Na+/K+-ATPase: More than an Electrogenic Pump.

The sodium pump, or Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), is an essential enzyme found in the plasma membrane of all animal cells. Its primary role is to transport sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions across the cell membrane, using energy from ATP hydrolysis. This transport creates and maintains an electrochemical gradient, which is crucial for various cellular processes, including cell volume regulation, electrical excitability, and secondary active transport. Although the role of NKA as a pump was discovered and demonstrated several decades ago, it remains the subject of intense research. Current studies aim to delve deeper into several aspects of this molecular entity, such as describing its structure and mode of operation in atomic detail, understanding its molecular and functional diversity, and examining the consequences of its malfunction due to structural alterations. Additionally, researchers are investigating the effects of various substances that amplify or decrease its pumping activity. Beyond its role as a pump, growing evidence indicates that in various cell types, NKA also functions as a receptor for cardiac glycosides like ouabain. This receptor activity triggers the activation of various signaling pathways, producing significant morphological and physiological effects. In this report, we present the results of a comprehensive review of the most outstanding studies of the past five years. We highlight the progress made regarding this new concept of NKA and the various cardiac glycosides that influence it. Furthermore, we emphasize NKA's role in epithelial physiology, particularly its function as a receptor for cardiac glycosides that trigger intracellular signals regulating cell-cell contacts, proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion. We also analyze the role of NKA ß-subunits as cell adhesion molecules in glia and epithelial cells.

Effects of renal denervation on endogenous ouabain in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of renal denervation (RDN) on endogenous ouabain (EO) secretion in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Sixteen 12-week-old male SHR were randomly separated into the renal denervation group (RDNX group) and sham operation group (sham group), and eight age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were served as control group. EO concentrations, the Na+- K+-ATPaseactivity, and the expression of Na+-K+-ATPase were assessed. RESULTS: EO levels in serum, kidneys and hypothalamus of sham group were higher than in RDNX group (p < 0.05). Renal Na+-K+-ATPase activity subjected to denervation surgery showed significantly reduction when compared with the sham groups (p < 0.05). A positive correlation existed between norepinephrine (NE) content and Na+-K+-ATPase activity in the kidney (r2 = 0.579). Renal Na+-K+-ATPase α1 subunit mRNA expression was down-regulated in the RDNX group compared with the sham group (P < 0.05), while renal Na+-K+-ATPase α1 subunit mRNA expression was no statistical significance between the groups (P = 0.63). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the renal expression of Na+-K+-ATPasebetween the three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These experiments demonstrate that RDN exerted an anti-hypertensive effect with reduction of EO levels and Na+-K+-ATPase activity and Na+-K+-ATPase α1 subunit expression of kidney in SHR.

The extent of involvement of ouabain, hippocampal expression of Na+/K+-ATPase, and corticosterone/melatonin receptors ratio in modifying stress-induced behavior differs according to the stressor in context.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two types of stressors, regarding the extent of involvement of ouabain (OUA), hippocampal sodium/potassium ATPase (NKA) expression, and the hippocampal corticosterone receptors (CR)/melatonin receptors (MR) expression ratio, on the behavioral and cardiovascular responses and on the hippocampal cornu ammonis zone 3 (CA3) and dentate gyrus (DG). Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats aged 7-8 months were exposed to either chronic immobilization or a disturbed dark/light cycle and treated with either ouabain or vehicle. In the immobilized group, in the absence of hippocampal corticosterone (CORT) changes, rats were non-responsive to stress, despite experiencing increased pulse rate, downregulated hippocampal sodium/potassium pump, and enhanced hippocampal CR/MR expression ratio. Prolonged darkness precipitated a reduced upright attack posture, with elevated CORT against hippocampal MR downregulation. Both immobilization and, to a lesser extent, prolonged darkness stress resulted in histopathological and ultrastructural neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus. OUA administration did not change the behavioral resilience in restrained rats, despite persistence of the underlying biochemical derangements, added to decreased CORT. On the contrary, with exposure to short photoperiods, OUA reverted the behavior towards a combative reduction of inactivity, with unvaried CR/MR and CORT, while ameliorating hippocampal neuro-regeneration, with co-existing NKA and MR repressions. Therefore, the extent of OUA, hippocampal NKA expression, and CR/MR expression, and subsequent behavioral and cardiac responses and hippocampal histopathology, differ according to the type of stressor, whether immobilization or prolonged darkness.

