Measurement of Na+, K+-ATPase activity in human skeletal muscle

A century of exercise physiology: effects of muscle contraction and exercise on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase, Na+ and K+ ions, and on plasma K+ concentration-historical developments

This historical review traces key discoveries regarding K+ and Na+ ions in skeletal muscle at rest and with exercise, including contents and concentrations, Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) and exercise effects on plasma [K+] in humans. Following initial measures in 1896 of muscle contents in various species, including humans, electrical stimulation of animal muscle showed K+ loss and gains in Na+, Cl- and H20, then subsequently bidirectional muscle K+ and Na+ fluxes. After NKA discovery in 1957, methods were developed to quantify muscle NKA activity via rates of ATP hydrolysis, Na+/K+ radioisotope fluxes, [3H]-ouabain binding and phosphatase activity. Since then, it became clear that NKA plays a central role in Na+/K+ homeostasis and that NKA content and activity are regulated by muscle contractions and numerous hormones. During intense exercise in humans, muscle intracellular [K+] falls by 21 mM (range - 13 to - 39 mM), interstitial [K+] increases to 12-13 mM, and plasma [K+] rises to 6-8 mM, whilst post-exercise plasma [K+] falls rapidly, reflecting increased muscle NKA activity. Contractions were shown to increase NKA activity in proportion to activation frequency in animal intact muscle preparations. In human muscle, [3H]-ouabain-binding content fully quantifies NKA content, whilst the method mainly detects α2 isoforms in rats. Acute or chronic exercise affects human muscle K+, NKA content, activity, isoforms and phospholemman (FXYD1). Numerous hormones, pharmacological and dietary interventions, altered acid-base or redox states, exercise training and physical inactivity modulate plasma [K+] during exercise. Finally, historical research approaches largely excluded female participants and typically used very small sample sizes.

Oral digoxin effects on exercise performance, K+ regulation and skeletal muscle Na+ ,K+ -ATPase in healthy humans

Abstract

We investigated whether digoxin lowered muscle Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase (NKA), impaired muscle performance and exacerbated exercise K⁺ disturbances. Ten healthy adults ingested digoxin (0.25 mg; DIG) or placebo (CON) for 14 days and performed quadriceps strength and fatiguability, finger flexion (FF, 105%_{peak‐workrate}, 3 × 1 min, fourth bout to fatigue) and leg cycling (LC, 10 min at 33% VO2peak and 67% VO2peak, 90% VO2peak to fatigue) trials using a double‐blind, crossover, randomised, counter‐balanced design. Arterial (a) and antecubital venous (v) blood was sampled (FF, LC) and muscle biopsied (LC, rest, 67% VO2peak, fatigue, 3 h after exercise). In DIG, in resting muscle, [³H]‐ouabain binding site content (OB‐F_ab) was unchanged; however, bound‐digoxin removal with Digibind revealed total ouabain binding (OB+F_ab) increased (8.2%, P = 0.047), indicating 7.6% NKA–digoxin occupancy. Quadriceps muscle strength declined in DIG (−4.3%, P = 0.010) but fatiguability was unchanged. During LC, in DIG (main effects), time to fatigue and [K⁺]_a were unchanged, whilst [K⁺]_v was lower (P = 0.042) and [K⁺]_a‐v greater (P = 0.004) than in CON; with exercise (main effects), muscle OB‐F_ab was increased at 67% VO2peak (per wet‐weight, P = 0.005; per protein P = 0.001) and at fatigue (per protein, P = 0.003), whilst [K⁺]_a, [K⁺]_v and [K⁺]_a‐v were each increased at fatigue (P = 0.001). During FF, in DIG (main effects), time to fatigue, [K⁺]_a, [K⁺]_v and [K⁺]_a‐v were unchanged; with exercise (main effects), plasma [K⁺]_a, [K⁺]_v, [K⁺]_a‐v and muscle K⁺ efflux were all increased at fatigue (P = 0.001). Thus, muscle strength declined, but functional muscle NKA content was preserved during DIG, despite elevated plasma digoxin and muscle NKA–digoxin occupancy, with K⁺ disturbances and fatiguability unchanged.

Key points

The Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase (NKA) is vital in regulating skeletal muscle extracellular potassium concentration ([K⁺]), excitability and plasma [K⁺] and thereby also in modulating fatigue during intense contractions.

