Inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase Activity from Rat Hippocampus by Proline

Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase activities were determined in the synaptic plasma membranes from hippocampus of rats subjected to chronic and acute proline administration. Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity was significantly reduced in chronic and acute treatment by 33% and 40%, respectively. Mg²⁺-ATPase activity was not altered by any treatment. In another set of experiments, synaptic plasma membranes were prepared from hippocampus and incubated with proline or glutamate at final concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 mM. Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, but not Mg²⁺-ATPase was inhibited (30%) by the two amino acids. In addition, competition between proline and glutamate for the enzyme activity was observed, suggesting a common binding site for these amino acids. Considering that Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity is critical for normal brain function, the results of the present study showing a marked inhibition of this enzyme by proline may be associated with the neurological dysfunction found in patients affected by type II hyperprolinemia.     

The interaction between calcium and the activation of Na+, K+-ATPase by noradrenaline

Summary The interaction of noradrenaline, various cation chelators and calcium on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase from rat cerebral cortex plasma membranes was studied. It was shown that chelation of inhibitory cations by EGTA, EDTA and dipyridyl activated Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase to the same extent as noradrenaline but at higher concentrations; increasing concentrations of EGTA depressed the activation by noradrenaline; calcium in the form of a calcium-EGTA buffer depressed Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase at physiological concentrations; the inhibition of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase by calcium is dependent on the magnesium concentration in the assay and the inhibition by calcium was partially reversed by noradrenaline.     

Reversible inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by rubidium ions

Rb⁺ ions, in concentrations which are known to inhibit the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, displayed a marked suppressive effect on cell proliferation and differentiation as induced by a variety of B and T cell mitogens. This effect, which was noted at non-toxic concentrations of the cation, could be totally reverted by recultivation of cells in RbCl-free medium. These findings imply a close correlation between the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and the receptor regulating cell activation, as has previously been suggested. However, we do not favour the hypothesis of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase being the mitogen receptor in lymphocyte triggering, since impairment of cell transformation probably only reflects a non-specific inhibition of cation dependent metabolic processes, such as amino-acid and carbohydrate uptake in the cells.     

C-peptide,Na+,K+-ATPase,and Diabetes

Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase is an ubiquitous membrane enzyme that allows the extrusion of three sodium ions from the cell and two potassium ions from the extracellular fluid. Its activity is decreased in many tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals. This impairment could be at least partly responsible for the development of diabetic complications. Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity is decreased in the red blood cell membranes of type 1 diabetic individuals, irrespective of the degree of diabetic control. It is less impaired or even normal in those of type 2 diabetic patients. The authors have shown that in the red blood cells of type 2 diabetic patients, Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity was strongly related to blood C-peptide levels in non–insulin-treated patients (in whom C-peptide concentration reflects that of insulin) as well as in insulin-treated patients. Furthermore, a gene-environment relationship has been observed. The alpha-1 isoform of the enzyme predominant in red blood cells and nerve tissue is encoded by the ATP1A1 gene.Apolymorphism in the intron 1 of this gene is associated with lower enzyme activity in patients with C-peptide deficiency either with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but not in normal individuals. There are several lines of evidence for a low C-peptide level being responsible for low Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity in the red blood cells. Short-term C-peptide infusion to type 1 diabetic patients restores normal Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. Islet transplantation, which restores endogenous C-peptide secretion, enhances Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity proportionally to the rise in C-peptide. This C-peptide effect is not indirect. In fact, incubation of diabetic red blood cells with C-peptide at physiological concentration leads to an increase of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. In isolated proximal tubules of rats or in the medullary thick ascending limb of the kidney, C-peptide stimulates in a dose-dependent manner Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. This impairment in Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity, mainly secondary to the lack of C-peptide, plays probably a role in the development of diabetic complications. Arguments have been developed showing that the diabetesinduced decrease in Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity compromises microvascular blood flow by two mechanisms: by affecting microvascular regulation and by decreasing red blood cell deformability, which leads to an increase in blood viscosity. C-peptide infusion restores red blood cell deformability and microvascular blood flow concomitantly with Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. The defect in ATPase is strongly related to diabetic neuropathy. Patients with neuropathy have lower ATPase activity than those without. The diabetes-induced impairment in Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity is identical in red blood cells and neural tissue. Red blood cell ATPase activity is related to nerve conduction velocity in the peroneal and the tibial nerve of diabetic patients. C-peptide infusion to diabetic rats increases endoneural ATPase activity in rat. Because the defect in Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity is also probably involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy, physiological C-peptide infusion could be beneficial for the prevention of diabetic complications.     

