The human non-gastric H,K-ATPase has a different cation specificity than the rat enzyme

The primary sequence of non-gastric H,K-ATPase differs much more between species than that of Na,K-ATPase or gastric H,K-ATPase. To investigate whether this causes species-dependent differences in enzymatic properties, we co-expressed the catalytic subunit of human non-gastric H,K-ATPase in Sf9 cells with the beta(1) subunit of rat Na,K-ATPase and compared its properties with those of the rat enzyme (Swarts et al., J. Biol. Chem. 280, 33115-33122, 2005). Maximal ATPase activity was obtained with NH(4)(+) as activating cation. The enzyme was also stimulated by Na(+), but in contrast to the rat enzyme, hardly by K(+). SCH 28080 inhibited the NH(4)(+)-stimulated activity of the human enzyme much more potently than that of the rat enzyme. The steady-state phosphorylation level of the human enzyme decreased with increasing pH, [K(+)], and [Na(+)] and nearly doubled in the presence of oligomycin. Oligomycin increased the sensitivity of the phosphorylated intermediate to ADP, demonstrating that it inhibited the conversion of E(1)P to E(2)P. All three cations stimulated the dephosphorylation rate dose-dependently. Our studies support a role of the human enzyme in H(+)/Na(+) and/or H(+)/NH(4)(+) transport but not in Na(+)/K(+) transport.     

Regulation by the exogenous polyamine spermidine of Na,K-ATPase activity from the gills of the euryhaline swimming crab Callinectes danae (Brachyura, Portunidae)

Euryhaline crustaceans rarely hyporegulates and employ the driving force of the Na,K-ATPase, located at the basal surface of the gill epithelium, to maintain their hemolymph osmolality within a range compatible with cell function during hyper-regulation. Since polyamine levels increase during the adaptation of crustaceans to hyperosmotic media, we investigate the effect of exogenous polyamines on Na,K-ATPase activity in the posterior gills of Callinectes danae, a euryhaline swimming crab. Polyamine inhibition was dependent on cation concentration, charge and size in the following order: spermine > spermidine > putrescine. Spermidine affected K_0.5 values for Na⁺ with minor alterations in K_0.5 values for K⁺ and NH₄⁺, causing a decrease in maximal velocities under saturating Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄⁺ concentrations. Phosphorylation measurements in the presence of 20 µM ATP revealed that the Na,K-ATPase possesses a high affinity site for this substrate. In the presence of 10 mM Na⁺, both spermidine and spermine inhibited formation of the phosphoenzyme; however, in the presence of 100 mM Na⁺, the addition of these polyamines allowed accumulation of the phosphoenzyme. The polyamines inhibited pumping activity, both by competing with Na⁺ at the Na⁺-binding site, and by inhibiting enzyme dephosphorylation. These findings suggest that polyamine-induced inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity may be physiologically relevant during migration to fully marine environments.     

Mechanism of the Na,K-ATPase Inhibition by MCS Derivatives

The previously reported class of potent inorganic inhibitors of Na,K-ATPase, named MCS factors, was shown to inhibit not only Na,K-ATPase but several P-type ATPases with high potency in the sub-micromolar range. These MCS factors were found to bind to the intracellular side of the Na, K-ATPase. The inhibition is not competitive with ouabain binding, thus excluding its role as cardiac-steroid-like inhibitor of the Na,K-ATPase. The mechanism of inhibition of Na,K-ATPase was investigated with the fluorescent styryl dye RH421, a dye known to report changes of local electric fields in the membrane dielectric. MCS factors interact with the Na,K-ATPase in the E₁ conformation of the ion pump and induce a conformational rearrangement that causes a change of the equilibrium dissociation constant for one of the first two intracellular cation binding sites. The MCS-inhibited state was found to have bound one cation (H⁺, Na⁺ or K⁺) in one of the two unspecific binding sites, and at high Na⁺ concentrations another Na⁺ ion was bound to the highly Na⁺-selective ion-binding site.     