Ouabain-Na+/K+-ATPase Signaling Regulates Retinal Neuroinflammation and ROS Production Preventing Neuronal Death by an Autophagy-Dependent Mechanism Following Optic Nerve Axotomy In Vitro.

Ouabain is a classic Na+K+ATPase ligand and it has been described to have neuroprotective effects on neurons and glial cells at nanomolar concentrations. In the present work, the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory potential of ouabain was evaluated in neonatal rat retinal cells using an optic nerve axotomy model in vitro. After axotomy, cultured retinal cells were treated with ouabain (3 nM) at different periods. The levels of important inflammatory receptors in the retina such as TNFR1/2, TLR4, and CD14 were analyzed. We observed that TNFR1, TLR4, and CD14 were decreased in all tested periods (15 min, 45 min, 24 h, and 48 h). On the other hand, TNFR2 was increased after 24 h, suggesting an anti-inflammatory potential for ouabain. Moreover, we showed that ouabain also decreased Iba-1 (microglial marker) density. Subsequently, analyses of retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) were performed after 48 h and showed that ouabain-induced RGC survival depends on autophagy. Using an autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine), we observed a complete blockage of the ouabain effect. Western blot analyses showed that ouabain increases the levels of autophagy proteins (LC3 and Beclin-1) coupled to p-CREB transcription factor and leads to autophagosome formation. Additionally, we found that the ratio of cleaved/pro-caspase-3 did not change after ouabain treatment; however, p-JNK density was enhanced. Also, ouabain decreased reactive oxygen species production immediately after axotomy. Taken together, our results suggest that ouabain controls neuroinflammation in the retina following optic nerve axotomy and promotes RGC neuroprotection through activation of the autophagy pathway.

The Janus face of ouabain in Na+ /K+ -ATPase and calcium signalling in neurons.

Na+ /K+ -ATPase, a transmembrane protein essential for maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane, acts as a receptor for cardiotonic steroids such as ouabain. Cardiotonic steroids binding to Na+ /K+ -ATPase triggers signalling pathways or inhibits Na+ /K+ -ATPas activity in a concentration-dependent manner, resulting in a modulation of Ca2+ levels, which are essential for homeostasis in neurons. However, most of the pharmacological strategies for avoiding neuronal death do not target Na+ /K+ -ATPase activity due to its complexity and the poor understanding of the mechanisms involved in Na+ /K+ -ATPase modulation. The present review aims to discuss two points regarding the interplay between Na+ /K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ signalling in the brain. One, Na+ /K+ -ATPase impairment causing illness and neuronal death due to Ca2+ signalling and two, benefits to the brain by modulating Na+ /K+ -ATPase activity. These interactions play an essential role in neuronal cell fate determination and are relevant to find new targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Building Bridges in Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.8/issuetoc.

Conformational states of the pig kidney Na+/K+-ATPase differently affect bufadienolides and cardenolides: A directed structure-activity and structure-kinetics study.

There is a renewed interest in the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA, EC 3.6.3.9) either as a target for new therapeutic uses or for understanding the putative pathophysiological role of its mammalian endogenous ligands. Recent data indicate that bufalin binds to the pig kidney NKA in a way different from ouabain and digoxin, raising the question of a putative class difference between bufadienolides and cardenolides. The purpose of this work was to perform a study of the relationship between structure and both activity and kinetics, focusing mainly on the influence of the lactone ring in C17 (5 vs. 6 membered), the effect of C14-15 cyclization and the carbohydrate moiety in C3. We compared the potency of fourteen related cardiotonic steroids (CTS) for inhibition of the cycling pig kidney NKA in two different concentrations of K+, as well as the affinity for binding to the E2P conformation of the enzyme (Mg-Pi medium) and the potency for inhibiting the E2[2K] conformation of the NKA (K+-pNPPase activity). Cardenolides were clearly sensitive to the antagonistic effect of high K+ concentrations whereas bufadienolides were not or less sensitive. The C14-15 cyclization observed in some bufadienolides, such as resibufogenin and marinobufagin, caused a drastic fall in the affinity for binding to the NKA in the E2P conformation and increased the velocity of K+-pNPPase inhibition. The absence of a carbohydrate moiety in C3 increased the velocity of inhibition. Cardenolides were much more dependent on the E2P conformation for binding than bufadienolides since their ratios of E2[2K] IC50 to E2P Ki were higher than for bufadienolides. Therefore, the present data established the remarkable influence of C14-15 cyclization and of the carbohydrate moiety in C3 on both affinity and kinetics of CTS and indicate that, as a class, bufadienolides would harbor qualitative differences from cardenolides with respect to the NKA conformations to which they can bind.