Contribution of intracellular ATP to cisplatin resistance of tumor cells

Decreased cellular accumulation of cisplatin is a frequently observed mechanism of resistance to the drug. Beside passive diffusion, several cellular proteins using ATP hydrolysis as an energy source are assumed to be involved in cisplatin transport in and out of the cell. This investigation aimed at clarifying the contribution of intracellular ATP as an indicator of energy-dependent transport to cisplatin resistance using the A2780 human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line and its cisplatin-resistant variant A2780cis. Depletion of intracellular ATP with oligomycin significantly decreased cellular platinum accumulation (measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry) in sensitive but not in resistant cells, and did not affect cisplatin efflux in both cell lines. Inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase with ouabain reduced platinum accumulation in A2780 cells but to a lesser extent compared with oligomycin. Western blot analysis revealed lower expression of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase α₁ subunit in resistant cells compared with sensitive counterparts. The basal intracellular ATP level (determined using a bioluminescence-based assay) was significantly higher in A2780cis cells than in A2780 cells. Our results highlight the importance of ATP-dependent transport, among other processes mediated by Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, for cisplatin influx in sensitive cells. Cellular platinum accumulation in resistant cells is reduced and less dependent on energy sources, which may partly result from Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase downregulation. Our data suggest the involvement of other ATP-dependent processes beside those regulated by Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase. Higher basal ATP level in cisplatin-resistant cells, which appears to be a consequence of enhanced mitochondrial ATP production, may represent a survival mechanism established during development of resistance.     

Mechanism of action of cesalin, an antitumor protein.

A protein, cesalin, isolated from $\text{Caesalpinia}$$\text{gilliesii}$ is cytotoxic to KB cells in tissue culture. It has been shown to bind to the plasma membrane of this cell line and to inhibit Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase EC 3.6.1.3). Similar studies with HTC cells show no cytotoxicity or inhibition of plasma membrane Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. The Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase of human erythrocytes and rat brain and kidney tissues are not inhibited. 5′-Nucleotidase and Mg⁺⁺-ATPase are not inhibited by cesalin in any cells tested.     

Requirement of Glycogenolysis for Uptake of Increased Extracellular K+ in Astrocytes: Potential Implications for K+ Homeostasis and Glycogen Usage in Brain

The importance of astrocytic K⁺ uptake for extracellular K⁺ ([K⁺]_e) clearance during neuronal stimulation or pathophysiological conditions is increasingly acknowledged. It occurs by preferential stimulation of the astrocytic Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, which has higher K_m and V_max values than its neuronal counterpart, at more highly increased [K⁺]_e with additional support of the cotransporter NKCC1. Triggered by a recent DiNuzzo et al. paper, we used administration of the glycogenolysis inhibitor DAB to primary cultures of mouse astrocytes to determine whether K⁺ uptake required K⁺-stimulated glycogenolysis. KCl was increased by either 5 mM (stimulating only the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase) or 10 mM (stimulating both transporters) in glucose-containing saline media prepared to become iso-osmotic after the addition. DAB completely inhibited both uptakes, the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase-mediated by preventing Na⁺ uptake for stimulation of its intracellular Na⁺-activated site, and the NKCC1-mediated uptake by inhibition of depolarization- and L-channel-mediated Ca²⁺ uptake. Drugs inhibiting the signaling pathways involved in either of these processes also abolished K⁺ uptake. Assuming similar in vivo characteristics, partly supported by literature data, K⁺-stimulated astrocytic K⁺ uptake must discontinue after normalization of extracellular K⁺. This will allow Kir1.4-mediated release and reuptake by the less powerful neuronal Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase.     