NKA is inhibited by digoxin, which in cardiac patients lowers muscle functional NKA content ([³H]‐ouabain binding) and exacerbates K⁺ disturbances during exercise.

In healthy adults, we found that digoxin at clinical levels surprisingly did not reduce functional muscle NKA content, whilst digoxin removal by Digibind antibody revealed an ∼8% increased muscle total NKA content.

Accordingly, digoxin did not exacerbate arterial plasma [K⁺] disturbances or worsen fatigue during intense exercise, although quadriceps muscle strength was reduced.

Thus, digoxin treatment in healthy participants elevated serum digoxin, but muscle functional NKA content was preserved, whilst K⁺ disturbances and fatigue with intense exercise were unchanged. This resilience to digoxin NKA inhibition is consistent with the importance of NKA in preserving K⁺ regulation and muscle function.

Assessment of Na+/K+ ATPase Activity in Small Rodent and Human Skeletal Muscle Samples

INTRODUCTION

In skeletal muscle, the Na/K ATPase (NKA) plays essential roles in processes linked to muscle contraction, fatigue, and energy metabolism; however, very little information exists regarding the regulation of NKA activity. The scarcity of information regarding NKA function in skeletal muscle likely stems from methodological constraints, as NKA contributes minimally to total cellular ATP utilization, and therefore contamination from other ATPases prevents the assessment of NKA activity in muscle homogenates. Here we introduce a method that improves accuracy and feasibility for the determination of NKA activity in small rodent muscle samples (5-10 mg) and in human skeletal muscle.

METHODS

Skeletal muscle homogenates from mice (n = 6) and humans (n = 3) were used to measure NKA and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca ATPase (SERCA) activities with the addition of specific ATPase inhibitors to minimize "background noise."

RESULTS

We observed that myosin ATPase activity was the major interfering factor for estimation of NKA activity in skeletal muscle homogenates, as the addition of 25 μM of blebbistatin, a specific myosin ATPase inhibitor, considerably minimized "background noise" (threefold) and enabled the determination of NKA maximal activity with values three times higher than previously reported. The specificity of the assay was demonstrated after the addition of 2 mM ouabain, which completely inhibited NKA. On the other hand, the addition of blebbistatin did not affect the ability to measure SERCA function. The coefficient of variation for NKA and SERCA assays were 6.2% and 4.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study has improved the methodology to determine NKA activity. We further show the feasibility of measuring NKA and SERCA activities from a common muscle homogenate. This methodology is expected to aid in our long-term understanding of how NKA affects skeletal muscle metabolic homeostasis and contractile function in diverse situations.

Differences in pain, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency based on physical activity level

Background

This study aims to compare the effect of different physical activity levels on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

Methods

Between October 2018 and February 2019, a total of 69 patients (4 males, 65 females; mean age 50 years; range, 19 to 73 years) who were diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency and consulted for physiotherapy were included in the study. The physical activity level of the patients was determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in three groups as light, moderate, or vigorous. Fatigue, pain, and QoL were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, visual analog scale (during the night, activity, and rest), and Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality/Symptom Scale, respectively.

Results

Of a total of 69 patients, 17 were in the light-intensity physical activity group, 32 in the moderate-intensity physical activity group, and 20 in the vigorous-intensity physical activity group. Perceived pain during activity and fatigue were significantly different between the light- and moderate-intensity physical activity groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in pain, fatigue, and quality of life scores between the vigorous-intensity physical activity group and the other two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that a moderate level of physical activity may be helpful to overcome symptoms such as pain and fatigue in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and to improve quality of life.

Muscle ion transporters and antioxidative proteins have different adaptive potential in arm than in leg skeletal muscle with exercise training