Alpha 2 Na+,K+-ATPase silencing induces loss of inflammatory response and ouabain protection in glial cells.

Ouabain (OUA) is a cardiac glycoside that binds to Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA), a conserved membrane protein that controls cell transmembrane ionic concentrations and requires ATP hydrolysis. At nM concentrations, OUA activates signaling pathways that are not related to its typical inhibitory effect on the NKA pump. Activation of these signaling pathways protects against some types of injury of the kidneys and central nervous system. There are 4 isoforms of the alpha subunit of NKA, which are differentially distributed across tissues and may have different physiological roles. Glial cells are important regulators of injury and inflammation in the brain and express the α1 and α2 NKA isoforms. This study investigated the role of α2 NKA in OUA modulation of the neuroinflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse primary glial cell cultures. LPS treatment increased lactate dehydrogenase release, while OUA did not decrease cell viability and blocked LPS-induced NF-κB activation. Silencing α2 NKA prevented ERK and NF-κB activation by LPS. α2 NKA also regulates TNF-α and IL-1ß levels. The data reported here indicate a significant role of α2 NKA in regulating central LPS effects, with implications in the associated neuroinflammatory processes.

Changes in [3H]-ouabain and [3H]-neurotensin binding to rat cerebral cortex membranes after administration of antipsychotic drugs haloperidol and clozapine.

Evidences indicate the relationship between neurotensinergic and dopaminergic systems. Neurotensin inhibits synaptosomal membrane Na+, K+-ATPase activity, an effect blocked by SR 48692, antagonist for high affinity neurotensin receptor (NTS1) type. Assays of high affinity [3H]-ouabain binding (to analyze K+ site of Na+, K+-ATPase) show that in vitro addition of neurotensin decreases binding. Herein potential interaction between NTS1 receptor, dopaminergic D2 receptor and Na+, K+-ATPase was studied. To test the involvement of dopaminergic D2 receptors in [3H]-ouabain binding inhibition by neurotensin, Wistar rats were administered i.p.with antipsychotic drugs haloperidol (2mg/kg) and clozapine (3, 10 and 30mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed 18h later, cerebral cortices harvested, membrane fractions prepared and high affinity [3H]-ouabain binding assayed in the absence or presence of neurotensin at a 10 micromolar concentration. No differences versus controls for basal binding or for binding inhibition by neurotensin were recorded, except after 10mg/kg clozapine. Rats were administered with neurotensin (3, 10y 30µg, i.c.v.) and 60min later, animals were sacrificed, cerebral cortices harvested and processed to obtain membrane fractions for high affinity [3H]-ouabain binding assays. Results showed a slight but statistically significant decrease in binding with the 30µg neurotensin dose. To analyze the interaction between dopaminergic D2 and NTS1 receptors, [3H]-neurotensin binding to cortical membranes from rats injected with haloperidol (2mg/kg, i.p.) or clozapine (10mg/kg) was assayed. Saturation curves and Scatchard transformation showed that the only statistically significant change occurred in Bmax after haloperidol administration. Hill number was close to the unit in all cases. Results indicated that typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs differentially modulate the interaction between neurotensin and Na+, K+-ATPase. At the same time, support the notion of an interaction among dopaminergic and neurotensinergic systems and Na+, K+-ATPase at central synapses.