Localization of Na+, K+-ATPase to the inside of the basolateral cell membranes of epithelial cells of proximal and distal tubules in rabbit kidney

Summary Cysteine-sensitive alkaline phosphatase and/or ouabain-sensitive Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase were studied by ultrastructure cytochemistry in epithelial cells of proximal and distal kidney tubules. Alkaline phosphatase reactivity was confined to the surface of the microvillous luminal cell membrane of proximal tubule cells, whereas distal tubules and collecting ducts were unreactive. The Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase reactivity was localized evenly along the cytoplasmic side of the basolateral cell membrane of cells of proximal and distal tubules and in collecting ducts. In the proximal tubules, where the activity was strongest, the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase deposits were also found in the 10–50 nm gap between the cell membrane and the cisternae of tubulo-cisternal endoplasmic reticulum (TER) underlying a major part of the basolateral cell membrane. The restriction of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase sites, which are involved in extrusion of Na⁺ from the cell, to a narrow cytoplasmic compartment located between the cell membrane and the cisternae of TER, is consistent with a transport role for the TER.     

Studies of (Na+ + K+)-sensitive ATPase activity in pig lymphocytes. Effects of concanavalin A

(Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity is demonstrated in plasma membranes from pig mesenteric lymph nodes. After dodecyl sulfate treatment plasma membranes have an 18-fold higher (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity, while their ouabain-insensitive Mg²⁺-ATPase is markedly lowered. A solubilized (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase fraction, obtained by Lubrol WX treatment of the membranes, has very high specific activity (21μmol P_i/h per mg protein). Concanavalin A has no effect on these partially purified (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase, while it inhibits (40%) this activity in less purified fractions which still contain Mg²⁺-ATPase activity.     

Physicochemical approaches to the alcohol-membrane interaction in brain

The effects of ethanol on physicochemical and enzymatic perturbations of neuronal membranes were examined. Using synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) isolated from cerebral cortex of Sprague-Dawley rats, a biphasic mode of action for ethanol was observed with (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase, but not with Ca²⁺-ATPase or acetylcholinesterase. (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase was found to be more sensitive to low concentration of sodium deoxycholate treatment than Ca²⁺-ATPase. A sharp transition break of (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase activity in response to temperature changes was found with SPM preparation. Arrhenius plots of the response also indicated that (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase is more sensitive to temperature changes than Ca²⁺-ATPase. The fluorescence polarization of TNS-membrane complex decreases as ethanol concentration increases, indicating an increase in membrane fluidity. However, ethanol, at low concentration (<0.3%) appears to elevate TNS fluorescence, but a hhigher concentration (3%) ethanol tends to lower the intensity of maximal emission. The results of this study indicate that ethanol may interact with the synaptic plasma membranes and elicit specific biochemical responses depending on the concentration of the alcohol used.     

Taurine Stimulation of Isolated Hamster Brain Na+, K+-ATPase: Activation Kinetics and Chemical Specificity

Epileptic foci are associated with locally reduced taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) concentration and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) specific activity. Topically applied and intraperitoneally administered taurine can prevent the development and/or spread of foci in many animal models. Taurine has been implicated as a possible cytosolic modulator of monovalent ion distribution, cytosolic “free” calcium activity, and neuronal excitability. Taurine may act in part by modulating Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity of neuronal and glial cells. We characterized the requirements for in vitro modulation of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase by taurine. Normal whole brain homogenate Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity is 5.1 ± 0.4 (4) μmol P_i± h^?1± mg^?1 Lowry protein. Partial purification of the plasma membrane fraction to remove cytosolic proteins and extrinsic proteins and to uncouple cholinergic receptors yields a membrane-bound Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity of 204.6 ± 5.8 (4) mol P_i± h^?1± mg^?1 Lowry protein. Taurine activates the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase at all levels of purification. The concentration dependence of activation follows normal saturation kinetics (K_1/2= 39 mM taurine, activation maximum =+87%). The activation exhibits chemical specificity among the taurine analogues and metabolites: taurine = isethionic acid > hypotaurine > no activation =β-alanine = methionine = choline = leucine. Taurine can act as an endogenous activator/modulator of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. Its action is mediated by a membrane-bound protein.     