Sodium Transport in Capillaries Isolated from Rat Brain

Abstract: Brain capillary endothelial cells form a bloodbrain barrier (BBB) that appears to play a role in fluid and ion homeostasis in brain. One important transport system that may be involved in this regulatory function is the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase that was previously demonstrated to be present in isolated brain capillaries. The goal of the present study was to identify additional Na⁺ transport systems in brain capillaries that might contribute to BBB function. Microvessels were isolated from rat brains and ²²Na ⁺ uptake by and efflux from the cells were studied. Total ²²Na ⁺ uptake was increased and the rate of ²²Na ⁺ efflux was decreased by ouabain, confirming the presence of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase in capillary cells. After inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity, another saturable Na ⁺ transport mechanism became apparent. Capillary uptake of ²²Na ⁺ was stimulated by an elevated concentration of Na ⁺or H⁺ inside the cells and inhibited by extracellular Na⁺, H⁺, Li⁺, and NH₄⁺. Amiloride inhibited ²²Na ⁺ uptake with a K_i between 10^?5 and 10^?6M but there was no effect of 1 mM furosemide on ²²Na⁺ uptake by the isolated microvessels. These results indicate the presence in brain capillaries of a transport system capable of mediating Na ⁺/ Na ⁺ and Na ⁺/H ⁺ exchange. As a similar transport system does not appear to be present on the luminal membrane of the brain capillary endothelial cell, it is proposed that Na ⁺/H ⁺ exchange occurs primarily across the antiluminal membrane.     

Effect of clotrimazole on the pump cycle of the Na,K-ATPase

The effect of the antimycotic drug clotrimazole (CLT) on the Na,K-ATPase was investigated using fluorescence and electrical measurements. The results obtained by steady-state fluorescence experiments with the electrochromic styryl dye RH421 were combined with those achieved by a pre-steady-state method based on fast solution exchange on a solid supported membrane that adsorbs the protein. Both techniques are suitable for monitoring the electrogenic steps of the pump cycle and are in general complementary, yielding distinct kinetic information. The experiments show clearly that CLT affects specific partial reactions of the pump cycle of the Na,K-ATPase with an affinity in the low micromolar range and in a reversible manner. All results can be consistently explained by proposing the CLT-promoted formation of an ion-occluded-CLT-bound conformational E₂ state, that acts as a “dead-end” side track of the pump cycle, where X stands for H⁺ or K⁺. Na⁺ binding, enzyme phosphorylation, and Na⁺ transport were not affected by CLT, and at high CLT concentrations of the enzyme remained active in the physiological transport mode. The presence of Na⁺ and K⁺ destabilized the inactivated form of the Na,K-ATPase.     

Inter‐subunit interaction of gastric H+,K+‐ATPase prevents reverse reaction of the transport cycle

The gastric H⁺,K⁺‐ATPase is an ATP‐driven proton pump responsible for generating a million‐fold proton gradient across the gastric membrane. We present the structure of gastric H⁺,K⁺‐ATPase at 6.5 Å resolution as determined by electron crystallography of two‐dimensional crystals. The structure shows the catalytic α‐subunit and the non‐catalytic β‐subunit in a pseudo‐E₂P conformation. Different from Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase, the N‐terminal tail of the β‐subunit is in direct contact with the phosphorylation domain of the α‐subunit. This interaction may hold the phosphorylation domain in place, thus stabilizing the enzyme conformation and preventing the reverse reaction of the transport cycle. Indeed, truncation of the β‐subunit N‐terminus allowed the reverse reaction to occur. These results suggest that the β‐subunit N‐terminus prevents the reverse reaction from E₂P to E₁P, which is likely to be relevant for the generation of a large H⁺ gradient in vivo situation.     