Relationship Between Susceptibility to DMCM-Induced Generalized Motor Convulsions and Low-Affinity [3H]-Ouabain Binding in Membranes in Rat Brain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide, but its underlying mechanisms have not yet been clarified. Among the possible molecular mechanisms that underlie its occurrence are those that are responsible for the neuronal ionic gradient, including the transmembrane enzyme Na+,K+;-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase). Na+,K+-ATPase plays an important role in controlling neuronal excitability, and it is believed to be related to the pathophysiology of epilepsy. However, the specific isozymes that may be related to this neurological disorder remain to be determined. The α3 subunit-containing Na+,K+-ATPase isozyme has high affinity for ouabain and appears to play a major role in the pathogenesis of epilepsies. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the possible participation of Na+,K+- ATPase isozymes with lower affinity for ouabain (i.e., those that contain the α1 and α2 subunits). METHODS: The present study investigated whether rats with high (HTR) and low (LTR) thresholds for clonic convulsions that are induced by a benzodiazepine inverse agonist differ in the binding of [3;H]- ouabain to Na+,K+-ATPase isozymes with lower affinity to ouabain in discrete brain regions. RESULTS: Compared with the HTR group, the LTR group exhibited lower binding of [3H]-ouabain in the brainstem and frontal cortex. CONCLUSION: This finding supports the hypothesis that epilepsy is associated with impairments in Na+,K+- ATPase activity. The results also suggest that Na+,K+;-ATPase isozymes that contain the α1/α2 subunits in these brain regions may underlie the susceptibility to methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-ß-carboline-3-carboxylate-induced convulsions.

The Administration of Levocabastine, a NTS2 Receptor Antagonist, Modifies Na(+), K(+)-ATPase Properties.

Neurotensin behaves as a neuromodulator or as a neurotransmitter interacting with NTS1 and NTS2 receptors. Neurotensin in vitro inhibits synaptosomal membrane Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. This effect is prevented by administration of SR 48692 (antagonist for NTS1 receptor). The administration of levocabastine (antagonist for NTS2 receptor) does not prevent Na(+), K(+)-ATPase inhibition by neurotensin when the enzyme is assayed with ATP as substrate. Herein levocabastine effect on Na(+), K(+)-ATPase K(+) site was explored. For this purpose, levocabastine was administered to rats and K(+)-p-nitrophenylphosphatase (K(+)-p-NPPase) activity in synaptosomal membranes and [(3)H]-ouabain binding to cerebral cortex membranes were assayed in the absence (basal) and in the presence of neurotensin. Male Wistar rats were administered with levocabastine (50 µg/kg, i.p., 30 min) or the vehicle (saline solution). Synaptosomal membranes were obtained from cerebral cortex by differential and gradient centrifugation. The activity of K(+)-p-NPPase was determined in media laking or containing ATP plus NaCl. In such phosphorylating condition enzyme behaviour resembles that observed when ATP hydrolyses is recorded. In the absence of ATP plus NaCl, K(+)-p-NPPase activity was similar for levocabastine or vehicle injected (roughly 11 µmole hydrolyzed substrate per mg protein per hour). Such value remained unaltered by the presence of 3.5 × 10(-6) M neurotensin. In the phosphorylating medium, neurotensin decreased (32 %) the enzyme activity in membranes obtained from rats injected with the vehicle but failed to alter those obtained from rats injected with levocabastine. Levocabastine administration enhanced (50 %) basal [(3)H]-ouabain binding to cerebral cortex membranes but failed to modify neurotensin inhibitory effect on this ligand binding. It is concluded that NTS2 receptor blockade modifies the properties of neuronal Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and that neurotensin effect on Na(+), K(+)-ATPase involves NTS1 receptor and -at least partially- NTS2 receptor.

Ouabain induces nitric oxide release by a PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway in isolated aortic rings from rats with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Ouabain occurs in nanomolar concentrations in myocardial infarction and heart failure (HF). However, the effects of ouabain in vascular function in HF conditions were not investigated yet. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of acute administration of 3 nM ouabain in isolated aortic rings from rats with HF 4 weeks after myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rats were submitted to sham operation or coronary artery occlusion. In HF rats, left ventricular positive and negative derivatives of intraventricular pressure reduced and left ventricular end diastolic pressure increased. Phenylephrine responses increased in HF rings when compared with controls. Ouabain incubation for 45 minutes reduced phenylephrine-induced contraction in both groups. Endothelial removal increased more phenylephrine response in ouabain-treated rings of sham rats. Ouabain potentiated the effect of L-NAME in both groups but more in sham rats. Wortmannin increased the phenylephrine response only in HF rings. The effect of tetraethylammonium was potentiated by ouabain only in HF rings. Ouabain increased phenylephrine-stimulated nitric oxide production in rings from both groups but increased the activation of Akt only in vessels from HF rats. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that low ouabain concentration can decrease vascular reactivity of aortic rings from HF rats. Ouabain was able to increase nitric oxide production in HF rats by triggering a signal transduction PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway and increasing an endothelium-hyperpolarizing factor release.