Na+, K+-ATPase in HeLa cells after prolonged growth in low K+ or ouabain

Effects of long-term, subtotal inhibition of Na⁺-K⁺ transport, either by growth of cells in sublethal concentrations of ouabain or in low-K⁺ medium, are described for HeLa cells. After prolonged growth in 2 × 10^?8 M ouabain, the total number of ouabain molecules bound per cell increases by as much as a factor of three, mostly due to internalization of the drug. There is only about a 20% increase in ouabain-binding sites on the plasma membrane, representing amodest induction of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. In contrast, after long-term growth in low K⁺ there can be a twofold or greater increase in ouabain binding per cell, and in this case the additional sites are located in the plasma membrane. The increase is reversible. To assess the corresponding transport changes, we have separately estimated the contributions of increased intracellular [Na⁺] and of transport capacity (number of transport sites) to transport regulation. During both induction and reversal, short-term regulation is achieved primarily by changes in [Na⁺]_i. More slowly, long-term regulation is achieved by changes in the number of functional transporters in the plasma membrane as assessed by ouabain binding, V_max for transport, and specific phosphorylation. Parallel exposure of cryptic Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity with sodium dodecyl sulfate in the plasma membranes of both induced and control cells showed that the induction cannot be accounted for by an exposure of preexisting Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in the plasma membrane. Analysis of the kinetics of reversal indicates that it may be due to a post-translational event.     

Nitration as a Mechanism of Na+, K+-ATPase Modification During Hypoxia in the Cerebral Cortex of the Guinea Pig Fetus

Previous studies have shown that hypoxia induces nitric oxide synthase-mediated generation of nitric oxide free radicals leading to peroxynitrite production. The present study tests the hypothesis that hypoxia results in NO-mediated modification of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in the fetal brain. Studies were conducted in guinea pig fetuses of 58-days gestation. The mothers were exposed to FiO₂ of 0.07% for 1 hour. Brain tissue hypoxia in the fetus was confirmed biochemically by decreased ATP and phosphocreatine levels. P₂ membrane fractions were prepared from normoxic and hypoxic fetuses and divided into untreated and treated groups. The membranes were treated with 0.5 mM peroxynitrite at pH 7.6. The Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity was determined at 37°C for five minutes in a medium containing 100 mM NaCl, 20 mM KCl, 6.0 mM MgCl₂, 50 mM Tris HCl buffer pH 7.4, 3.0 mM ATP with or without 10 mM ouabain. Ouabain sensitive activity was referred to as Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity. Following peroxynitrite exposure, the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in guinea pig brain was reduced by 36% in normoxic membranes and further 29% in hypoxic membranes. Enzyme kinetics was determined at varying concentrations of ATP (0.5 mM-2.0 mM). The results indicate that peroxynitrite treatment alters the affinity of the active site of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase for ATP and decreases the Vmax by 35% in hypoxic membranes. When compared to untreated normoxic membranes Vmax decreases by 35.6% in treated normoxic membranes and further to 52% in treated hypoxic membranes. The data show that peroxynitrite treatment induces modification of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. The results demonstrate that peroxynitrite decreased activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase enzyme by altering the active sites as well as the microenvironment of the enzyme. We propose that nitric oxide synthase-mediated formation of peroxynitrite during hypoxia is a potential mechanism of hypoxia-induced decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity.     

