Effects of air ions on the membrane Na, K-ATPase activity of L 1210 cells

The effect of exposure of L 1210 mouse leukemia cells to artificially generated air ions on the activity of membrane Na, K-ATPase in the cells was investigated. The exposure of cells to air ions of both signs gave identical results, i.e. diminution of transport activity of the enzyme, measured by radioactive 86Rb transport into the cell (ouabain-dependent). Passive ouabain-independent transport of Rb+ into the cells remained unchanged in the air ion-treated cells, as did the passive efflux of the radioisotope from preloaded cells. The possible explanation of the phenomena observed is discussed.