Differences between CTP and ATP as substrates for the (Na + K)-ATPase

CTP was a poorer substrate than ATP when substituted in the (Na + K)-ATPase reaction assay, not only in terms of K_m but also of V. CDP was a poorer inhibitor than ADP, so product inhibition cannot account for CTP being a poorer substrate. In the Na-ATPase reaction, which the enzyme also catalyzes, substituting CTP for ATP resulted in greater activity, arguing against CTP being less effective than ATP in forming the enzyme-phosphate intermediate common to both reactions. Ligands that favor the E₂ conformational state of the enzyme, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Mn₂⁺, inhibited the (Na + K)-CTPase reaction more than the (Na + K)-ATPase. Conversely, Triton X-100, which favors the E₁ conformational state of the enzyme, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Mn²⁺, inhibited the (Na + K)-CTPase ATPase reaction but stimulated the (Na + K)-CTPase. Although the (Na + K)-ATPase reaction sequence probably involves cyclical interconversion between E₁ and E₂ conformational states (and is thus inhibitable by ligands favoring either state), the K-phosphatase reaction catalyzed by the enzyme apparently functions entirely in the E₂ state. This reaction is better stimulated by CTP plus Na⁺ than by ATP plus Na⁺; moreover, CTP lessens inhibition by Triton X-100, and ATP lessens inhibition by inorganic phosphate (which reacts with the E₂ state). These observations indicate that CTP is a poorer substrate than ATP because it is less effective in promoting conversion of E₂ to E₁, essential for the (Na + K)-dependent reaction mechanism. However, contrary to this rationale, dimethyl sulfoxide stimulated the (Na + K)-CTPase reaction although by other criteria, including inhibition of the (Na + K)-ATPase, the reagent appears to favor the E₂ over the E₁ conformational state.     

Two different modes of inhibition of the rat brain Na+,K+-ATPase by triterpene glycosides,psolusosides A and B from the holothurian Psolus fabricii

Effects of two triterpene glycosides, isolated from the holothurian Psolus fabricii, on rat brain Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase (Na,K-pump; EC 3.6.1.3) were investigated. Psolusosides A and B (PsA and PsB) inhibited rat brain Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase with I₅₀ values of 1×10⁻⁴ M and 3×10⁻⁴ M, respectively. PsA significantly stimulated [³H]ATP binding to Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, weakly increased [³H]ouabain binding to the enzyme, and inhibited K⁺-phosphatase activity to a smaller degree than the total reaction of ATP hydrolysis. In contrast, PsB decreased [³H]ATP binding to Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, and had no effect on [³H]ouabain binding to the enzyme. K⁺-Phosphatase activity was inhibited by PsB in parallel with Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. The fluorescence intensity of tryptophanyl residues of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase was increased by PsA and decreased by PsB in a dose-dependent manner. The excimer formation of pyrene, a hydrophobic fluorescent probe, was decreased by PsA only. The different characteristics of inhibition mode for these substances were explained by peculiarities of their chemical structures and distinctive affinity to membrane cholesterol.     

Investigation of mechanism of p38 MAPK activation in renal epithelial cell from distal tubules triggered by cardiotonic steroids

Ouabain and other cardiotonic steroids (CTS) kill renal epithelial cells from distal tubules (C7-MDCK) via interaction with Na,K-ATPase but independently of inhibition of Na,K-ATPase-mediated ion fluxes. Recently, we demonstrated that modest intracellular acidification and inhibition of p38 MAPK suppress death of C7-MDCK cells triggered by ouabain. In the present study we investigate the mechanism of p38 MAPK activation in renal epithelial cell from distal tubules evoked by cardiotonic steroids. Using Na⁺/K⁺ ionophores (monensin, nigericin) and media with different content of monovalent cations, we revealed that p38 MAPK phosphorylation in ouabain-treated renal epithelial cells is not caused by Na,K-ATPase inhibition and inversion of the [Na⁺]_i/[K⁺]_i ratio. We also demonstrated that attenuation of pH from 7.45 to 6.75 did not alter the level of p38 MAPK phosphorylation observed in ouabain-treated cells. Inhibitors of PKA, PKC, and PKG as well as protein phosphatases were unable to abolish p38 MAPK activation triggered by ouabain. Using phosphotyrosine antibodies we did not detect any effect of ouabain on activation of tyrosine kinases. Thus, our results show that activation of p38 MAPK and cytotoxic action of CTS are independent of intracellular Na⁺, K⁺, and H⁺ concentrations. The molecular origin of intermediates of death signaling induced by CTS via conformation changes of Na,K-ATPase with following activation of p38 MAPK should be examined further.     