Regulation of Na,K-ATPase Transport Activity by Protein Kinase C

Considerable evidence indicates that the renal Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase is regulated through phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions by kinases and phosphatases stimulated by hormones and second messengers. Recently, it has been reported that amino acids close to the NH₂-terminal end of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase α-subunit are phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) without apparent effect of this phosphorylation on Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. To determine whether the α-subunit NH₂-terminus is involved in the regulation of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity by PKC, we have expressed the wild-type rodent Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase α-subunit and a mutant of this protein that lacks the first thirty-one amino acids at the NH₂-terminal end in opossum kidney (OK) cells. Transfected cells expressed the ouabain-resistant phenotype characteristic of rodent kidney cells. The presence of the α-subunit NH₂-terminal segment was not necessary to express the maximal Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity in cell membranes, and the sensitivity to ouabain and level of ouabain-sensitive Rb⁺-transport in intact cells were the same in cells transfected with the wild-type rodent α1 and the NH₂-deletion mutant cDNAs. Activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase mediated Rb⁺-uptake and reduced the intracellular Na⁺ concentration of cells transfected with wild-type α1 cDNA. In contrast, these effects were not observed in cells expressing the NH₂-deletion mutant of the α-subunit. Treatment with phorbol ester appears to affect specifically the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity and no evidence was observed that other proteins involved in Na⁺-transport were affected. These results indicate that amino acid(s) located at the α-subunit NH₂-terminus participate in the regulation of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity by PKC. Received: 10 July 1996/Revised: 19 September 1996     

Immunocytochemical localization of NA+, K+-ATPase in primary cultures of rat retina

Conditions have been established which allow growth of embryonic rat retinal cells in dissociated cell culture for up to one month. Na+, K+-ATPase localization was studied in both neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial (flat cell) cultures. High Na+, K+-ATPase-like-immunoreactivity was associated with plasma membranes of neuronal cell bodies and their processes. Markedly lower immunoreactivity was found in the underlying flat cells in mixed cultures. Staining was generally uniform over perikaryal plasma membranes and showed a bead-like appearance in neuronal processes, supporting previous studies in brain tissue which used histocytochemical procedures specific for the Na+, K+-ATPase. This system should be useful for examining distribution of the enzyme in developing nerve and glial cells and may help to resolve questions regarding Na+-K+ homeostasis by neurons and glia.     

Cytochemical localization of ouabain-sensitive,K+-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase and Ca++-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase activities in human parotid and submandibular glands

Summary K⁺-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPPase) and Ca⁺⁺-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities were studied in human parotid and submandibular glands using cytochemical methods at the ultrastructural level. In both glands, only the striated-duct epithelium showed K⁺-pNPPase reaction product, thereby indicating the localization of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. The precipitate was concentrated on the deep invaginations of the basolateral plasma membranes, in close association with their cytoplasmic surface. Ca⁺⁺-ATPase activity was also found on the basolateral plasma membranes, but two striking differences from the K⁺-pNPPase distribution were observed: firstly, Ca⁺⁺-ATPase appeared in both acinar and ductal cells, and secondly, it was localized on the outer side of the plasma membranes.     

Short-Term Regulation of the Proximal Tubule Na+,K+-ATPase: Increased/Decreased Na+,K+-ATPase Activity Mediated by Protein Kinase C Isoforms

In different species and tissues, a great variety of hormones modulate Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity in a short-term fashion. Such regulation involves the activation of distinct intracellular signaling networks that are often hormone- and tissue-specific. This minireview focuses on our own experimental observations obtained by studying the regulation of the rodent proximal tubule Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase. We discuss evidence that hormones responsible for regulating kidney proximal tubule sodium reabsorption may not affect the intrinsic catalytic activity of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, but rather the number of active units within the plasma membrane due to shuttling Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase molecules between intracellular compartments and the plasma membrane. These processes are mediated by different isoforms of protein kinase C and depend largely on variations in intracellular sodium concentrations.     

