated-reperfused myocardium of dogs subjected to low-calcium HD. In the same group of animals ATP was protected to some extent while CP was completely preserved. This may indicate that during reperfusion with low Ca, restored ATP is further utilized for CP regeneration. The activity of Na+/K(+)-ATPase was within normal values in the ligated-reperfused myocardium of the low-calcium group. The significantly (P less than 0.001) negative correlation between tissue calcium concentration and Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity under various conditions examined, provided additional evidence that low calcium is a protective factor of the enzyme activity during ischemia and reperfusion.     

Endoxin-mediated myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rats in vitro

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion results in an increase in intracellular sodium concentration, which secondarily increases intracellular calcium via Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange, resulting in cellular injury. Endoxin is an endogenous medium of digitalis receptor and can remarkably inhibit Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity. Although the level of plasma endoxin is significantly higher during myocardial ischemia, its practical significance is unclear. This research is to investigate whether endoxin is one of important factors involved in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Ischemia reperfusion injury was induced by 30 min of global ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion in isolated rat hearts. Heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and its first derivative (+/-dp/dtmax) were recorded. The endoxin contents, intramitochondrial Ca2+ contents, and the Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in myocardial tissues were measured. Myocardial damages were evaluated by electron microscopy. The endoxin and intramitochondrial Ca2+ contents in myocardial tissues were remarkably higher, myocardial membrane ATPase activity was remarkably lower, the cardiac function was significantly deteriorated, and myocardial morphological damages were severe in myocardial ischemia reperfusion group vs. control. Anti-digoxin antiserum (10, 30 mg/kg) caused a significant improvement in cardiac function (LVDP and +/-dp/dtmax), Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity, and myocardial morphology, and caused a reduction of endoxin and intramitochondrial Ca2+ contents in myocardial tissues. In the present study, the endoxin antagonist, anti-digoxin antiserum, protected the myocardium against the damages induced by ischemia reperfusion in isolated rat hearts. The results suggest that endoxin might be one of main factors mediating myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.     

Lack of the effect of superoxide dismutase and catalase on Na+,K+-ATPase activity in stunned rabbit hearts

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the mechanism of postischemic contractile dysfunction, known as myocardial stunning. In this study, we examined protective effects of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, against ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac dysfunction and inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts were subjected to 15 min of global normothermic ischemia followed by 10 min reperfusion. The hearts treated with SOD plus catalase did not show significant recovery of left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure compared with untreated ischemic reperfused hearts. Treatment with antioxidants had no protective effects on developed LV pressure or its maximal positive and negative first derivatives (+/-LVdP/dt). Myocardial stunning was accompanied by significant loss in sarcolemmal Na+,K+-ATPase activity and thiol group content. Inhibition of enzyme activity and oxidation of SH groups were not prevented by antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest that administration of SOD and catalase in perfusate do not protect significantly against cardiac dysfunction in stunned rabbit myocardium.     

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis of Na+,K+-ATPase in response to parathyroid hormone requires ERK-dependent phosphorylation of Ser-11 within the alpha1-subunit

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) inhibits Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity through protein kinase C- (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase- (ERK) dependent pathways and increases serine phosphorylation of the alpha(1)-subunit. To determine whether specific serine phosphorylation sites within the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit are involved in the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase responses to PTH, we examined the effect of PTH in opossum kidney cells stably transfected with wild type rat Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit (WT), serine 11 to alanine mutant alpha(1)-subunit (S11A), or serine 18 to alanine mutant alpha(1)-subunit (S18A). PTH increased phosphorylation and endocytosis of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit into clathrin-coated vesicles in cells transfected with WT and S18A rat Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunits. PTH did not increase the level of phosphorylation or stimulate translocation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunits into clathrin-coated vesicles in cells transfected with the S11A mutant. PTH inhibited ouabain-sensitive (86)Rb uptake and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity (ouabain-sensitive ATP hydrolysis) in WT- and S18A-transfected opossum kidney cells but not in S11A-transfected cells. Pretreatment of the cells with the PKC inhibitors and ERK inhibitor blocked PTH inhibition of (86)Rb uptake, Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, alpha(1)-subunit phosphorylation, and endocytosis in WT and S18A cells. Consistent with the notion that ERK phosphorylates Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit, ERK was shown to be capable of causing phosphorylation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit immunoprecipitated from WT and S18A but not from S11A-transfected cells. These results suggest that PTH regulates Na(+),K(+)-ATPase by PKC and ERK-dependent alpha(1)-subunit phosphorylation and that the phosphorylation requires the expression of a serine at the 11 position of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit.     