The emergence of the concept of tight junctions and physiological regulation by ouabain.

The exchange of substances between metazoan and the environment takes place across transporting epithelia that have two fundamental differentiated features: tight junctions (TJ) and apical/basolateral polarity. Usually, reviews of the structure and function of transporting epithelia follow a historical description of major biological findings, but seldom refer to the fact that it also required fundamental theoretical changes in the physics and chemistry involved. We make a brief description of the concatenation of both types of achievements, in which it becomes clear that the major source of conflicts was the enzyme Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (also referred to as "the pump"), because of its intrinsic mechanisms and its asymmetric expression on one side of epithelial cells only (polarity). This enzyme is also the receptor of the newly recognized hormone ouabain, whose chief function is to modulate cell contacts, such as TJs, several types of cell-cell contacts participating in polarization (as gauged through ciliogenesis).

Rostafuroxin ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in resistance arteries from deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats: the role of Na+K+-ATPase/ cSRC pathway.

AIMS: Endogenous ouabain is elevated in patients and experimental models of hypertension and is associated with elevated mortality. In this context, it is reasonable to assume that a new antihypertensive drug that inhibits the deleterious effects of endogenous ouabain may be a specific pharmacological tool for hypertension treatment. Here, we investigated the effects of rostafuroxin (ROSTA), an ouabain inhibitor, on SBP, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: A hypertensive model was established in uninephrectomized Wistar rats using DOCA-salt. After SBP stabilization, DOCA-salt rats were divided into two groups: DOCA-salt (control) and DOCA-salt treatment with ROSTA (1 mg/kg per day gavage, 3 weeks). The SBP was measured using the tail-cuff method, and vascular function was assessed in mesenteric-resistance arteries (MRAs) using a wire myograph. Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production were investigated. Western blot was performed to quantify protein expression. Our results indicated that ROSTA treatment decreased SBP, improved acetylcholine-induced relaxation via enhanced nitric oxide synthesis and bioavailability, decreased superoxide anion generation from NAD(P)H oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 and reduced cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase Src phosphorylation without changes in NaKATPase activity in MRA from DOCA-salt rats. CONCLUSION: This study reports the critical role of endogenous ouabain in volume-dependent hypertension. In MRA from DOCA-salt rats, the binding of endogenous ouabain to NaK-ATPase results in downstream c-SRC activation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Endogenous ouabain is a putative target for the treatment of hypertension, and ROSTA may represent a novel therapeutic approach.

Rats with different thresholds to clonic convulsions induced by DMCM differ in the binding of [3H]-MK-801 and [3H]-ouabain in the membranes of brain regions.

Considering the putative participation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase enzymes in the susceptibility to convulsions induced by the benzodiazepine inverse agonist methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-ß-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), the present study sought to determine if rats with high (HTR) and low (LTR) thresholds to clonic convulsions induced by DMCM differed in the following aspects: the binding of NMDA receptors by [(3)H]-MK-801, Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity (K(+)-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase) and high-affinity [(3)H]-ouabain binding to membranes from discrete brain regions. Compared to the HTR subgroup, the LTR subgroup presented a lower binding of [(3)H]-MK-801 in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum. The subgroups did not differ in K(+)-p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity, but the LTR subgroup had a lower density of isozymes with a high-affinity to ouabain in the brainstem and in the frontal cortex and a lower affinity to ouabain in the hippocampus than the HTR subgroup. These results suggest that NMDA receptors and ouabain-sensitive Na(+), K(+)-ATPase isozymes may underlie the susceptibility to DMCM-induced convulsions.

Hypertensive effects of the iv administration of picomoles of ouabain.