Polarized membrane distribution of potassium-dependent ion pumps in epithelial cells: Different roles of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-glycans of their <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis> subunits

The Na,K-ATPases and the H,K-ATPases are two potassium-dependent homologous heterodimeric P₂-type pumps that catalyze active transport of Na⁺ in exchange for K⁺ (Na,K-ATPase) or H⁺ in exchange for K⁺ (H,K-ATPase). The ubiquitous Na,K-ATPase maintains intracellular ion balance and membrane potential. The gastric H,K-ATPase is responsible for acid secretion by the parietal cell of the stomach. Both pumps consist of a catalytic α-subunit and a glycosylated β-subunit that is obligatory for normal pump maturation and trafficking. Individual N-glycans linked to the β-subunits of the Na,K-ATPase and H,K-ATPase are important for stable membrane integration of their respective α subunits, folding, stability, subunit assembly, and enzymatic activity of the pumps. They are also essential for the quality control of unassembled β-subunits that results in either the exit of the subunits from the ER or their ER retention and subsequent degradation. Overall, the importance of N-glycans for the␣maturation and quality control of the H,K-ATPase is greater than that of the Na,K-ATPase. The roles of individual N-glycans of the β-subunits in the post-ER trafficking, membrane targeting and plasma membrane retention of the Na,K-ATPase and H,K-ATPase are different. The Na,K-ATPase β ₁-subunit is the major β-subunit isoform in cells with lateral location of the pump. All three N-glycans of the Na,K-ATPase β ₁-subunit are important for the lateral membrane retention of the pump due to glycan-mediated interaction between the β ₁-subunits of the two neighboring cells in the cell monolayer and cytosolic linkage of the α-subunit to the cytoskeleton. This intercellular β ₁–β ₁ interaction is also important for formation of cell–cell contacts. In contrast, the N-glycans unique to the Na,K-ATPase β ₂-subunit,which has up to eight N-glycosylation sites, contain apical sorting information. This is consistent with the apical location of the Na,K-ATPase in normal and malignant epithelial cells with high abundance of the β ₂-subunit. Similarly, all seven N-glycans of the gastric H,K-ATPase β-subunit determine apical sorting of this subunit. Supported in part by NIH grants DK46917, DK58333, D53642, and USVA     

On the lack of inotropy of cardiac glycosides on skeletal muscle: a comparison of Na+, K+-ATPases from skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Comparison of Na,K-ATPase from skeletal and cardiac muscle revealed that, although the skeletal muscle enzyme was only slightly less sensitive to inhibition by ouabain, the rates of [³H]ouabain binding to, and dissociation from, the skeletal enzyme were much faster than the corresponding rates for the cardiac enzyme. The skeletal muscle enzyme required higher concentrations of potassium to stabilize the ouabainenzyme complex and to stimulate the K⁺-phosphatase activity. The K⁺-phosphatase activity was only 8% of the Na,K-ATPase activity of the skeletal muscle enzyme, compared to 22% for the cardiac preparation. The glycoprotein subunit found in Na,K-ATPases from cardiac and many other tissues appeared to be absent in the enzyme from skeletal muscle. The differences in binding and dissociation rates for ouabain suggest that there may be significant differences in the structure of the digitalis receptor in the two enzymes. The I₅₀ for ouabain inhibition of the skeletal muscle Na,K-ATPase was, however, only slightly higher than for the cardiac enzyme, suggesting that the lack of an inotropic effect of cardiac glycosides on skeletal muscle could not be due to failure of the digitalis drugs to bind to and inhibit the membrane-linked sodium pump.     