Agonist-dependent regulation of renal Na+,K+-ATPase activity is modulated by intracellular sodium concentration.

We tested the hypothesis that the level of intracellular sodium modulates the hormonal regulation of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubule cells. By using digital imaging fluorescence microscopy of a sodium-sensitive dye, we determined that the sodium ionophore monensin induced a dose-specific increase of intracellular sodium. A correspondence between the elevation of intracellular sodium and the level of dopamine-induced inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was determined. At basal intracellular sodium concentration, stimulation of cellular protein kinase C by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) promoted a significant increase in Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity; however, this activation was gradually reduced as the concentration of intracellular sodium was increased to become a significant inhibition at concentrations of intracellular sodium higher than 16 mm. Under these conditions, PMA and dopamine share the same signaling pathway to inhibit the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. The effects of PMA and dopamine on the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and the modulation of these effects by different intracellular sodium concentrations were not modified when extracellular and intracellular calcium were almost eliminated. These results suggest that the level of intracellular sodium modulates whether hormones stimulate, inhibit, or have no effect on the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity leading to a tight control of sodium reabsorption.     

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) signaling pathways on calcium uptake in 30-day-old rat Sertoli cells

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D(3)) is the active metabolite of vitamin D(3) and the major calcium regulatory hormone in tissues. The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanism of action of 1,25D(3) on (45)Ca(2+) uptake in Sertoli cells from 30-day-old rats. Results showed that 10(-9) and 10(-12) M 1,25D(3) increased the rate of (45)Ca(2+) uptake 5 and 15 min after hormone exposure and that 1α,25(OH)(2) lumisterol(3) (JN) produced a similar effect suggesting that 1,25D(3) action occurs via a putative membrane receptor. The involvement of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) in 1,25D(3) action was evidenced by using nifedipine, while the use of Bapta-AM demonstrated that intracellular calcium was not implicated. Moreover, the incubation with ouabain and digoxin increased the rate of (45)Ca(2+) uptake, indicating that the effect of 1,25D(3) may also result from Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition. In addition, we demonstrated that the mechanism underlying the hormone action involved extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase C (PKC) activation in a phospholipase C-independent way. Furthermore, a local elevation of the level of cAMP, as demonstrated by incubating cells with dibutyryl cAMP or a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, produced an effect similar to that of 1,25D(3), and the inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) nullified the hormone action. In conclusion, the stimulatory effect of 1,25D(3) on (45)Ca(2+) uptake in Sertoli cells occurs via VDCC, as well as PKA, PKC, and ERK activation. These protein kinases seem to act by inhibiting Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase or directly phosphorylating calcium channels. The Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition may result in Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger activation in reverse mode and consequently induce the uptake of calcium into the cells.     

Erythrocyte membrane ATPases in diabetes: effect of dikanut (Irvingia gabonensis)

The levels of the three ATPases found in the erythrocyte membrane of diabetic patients were significantly lower than normal subjects. The distribution of the enzymes was also different. Na+,K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase reflected the status of blood glucose more than Ca2+-ATPase. The ratio between two of the ATPases was sensitive to glycemic response. When dikanut, a viscous preparation, was fed to diabetics for 4 weeks, blood glucose became normal and the activities of the three ATPases increased significantly. The ratio among the enzymes also approached that of normal subjects. A relationship was found between the blood glucose level and erythrocyte membrane ATPases which, if linked to insulin binding or level, may provide a rapid inexpensive assay in diabetes research.