Ouabain, an endogenous digitalis compound, has been detected in nanomolar concentrations in the plasma of several mammals and is associated with the development of hypertension. In addition, plasma ouabain is increased in several hypertension models, and the acute or chronic administration of ouabain increases blood pressure in rodents. These results suggest a possible association between ouabain and the genesis or development and maintenance of arterial hypertension. One explanation for this association is that ouabain binds to the α-subunit of the Na(+) pump, inhibiting its activity. Inhibition of this pump increases intracellular Na(+), which reduces the activity of the sarcolemmal Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger and thereby reduces Ca(2+) extrusion. Consequently, intracellular Ca(2+) increases and is taken up by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which, upon activation, releases more calcium and increases the vascular smooth muscle tone. In fact, acute treatment with ouabain enhances the vascular reactivity to vasopressor agents, increases the release of norepinephrine from the perivascular adrenergic nerve endings and promotes increases in the activity of endothelial angiotensin-converting enzyme and the local synthesis of angiotensin II in the tail vascular bed. Additionally, the hypertension induced by ouabain has been associated with central mechanisms that increase sympathetic tone, subsequent to the activation of the cerebral renin-angiotensin system. Thus, the association with peripheral mechanisms and central mechanisms, mainly involving the renin-angiotensin system, may contribute to the acute effects of ouabain-induced elevation of arterial blood pressure.

Neurotensin decreases high affinity [3H]-ouabain binding to cerebral cortex membranes.

Previous work from this laboratory showed the ability of neurotensin to inhibit synaptosomal membrane Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, the effect being blocked by SR 48692, a non-peptidic antagonist for high affinity neurotensin receptor (NTS1) [López Ordieres and Rodríguez de Lores Arnaiz 2000; 2001]. To further study neurotensin interaction with Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, peptide effect on high affinity [(3)H]-ouabain binding was studied in cerebral cortex membranes. It was observed that neurotensin modified binding in a dose-dependent manner, leading to 80% decrease with 1 × 10(-4)M concentration. On the other hand, the single addition of 1 × 10(-6)M, 1 × 10(-5)M and 1 × 10(-4)M SR 48692 (Sanofi-Aventis, U.S., Inc.) decreased [(3)H]-ouabain binding (in %) to 87 ± 16; 74 ± 16 and 34 ± 17, respectively. Simultaneous addition of neurotensin and SR 48692 led to additive or synergic effects. Partial NTS2 agonist levocabastine inhibited [(3)H]-ouabain binding likewise. Saturation assays followed by Scatchard analyses showed that neurotensin increased K(d) value whereas failed to modify B(max) value, indicating a competitive type interaction of the peptide at Na(+), K(+)-ATPase ouabain site. At variance, SR 48692 decreased B(max) value whereas it did not modify K(d) value. [(3)H]-ouabain binding was also studied in cerebral cortex membranes obtained from rats injected i. p. 30 min earlier with 100 µg and 250 µg/kg SR 48692. It was observed that the 250 µg/kg SR 48692 dose led to 19% decrease in basal [(3)H]-ouabain binding. After SR 48692 treatments, addition of 1 × 10(-6)M led to additive or synergic effect. Results suggested that [(3)H]-ouabain binding inhibition by neurotensin hardly involves NTS1 receptor.

Hypertensive effects of the iv administration of picomoles of ouabain

Ouabain, an endogenous digitalis compound, has been detected in nanomolar concentrations in the plasma of several mammals and is associated with the development of hypertension. In addition, plasma ouabain is increased in several hypertension models, and the acute or chronic administration of ouabain increases blood pressure in rodents. These results suggest a possible association between ouabain and the genesis or development and maintenance of arterial hypertension. One explanation for this association is that ouabain binds to the α-subunit of the Na+ pump, inhibiting its activity. Inhibition of this pump increases intracellular Na+, which reduces the activity of the sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and thereby reduces Ca2+ extrusion. Consequently, intracellular Ca2+ increases and is taken up by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which, upon activation, releases more calcium and increases the vascular smooth muscle tone. In fact, acute treatment with ouabain enhances the vascular reactivity to vasopressor agents, increases the release of norepinephrine from the perivascular adrenergic nerve endings and promotes increases in the activity of endothelial angiotensin-converting enzyme and the local synthesis of angiotensin II in the tail vascular bed. Additionally, the hypertension induced by ouabain has been associated with central mechanisms that increase sympathetic tone, subsequent to the activation of the cerebral renin-angiotensin system. Thus, the association with peripheral mechanisms and central mechanisms, mainly involving the renin-angiotensin system, may contribute to the acute effects of ouabain-induced elevation of arterial blood pressure.