Function of FXYD Proteins,Regulators of Na,K-ATPase

In this short review, we summarize our work on the role of members of the FXYD protein family as tissue-specific modulators of Na, K-ATPase. FXYD1 or phospholemman, mainly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle increases the apparent affinity for intracellular Na⁺ of Na, K-ATPase and may thus be important for appropriate muscle contractility. FXYD2 or γ subunit and FXYD4 or CHIF modulate the apparent affinity for Na⁺ of Na, K-ATPase in an opposite way, adapted to the physiological needs of Na⁺ reabsorption in different segments of the renal tubule. FXYD3 expressed in stomach, colon, and numerous tumors also modulates the transport properties of Na, K-ATPase but it has a lower specificity of association than other FXYD proteins and an unusual membrane topology. Finally, FXYD7 is exclusively expressed in the brain and decreases the apparent affinity for extracellular K⁺, which may be essential for proper neuronal excitability.     

The E2P-like state induced by magnesium fluoride complexes in the Na,K-ATPase. Kinetics of formation and interaction with Rb+

The first X-ray crystal structures of the Na,K-ATPase were obtained in the presence of magnesium and fluoride as E2(K₂)Mg–MgF₄, an E2∙Pi-like state capable to occlude K⁺ (or Rb⁺). This work presents a functional characterization of the crystallized form of the enzyme and proposes a model to explain the interaction between magnesium, fluoride and Rb⁺ with the Na,K-ATPase. We studied the effect of magnesium and magnesium fluoride complexes on the E1–E2 conformational transition and the kinetics of Rb⁺ exchange between the medium and the E2(Rb₂)Mg–MgF₄ state. Our results show that both in the absence and in the presence of Rb⁺, simultaneous addition of magnesium and fluoride stabilizes the Na,K-ATPase in an E2 conformation, presumably the E2Mg–MgF₄ complex, that is unable to shift to E1 upon addition of Na⁺. The time course of conformational change suggests the action of fluoride and magnesium at different steps of the E2Mg–MgF₄ formation. Increasing concentrations of fluoride revert along a sigmoid curve the drop in the level of occluded Rb⁺ caused by Mg^2 +. Na⁺-induced release of Rb⁺ from E2(Rb₂)Mg–MgF₄ occurs at the same rate as from E2(Rb₂) but is insensitive to ADP. The rate of Rb⁺ occlusion into the E2Mg–MgF₄ state is 5–8 times lower than that described for the E2Mg–vanadate complex. Since the E2Mg–MgF₄ and E2Mg–vanadate complexes represent different intermediates in the E2-P → E2 dephosphorylation sequence, the variation in occlusion rate could provide a tool to discriminate between these intermediates.     

Effects of γ-irradiation on Na,K-ATPase in cardiac sarcolemma

Previous studies showed that adverse effect of ionizing radiation on the cardiovascular system is beside other factors mostly mediated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which deplete antioxidant stores. One of the structures highly sensitive to radicals is the Na,K-ATPase the main system responsible for extrusion of superfluous Na⁺ out of the cell which utilizes the energy derived from ATP. The aim of present study was the investigation of functional properties of cardiac Na,K-ATPase in 20-week-old male rats 6 weeks after γ-irradiation by a dose 25 Gy (IR). Irradiation induced decrease of systolic blood pressure from 133 in controls to 85 mmHg in IR group together with hypertrophy of right ventricle (RV) and hypotrophy of left ventricle (LV). When activating the cardiac Na,K-ATPase with substrate, its activity was lower in IR in the whole concentration range of ATP. Evaluation of kinetic parameters revealed a decrease of the maximum velocity (V _max) by 40 % with no changes in the value of Michaelis–Menten constant (K _m). During activation with Na⁺, we observed a decrease of the enzyme activity in hearts from IR at all tested Na⁺ concentrations. The value of V _max decreased by 38 %, and the concentration of Na⁺ that gives half maximal reaction velocity (K _Na) increased by 62 %. This impairment in the affinity of the Na⁺-binding site together with decreased number of active Na,K-ATPase molecules, as indicated by lowered V _max values, are probably responsible for the deteriorated efflux of the excessive Na⁺ from the intracellular space in hearts of irradiated rats.     