Ceramide-1-Phosphate as a Potential Regulator of the Second Sodium Pump from Kidney Proximal Tubules by Triggering Distinct Protein Kinase Pathways in a Hierarchic Way

Kidney proximal tubules are a key segment in the reabsorption of solutes and water from the glomerular ultrafiltrate, an essential process for maintaining homeostasis in body fluid compartments. The abundant content of Na⁺ in the extracellular fluid determines its importance in the regulation of extracellular fluid volume, which is particularly important for different physiological processes including blood pressure control. Basolateral membranes of proximal tubule cells have the classic Na⁺ + K⁺-ATPase and the ouabain-insensitive, K⁺-insensitive, and furosemide-sensitive Na⁺-ATPase, which participate in the active Na⁺ reabsorption. Here, we show that nanomolar concentrations of ceramide-1 phosphate (C1P), a bioactive sphingolipid derived in biological membranes from different metabolic pathways, promotes a strong inhibitory effect on the Na⁺-ATPase activity (C1P₅₀ ≈ 10 nM), leading to a 72% inhibition of the second sodium pump in the basolateral membranes. Ceramide-1-phosphate directly modulates protein kinase A and protein kinase C, which are known to be involved in the modulation of ion transporters including the renal Na⁺-ATPase. Conversely, we did not observe any effect on the Na⁺ + K⁺-ATPase even at a broad C1P concentration range. The significant effect of ceramide-1-phosphate revealed a new potent physiological and pathophysiological modulator for the Na⁺-ATPase, participating in the regulatory network involving glycero- and sphingolipids present in the basolateral membranes of kidney tubule cells.     

The Death of Ouabain-Treated Renal Epithelial C11-MDCK Cells is Not Mediated by Swelling-Induced Plasma Membrane Rupture

This study examined the role of cell volume modulation in plasma membrane rupture and death documented in ouabain-treated renal epithelial cells. Long-term exposure to ouabain caused massive death of C11-MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) epithelial cells, documented by their detachment, chromatin cleavage and complete loss of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), but did not affect the survival of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the rat aorta. Unlike the distinct impact on cell survival, 2-h exposure to ouabain led to sharp elevation of the [Na⁺]_i/[K⁺]_i ratio in both cell types. A similar increment of Na_i⁺ content was evoked by sustained inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase in K⁺-free medium. However, in contrast to ouabain, C11-MDCK cells survived perfectly during 24-h exposure to K⁺-free medium. At 3 h, the volume of ouabain-treated C11-MDCK cells and VSMCs, measured by the recently developed dual-image surface reconstruction technique, was increased by 16 and 12%, respectively, whereas 5–10 min before the detachment of ouabain-treated C11-MDCK cells, their volume was augmented by ~30–40%. To examine the role of modest swelling in the plasma membrane rupture of ouabain-treated cells, we compared actions of hypotonic medium on volume and LDH release. We observed that LDH release from hyposmotically swollen C11-MDCK cells was triggered when their volume was increased by approximately fivefold. Thus, our results showed that the rupture of plasma membranes in ouabain-treated C11-MDCK cells was not directly caused by cell volume modulation evoked by Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase inhibition and inversion of the [Na⁺]_i/[K⁺]_i ratio.     

Evidence That Antioxidants Prevent the Inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase Activity Induced by Octanoic Acid in Rat Cerebral Cortex in Vitro

The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effects of octanoic acid, which accumulates in medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency and in Reye syndrome, on key enzyme activities of energy metabolism in the cerebral cortex of young rats. The activities of the respiratory chain complexes I–IV, creatine kinase, and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase were evaluated. Octanoic acid did not alter the electron transport chain and creatine kinase activities, but, in contrast, significantly inhibited Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity both in synaptic plasma membranes and in homogenates prepared from cerebral cortex. Furthermore, decanoic acid, which is also increased in MCAD deficiency, and oleic acid strongly reduced Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, whereas palmitic acid had no effect. We also examined the effects of incubating glutathione and trolox (-tocopherol) alone or with octanoic acid on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity. Tested compounds did not affect Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity by itself, but prevented the inhibitory effect of octanoic acid. These results suggest that inhibition of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity by octanoic acid is possibly mediated by oxidation of essential groups of the enzyme. Considering that Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase is critical for normal brain function, it is feasible that the significant inhibition of this enzyme activity by octanoate and also by decanoate may be related to the neurological dysfunction found in patients affected by MCAD deficiency and Reye syndrome.