Postnatal nitric oxide inhibition modifies neurotensin effect on ATPase activity.

We have previously showed that peptide neurotensin inhibits neuronal Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, an effect which involves high affinity neurotensin receptor. Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a neurotransmitter or as a neuromodulator when it is synthesized by neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Neurotensin effect on Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity was evaluated in cortical synaptosomal membranes isolated from rats injected at 3, 4 and 5 postnatal days with saline (control) or N (ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Assays were carried out at two stages: juvenile (35 days) and adult (56 days) ages. In an open field task, results recorded in juvenile rats markedly differed from those obtained in adult rats. The presence of neurotensin at 3.5 × 10(-8)-3.5 × 10(-6 )M concentration decreased 16-34% Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in membranes purified from control animals. At variance, the peptide failed to alter this enzyme activity in membranes obtained after L-NAME treatment. After administration of L-NAME, [(3)H]-ouabain binding to membranes isolated from adult male rats decreased 64% in the presence of 1.0 × 10(-6 )M neurotensin, a peptide concentration which only slightly decreased binding to membranes isolated from juvenile rats. It is postulated that early postnatal NO dysfunction may exert a permanent change in neurotensin system that influence later Na(+), K(+)-ATPase response to neurotensin.

Purification and characterization of the ouabain-sensitive H+/K+-ATPase from guinea-pig distal colon.

Distal colon absorbs K+ through a Na+-independent, ouabain-sensitive H+/K+-exchange, associated to an apical ouabain-sensitive H+/K+-ATPase. Expression of HKalpha2, gene associated with this ATPase, induces K+-transport mechanisms, whose ouabain susceptibility is inconsistent. Both ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-insensitive K+-ATPase activities have been described in colonocytes. However, native H+/K+-ATPases have not been identified as unique biochemical entities. Herein, a procedure to purify ouabain-sensitive H+/K+-ATPase from guinea-pig distal colon is described. H+/K+-ATPase is Mg2+-dependent and activated by K+, Cs+ and NH4+ but not by Na+ or Li+, independently of K+-accompanying anion. H+/K+-ATPase was inhibited by ouabain and vanadate but insensitive to SCH-28080 and bafilomycin-A. Enzyme was phosphorylated from [32P]-gamma-ATP, forming an acyl-phosphate bond, in an Mg2+-dependent, vanadate-sensitive process. K+ inhibited phosphorylation, effect blocked by ouabain. H+/K+-ATPase is an alpha/beta-heterodimer, whose subunits, identified by Tandem-mass spectrometry, seems to correspond to HKalpha2 and Na+/K+-ATPase beta1-subunit, respectively. Thus, colonic ouabain-sensitive H+/K+-ATPase is a distinctive P-type ATPase.

mCD14 expression in human monocytes is downregulated by ouabain via transactivation of epithelial growth factor receptor and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The steroid ouabain is found in plasma and in many mammalian tissues, and is now considered as a hormone. In the immune system, ouabain regulates a number of lymphocyte functions, but little is known about its effects on monocyte function. Monocytes are important for adequate immune responses. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of ouabain on mCD14 expression, a surface molecule involved in the response against Gram-negative bacteria and phagocytosis. METHODS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from healthy donors were separated by density gradient centrifugation. Monocytes were separated by adherence and treated for 24 h with 100 nM ouabain. mCD14, CD1a and P-p38 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Inhibitors of cell-signaling pathways, i.e. SB202190, reduced glutathione, rottlerin, tyrphostin A23, genistein, chelerythrine chloride, PD98059, PP1 and Ly 294002, were used concomitantly with ouabain to observe their effect on mCD14 expression. RESULTS: Ouabain induced a significant decrease in mCD14 expression. This feature was not related to receptor endocytosis or cell death. Furthermore, mCD14 downregulation did not reflect a shift in differentiation into dendritic cells because this hormone failed to induce CD1a expression. Amongst several inhibitors of cell-signaling pathways triggered by ouabain, only epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors (tyrphostin A23 and SB202109) significantly reverted the effect of ouabain on mCD14 expression. Accordingly, the levels of P-p38 were increased on monocytes after ouabain treatment. However, incubation with epidermal growth factor did not alter mCD14 expression. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that ouabain downregulates mCD14 expression on monocytes through EGFR transactivation and p38 MAPK activation.