Monensin and gramicidin stimulate CH4 formation from H2 and CO2 in Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum at low external Na+ concentration

Methane formation from H₂ and CO₂ in methanogenic bacteria is a Na⁺-dependent process. In this communication the effects of Na⁺ ionophores, of uncouplers, and of Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter inhibitors on methane formation from H₂ and CO₂ were studied with Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum.

1. Na⁺ ionophores (the Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters monensin and lasalocid and the Na⁺ uniporter gramicidin) stimulated methanogenesis at lwo external Na⁺ concentrations when the K⁺ concentration was high. The ionophores had no effect at high external Na⁺ concentrations and were inhibitory at low external K⁺ concentrations.
2. Uncouplers (protonophores and valinomycin plus K⁺) inhibited methanogenesis at low external Na⁺ concentration at both low and high external K⁺ concentrations. Inhibition by uncouplers was relieved by the addition of either Na⁺ or Na⁺ ionophores.
3. Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter inhibitors (harmaline, amiloride, and NH ₄ ⁺ ) inhibited methanogenesis at low external Na⁺ concentration. Inhibition was relieved by the addition of either Na⁺ or of the Na⁺ ionophores.

The results are discussed with respect to the role of Na transport across the cytoplasmic membrane in methanogenesis from H₂ and CO₂.     

Gel electrophoretic identity of the (Na+ + Mg2+)- and (Na+ + Ca2+)-stimulated phosphorylations of rat brain ATPase

The classical E₂-P intermediate of (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase dephosphorylates readily in the presence of K⁺ and is not affected by the addition of ADP. To determine the significane in the reaction cycle of (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase of kinetically atypical phosphorylations of rat brain (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase we compared these phosphorylated components with the classical E₂-P intermediate of this enzyme by gel electrophoresis. When rat brain (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase was phosphorylated in the presence of high concentrations of Na⁺ a proportion of the phosphorylated material formed was sensitive to ADP but resistant to K⁺. Similarly, if phosphorylation was carried out in the presence of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ up to 300 pmol/mg protein of a K⁺-resistant, ADP-sensitive material were formed. If phosphorylation was from [γ-³²P]CTP up to 800 pmol ³²P/mg protein of an ADP-resistant, K⁺-sensitive phosphorylated matterial were formed. On gel electrophoresis these phosphorylated materials co-migrated with authentic Na⁺-stimulated, K⁺-sensitive, E₂-P-phosphorylated intermediate of (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase, supporting suggestions that they represent phosphorylated intermediates in the reaction sequence of this enzyme.     

A model for the reaction pathways of the K+-dependent phosphatase activity of the (Na+ + K+)-dependent ATPase

$\text{(Na}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{+ K}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{)-dependent}$ ATPase preparations from rat brain, dog kidney, and human red blood cells also catalyze a K⁺-dependent phosphatase reaction. K⁺ activation and Na⁺ inhibition of this reaction are described quantitatively by a model featuring isomerization between E₁ and E₂ enzyme conformations with activity proportional to E₂K concentration:

Differences between the three preparations in $\text{K}{}_{0.5}$ for K⁺ activation can then be accounted for by differences in equilibria between E₁K and E₂K with dissociation constants identical. Similarly, reductions in $\text{K}{}_{0.5}$ produced by dimethyl sulfoxide are attributable to shifts in equilibria toward E₂ conformations. Na⁺ stimulation of K⁺-dependent phosphatase activity of brain and red blood cell preparations, demonstrable with KCl under 1 mM, can be accounted for by including a supplementary pathway proportional to E₁Na but dependent also on K⁺ activation through high-affinity sites. With inside-out red blood cell vesicles, K⁺ activation in the absence of Na⁺ is mediated through sites oriented toward the cytoplasm, while in the presence of Na⁺ high-affinity K⁺-sites are oriented extracellularly, as are those of the $\text{(Na}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{+ K}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{)-dependent}$ ATPase reaction. Dimethyl sulfoxide accentuated Na⁺-stimulated K⁺-dependent phosphatase activity in all three preparations, attributable to shifts from the E₁P to E₂P conformation, with the latter bearing the high-affinity, extracellularly oriented K⁺-sites of the Na⁺-stimulated pathway.     

