The Effect of Saponin on the Na+ - K+ Activated ATPase of Cattle Lens Epithelial Cell

ABSTRACT

The effect of saponin on the Na+ - K+ ATPase of anterior capsule and epithelium of cattle lens has been investigated. The experiment also designed to determine the cation of saponin on the Na+ - K+ ATPase activity in anterior capsule and epithelium of cattle lens. The following results are observed. 1. The Na+ - K+ ATPase activity of cattle lens epithelial cell membrane is inhibited by low concentration of saponin, but increased by high concentration. The strongest activity showed at the dose of 50mg% saponin concentration. 2. The activating effect of saponin on the cattle epithelial cell membrane Na+ - K+ ATPase activity is inhibited by ouabain, but the stimulation of the Mg++ ATPase by high concentration of saponin is not inhibited by ouabain. 3. The activity ratio of Na+ - K+ ATPase by high concentration of saponin is increased by raising the sodium concentration but decreased by raising the potassium concentration. 4. The Na+ - K+ ATPase activity is increased by small amount of calcium but completely inhibited by over 5mM concentration of calcium.