It was evaluated whether upper‐body compared to lower‐body musculature exhibits a different phenotype in relation to capacity for handling reactive oxygen species (ROS), H⁺, La⁻, Na⁺, K⁺ and also whether it differs in adaptive potential to exercise training. Eighty‐three sedentary premenopausal women aged 45 ± 6 years (mean ± SD) were randomized into a high‐intensity intermittent swimming group (HIS, n = 21), a moderate‐intensity swimming group (MOS, n = 21), a soccer group (SOC, n = 21), or a control group (CON, n = 20). Intervention groups completed three weekly training sessions for 15 weeks, and pre‐ and postintervention biopsies were obtained from deltoideus and vastus lateralis muscle. Before training, monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), Na⁺/K⁺ pump α₂, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expressions were lower (P < 0.05) in m. deltoideus than in m. vastus lateralis, whereas deltoid had higher (P < 0.05) Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 1 (NHE1) expression. As a result of training, Na⁺/K⁺ pump α₂ isoform expression was elevated only in deltoideus muscle, while upregulation (P < 0.05) of the α₁ and β₁ subunits, phospholemman (FXYD1), NHE1, and superoxide dismutase 1 expression occurred exclusively in vastus lateralis muscle. The increased (P < 0.05) expression of MCT4 and SOD2 in deltoid muscle after HIS and vastus lateralis muscle after SOC were similar. In conclusion, arm musculature displays lower basal ROS, La⁻, K⁺ handling capability but higher Na⁺‐dependent H⁺ extrusion capacity than leg musculature. Training‐induced changes in the ion‐transporting and antioxidant proteins clearly differed between muscle groups.

Dissociation between short-term unloading and resistance training effects on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase, muscle function, and fatigue in humans

Physical training increases skeletal muscle Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase content (NKA) and improves exercise performance, but the effects of inactivity per se on NKA content and isoform abundance in human muscle are unknown. We investigated the effects of 23-day unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and subsequent 4-wk resistance training (RT) on muscle function and NKA in 6 healthy adults, measuring quadriceps muscle peak torque; fatigue and venous [K⁺] during intense one-legged cycling exercise; and skeletal muscle NKA content ([³H]ouabain binding) and NKA isoform abundances (immunoblotting) in muscle homogenates (α_1-3, β_1-2) and in single fibers (α_1-3, β₁). In the unloaded leg after ULLS, quadriceps peak torque and cycling time to fatigue declined by 22 and 23%, respectively, which were restored with RT. Whole muscle NKA content and homogenate NKA α_1-3 and β_1-2 isoform abundances were unchanged with ULLS or RT. However, in single muscle fibers, NKA α₃ in type I (-66%, P = 0.006) and β₁ in type II fibers (-40%, P = 0.016) decreased after ULLS, with other NKA isoforms unchanged. After RT, NKA α₁ (79%, P = 0.004) and β₁ (35%, P = 0.01) increased in type II fibers, while α₂ (76%, P = 0.028) and α₃ (142%, P = 0.004) increased in type I fibers compared with post-ULLS. Despite considerably impaired muscle function and earlier fatigue onset, muscle NKA content and homogenate α₁ and α₂ abundances were unchanged, thus being resilient to inactivity induced by ULLS. Nonetheless, fiber type-specific downregulation with inactivity and upregulation with RT of several NKA isoforms indicate complex regulation of muscle NKA expression in humans.

Complement Destabilizes Cardiomyocyte Function In Vivo after Polymicrobial Sepsis and In Vitro

There is accumulating evidence during sepsis that cardiomyocyte (CM) homeostasis is compromised, resulting in cardiac dysfunction. An important role for complement in these outcomes is now demonstrated. Addition of C5a to electrically paced CMs caused prolonged elevations of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations during diastole, together with the appearance of spontaneous Ca(2+) transients. In polymicrobial sepsis in mice, we found that three key homeostasis-regulating proteins in CMs were reduced: Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, which is vital for effective action potentials in CMs, and two intracellular Ca(2+) concentration regulatory proteins, that is, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 and the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger. Sepsis caused reduced mRNA levels and reductions in protein concentrations in CMs for all three proteins. The absence of either C5a receptor mitigated sepsis-induced reductions in the three regulatory proteins. Absence of either C5a receptor (C5aR1 or C5aR2) diminished development of defective systolic and diastolic echocardiographic/Doppler parameters developing in the heart (cardiac output, left ventricular stroke volume, isovolumic relaxation, E' septal annulus, E/E' septal annulus, left ventricular diastolic volume). We also found in CMs from septic mice the presence of defective current densities for Ik1, l-type calcium channel, and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger. These defects were accentuated in the copresence of C5a. These data suggest complement-related mechanisms responsible for development of cardiac dysfunction during sepsis.