Characterization of ouabain-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in brain slices of the neonatal rat

The effect of the Na/K-ATPase inhibitor ouabain on phosphoinositide (Ptdlns) hydrolysis was studied in rat brain cortical slices. Ouabain induced a dose-dependent accumulation of inositol phosphates (InsPs) which was much higher in neonatal rats (1570±40% of basal) than in adult animals (287±18% of basal). For this reason, all experiments were conducted with 7 day-old rats. Strophantidin caused a similar stimulation of Ptdlns hydrolysis, although it was less potent than ouabain. The order of potency for ouabain-stimulated InsPs accumulation in brain areas was hippocampus>cortex>brainstem>cerebellum. The effect of ouabain was not blocked by antagonists for the muscarinic, alpha₁-adrenergic and glutamate receptors. Also ineffective were the K⁺ channel blockers 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium, the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin, and the calcium channel blocker verapamil, whereas the Na/Ca exchanger blocker amiloride partially antagonized the effect of ouabain. The accumulation of InsPs induced by ouabain was additive to that of carbachol and norepinephrine, as well as to that induced by high K⁺ and veratrine, but not to that of glutamate. Removal of Na⁺ ions from the incubation buffer completely prevented the accumulation of InsPs induced by ouabain. The effect of ouabain was also dependent upon extracellular calcium and was under negative feedback control of protein kinase C. Despite the higher effect of ouabain on Ptdlns hydrolysis of immature rats, the density of [³H]ouabain binding sites, as well as the activity of Na/K-ATPase were higher in adult animals. Furthermore, a poor correlation was found between ouabain-stimulated Ptdlns hydrolysis and [³H]ouabain binding in brain regions. These results suggest an involvement of Na⁺ pump in the hydrolysis of Ptdlns, possibly related to an effect on Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ homeostasis. The immature rat appear to be an useful model for studying the relationship between Na/K-ATPase and inositol metabolism.     

Deceleration of the E1P-E2P transition and ion transport by mutation of potentially salt bridge-forming residues Lys-791 and Glu-820 in gastric H+/K+-ATPase

A lysine residue within the highly conserved center of the fifth transmembrane segment in P_IIC-type ATPase α-subunits is uniquely found in H,K-ATPases instead of a serine in all Na,K-ATPase isoforms. Because previous studies suggested a prominent role of this residue in determining the electrogenicity of non-gastric H,K-ATPase and in pK_a modulation of the proton-translocating residues in the gastric H,K-ATPases as well, we investigated its functional significance for ion transport by expressing several Lys-791 variants of the gastric H,K-ATPase in Xenopus oocytes. Although the mutant proteins were all detected at the cell surface, none of the investigated mutants displayed any measurable K⁺-induced stationary currents. In Rb⁺ uptake measurements, replacement of Lys-791 by Arg, Ala, Ser, and Glu substantially impaired transport activity and reduced the sensitivity toward the E₂-specific inhibitor {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"SCH28080","term_id":"1053015931","term_text":"SCH28080"}}SCH28080. Furthermore, voltage clamp fluorometry using a reporter site in the TM5/TM6 loop for labeling with tetra-methylrhodamine-6-maleimide revealed markedly changed fluorescence signals. All four investigated mutants exhibited a strong shift toward the E₁P state, in agreement with their reduced {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"SCH28080","term_id":"1053015931","term_text":"SCH28080"}}SCH28080 sensitivity, and an about 5–10-fold decreased forward rate constant of the E₁P ↔ E₂P conformational transition, thus explaining the E₁P shift and the reduced Rb⁺ transport activity. When Glu-820 in TM6 adjacent to Lys-791 was replaced by non-charged or positively charged amino acids, severe effects on fluorescence signals and Rb⁺ transport were also observed, whereas substitution by aspartate was less disturbing. These results suggest that formation of an E₂P-stabilizing interhelical salt bridge is essential to prevent futile proton exchange cycles of H⁺ pumping P-type ATPases.