Na,K-ATPase regulation in skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle contains one of the largest and the most dynamic pools of Na,K-ATPase (NKA) in the body. Under resting conditions, NKA in skeletal muscle operates at only a fraction of maximal pumping capacity, but it can be markedly activated when demands for ion transport increase, such as during exercise or following food intake. Given the size, capacity, and dynamic range of the NKA pool in skeletal muscle, its tight regulation is essential to maintain whole body homeostasis as well as muscle function. To reconcile functional needs of systemic homeostasis with those of skeletal muscle, NKA is regulated in a coordinated manner by extrinsic stimuli, such as hormones and nerve-derived factors, as well as by local stimuli arising in skeletal muscle fibers, such as contractions and muscle energy status. These stimuli regulate NKA acutely by controlling its enzymatic activity and/or its distribution between the plasma membrane and the intracellular storage compartment. They also regulate NKA chronically by controlling NKA gene expression, thus determining total NKA content in skeletal muscle and its maximal pumping capacity. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms that underlie regulation of NKA in skeletal muscle by major extrinsic and local stimuli. Special emphasis is given to stimuli and mechanisms linking regulation of NKA and energy metabolism in skeletal muscle, such as insulin and the energy-sensing AMP-activated protein kinase. Finally, the recently uncovered roles for glutathionylation, nitric oxide, and extracellular K(+) in the regulation of NKA in skeletal muscle are highlighted.

Advanced glycation end-products impair Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity in diabetic cardiomyopathy: role of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/sirtuin 1 pathway

Decreased Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity, and both sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been reported to be involved in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The present study aimed to investigate the advanced glycation end-products (AGE) that impair Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase stability by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway during progression of DCM. To study type 1 diabetic mellitus (T1DM), a disease model in rats was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg), and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were also cultured. Heart function was detected by Doppler, and SIRT1 and AMPK protein expression were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity was also monitored. Using in vivo rat models of DCM, we showed that Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity decreased when both AMPK and SIRT1 expression were downregulated. In vitro, AGE impaired Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity and decreased the AMPK and SIRT1 expression. Sirtuin 1 overexpression increased Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity. 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-3-ribonucleoside (AICAR) upregulated SIRT1 expression and increased Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity, which could be partially abolished by splitomicin. Our results suggest that the dysfunction of DCM is related to AGE-induced Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity impairment through a mechanism involving the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.

Unaccustomed eccentric contractions impair plasma K+ regulation in the absence of changes in muscle Na+,K+-ATPase content

The Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase (NKA) plays a fundamental role in the regulation of skeletal muscle membrane Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients, excitability and fatigue during repeated intense contractions. Many studies have investigated the effects of acute concentric exercise on K⁺ regulation and skeletal muscle NKA, but almost nothing is known about the effects of repeated eccentric contractions. We therefore investigated the effects of unaccustomed maximal eccentric knee extensor contractions on K⁺ regulation during exercise, peak knee extensor muscle torque, and vastus lateralis muscle NKA content and 3-O-MFPase activity. Torque measurements, muscle biopsies, and venous blood samples were taken before, during and up to 7 days following the contractions in six healthy adults. Eccentric contractions reduced peak isometric muscle torque immediately post-exercise by 26±11% and serum creatine kinase concentration peaked 24 h post-exercise at 339±90 IU/L. During eccentric contractions, plasma [K⁺] rose during Set 1 and remained elevated at ∼4.9 mM during sets 4–10; this was despite a decline in work output by Set 4, which fell by 18.9% at set 10. The rise in plasma [K⁺].work⁻¹ ratio was elevated over Set 2 from Set 4– Set 10. Eccentric contractions had no effect on muscle NKA content or maximal in-vitro 3-O-MFPase activity immediately post- or up to 7 d post-exercise. The sustained elevation in plasma [K⁺] despite a decrease in work performed by the knee extensor muscles suggests an impairment in K⁺ regulation during maximal eccentric contractions, possibly due to increased plasma membrane permeability or to excitation-contraction uncoupling.

Large fibre size in skeletal muscle is metabolically advantageous

Skeletal muscle fiber size is highly variable, and while diffusion appears to limit maximal fiber size, there is no paradigm for the control of minimal size. The optimal fiber size hypothesis posits that the reduced surface area to volume (SA:V) in larger fibers reduces the metabolic cost of maintaining the membrane potential, and so fibers attain an optimal size that minimizes metabolic cost while avoiding diffusion limitation. Here we examine changes during hypertrophic fiber growth in metabolic cost and activity of the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase in white skeletal muscle from crustaceans and fishes. We provide evidence for a major tenet of the optimal fiber size hypothesis by demonstrating that larger fibers are metabolically cheaper to maintain, and the cost of maintaining the membrane potential is proportional to fiber SA:V. The influence of SA:V on metabolic cost is apparent during growth in 16 species spanning a 20-fold range in fiber size, suggesting that this principle may apply widely.

Exercise-induced increase in maximal in vitro Na-K-ATPase activity in human skeletal muscle

The present study investigated whether maximal in vitro Na-K-ATPase activity in human skeletal muscle is changed with exercise and whether it was altered by acute hypoxia. Needle biopsies from 14 subjects were obtained from vastus lateralis before and after 4 min of intense muscle activity. In addition, six subjects exercised also in hypoxia (12.5% oxygen). The Na-K-ATPase assay revealed a 19% increase ( P < 0.05) in maximal velocity ( Vmax) for Na+-dependent Na-K-ATPase activity after exercise and a tendency ( P < 0.1) toward a decrease in Km for Na+ (increased Na+ affinity) in both normoxia and hypoxia. In contrast, the in vitro Na-K-ATPase activity determined with the 3- O-MFPase technique was 11–32% lower after exercise in normoxia ( P < 0.05) and hypoxia ( P < 0.1). Based on the different results obtained with the Na-K-ATPase assay and the 3- O-MFPase technique, it was suggested that the 3- O-MFPase method is insensitive to changes in Na-K-ATPase activity. To test this possibility, changes in Na-K-ATPase activity was induced by protein kinase C activation. The changes quantified with the Na-K-ATPase assay could not be detected with the 3- O-MFPase method. In addition, purines stimulated Na-K-ATPase activity in rat muscle membranes; these changes could not be detected with the 3- O-MFPase method. Therefore, the 3- O-MFPase technique is not sensitive to changes in Na+ sensitivity, and the method is not suited to detecting changes in Na-K-ATPase activity with exercise. In conclusion, muscle activity in humans induces an increased in vitro Na+-dependent Na-K-ATPase activity, which contributes to the upregulation of the Na-K-ATPase in association with exercise both in normoxia and hypoxia.

Cyclic stretch stimulates recruitment of active Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase subunits to the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells

Cyclic stretch increases Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and abundance in several tissues, including skeletal muscle cells. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase undergoes acute changes in its catalytic activity in response to cyclic stretch. Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity increased after continuously stretched for 6 h, and reached the maximum at 24 h. The inhibition of gene transcription (actinomycin D) had no effect on stretch-induced Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. Cyclic stretch also increases the plasma membrane content of α(1)- and α(2)-subunit of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Brefeldin A could completely abolished the stretch-induced recruitment of α-subunits to the plasma membrane and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. In conclusion, cyclic stretch directly stimulates Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in skeletal muscle cells through post-transcriptional activation, likely by increasing translocation of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase molecules to plasma membrane.

Responses of alkaline phosphatase activity in Daphnia to poor nutrition

The use of biochemical and molecular indices of nutritional stress have recently been promoted for their potential ability to assess the in situ nutritional state of zooplankton. The development and application of these indicators should at least consider the cross-reactivity with other nutritional stressors. We examined the potential usefulness of body alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) as an indicator of dietary phosphorus (P) stress in Daphnia. We measured growth rate, body P-content, and body APA of two species of Daphnia (D. magna, D. pulex) grown for different periods under diverse dietary conditions. We found P-poor food reduced daphnid growth rates and body P-content, while body APA increased in both species. However, body APA increased in P-sufficient D. magna and D. pulex that were feeding on cyanobacterial compared to green algal food, despite no differences in animal body P content. Body APA increased in D. magna fed P-poor food whether cyanobacterial or algal. Body APA also varied with age and other nutritional stresses (low food quantity, nitrogen-poor algae) in both daphnid species. Our results demonstrate that whole body homogenate APA in Daphnia is not singularly responsive to P-poor food, which will complicate or limit its future usefulness and application as an indicator of dietary P-stress in metazoans.

An evaluation of muscle maintenance costs during fiber hypertrophy in the lobster Homarus americanus: are larger muscle fibers cheaper to maintain?

Large muscle fiber size imposes constraints on muscle function while imparting no obvious advantages, making it difficult to explain why muscle fibers are among the largest cell type. Johnston and colleagues proposed the 'optimal fiber size' hypothesis, which states that some fish have large fibers that balance the need for short diffusion distances against metabolic cost savings associated with large fibers. We tested this hypothesis in hypertrophically growing fibers in the lobster Homarus americanus. Mean fiber diameter was 316±11 μm in juveniles and 670±26 μm in adults, leading to a surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) that was 2-fold higher in juveniles. Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity was also 2-fold higher in smaller fibers. (31)P-NMR was used with metabolic inhibitors to determine the cost of metabolic processes in muscle preparations. The cost of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase function was also 2-fold higher in smaller than in larger diameter fibers. Extrapolation of the SA:V dependence of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase over a broad fiber size range showed that if fibers were much smaller than those observed, maintenance of the membrane potential would constitute a large fraction of whole-animal metabolic rate, suggesting that the fibers grow large to reduce maintenance costs. However, a reaction-diffusion model of aerobic metabolism indicated that fibers in adults could attain still larger sizes without diffusion limitation, although further growth would have a negligible effect on cost. Therefore, it appears that decreased fiber SA:V makes larger fibers in H. americanus less expensive to maintain, which is consistent with the optimal fiber size hypothesis.

Muscle fatigue and excitation-contraction coupling responses following a session of prolonged cycling

AIM

The mechanisms underlying the fatigue that occurs in human muscle following sustained activity are thought to reside in one or more of the excitation-contraction coupling (E-C coupling) processes. This study investigated the association between the changes in select E-C coupling properties and the impairment in force generation that occurs with prolonged cycling.

METHODS

Ten volunteers with a peak aerobic power (VO(2peak)) of 2.95 ± 0.27 L min(-1) (mean ± SE), exercised for 2 h at 62 ± 1.3%. Quadriceps function was assessed and tissue properties (vastus lateralis) were measured prior to (E1-pre) and following (E1-post) exercise and on three consecutive days of recovery (R1, R2 and R3).

RESULTS

While exercise failed to depress the maximal activity (V(max) ) of the Na(+) ,K(+) -ATPase (P = 0.10), reductions (P < 0.05) were found at E1-post in V(max) of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) -ATPase (-22%), Ca(2+) -uptake (-26%) and phase 1(-33%) and 2 (-38%) Ca(2+) -release. Both V(max) and Ca(2+) -release (phase 2) recovered by R1, whereas Ca(2+) -uptake and Ca(2+) -release (phase 1) remained depressed (P < 0.05) at R1 and at R1 and R2 and possibly R3 (P < 0.06) respectively. Compared with E1-pre, fatigue was observed (P < 0.05) at 10 Hz electrical stimulation at E1-post (-56%), which persisted throughout recovery. The exercise increased (P < 0.05) overall content of the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (R1, R2 and R3) and the isoforms β2 (R1, R2 and R3) and β3 (R3), but not β1 or the α-isoforms (α1, α2 and α3).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a possible direct role for Ca(2+)-release in fatigue and demonstrate a single exercise session can induce overlapping perturbations and adaptations (particularly to the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase).

Effect of exercise and training on phospholemman phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle

Phospholemman (PLM, FXYD1) is a partner protein and regulator of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase (Na(+)-K(+) pump). We explored the impact of acute and short-term training exercise on PLM physiology in human skeletal muscle. A group of moderately trained males (n = 8) performed a 1-h acute bout of exercise by utilizing a one-legged cycling protocol. Muscle biopsies were taken from vastus lateralis at 0 and 63 min (non-exercised leg) and 30 and 60 min (exercised leg). In a group of sedentary males (n = 9), we determined the effect of a 10-day intense aerobic cycle training on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase subunit expression, PLM phosphorylation, and total PLM expression as well as PLM phosphorylation in response to acute exercise (1 h at ∼72% Vo(2peak)). Biopsies were taken at rest, immediately following, and 3 h after an acute exercise bout before and at the conclusion of the 10-day training study. PLM phosphorylation was increased both at Ser(63) and Ser(68) immediately after acute exercise (75%, P < 0.05, and 30%, P < 0.05, respectively). Short-term training had no adaptive effect on PLM phosphorylation at Ser(63) and Ser(68), nor was the total amount of PLM altered posttraining. The protein expressions of α(1)-, α(2)-,and β(1)-subunits of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase were increased after training (113%, P < 0.05, 49%, P < 0.05, and 27%, P < 0.05, respectively). Whereas an acute bout of exercise increased the phosphorylation of PKCα/βII on Thr(638/641) pre- and posttraining, phosphorylation of PKCζ/λ on Thr(403/410) was increased in response to acute exercise only after the 10-day training. In conclusion, we show that only acute exercise, and not short-term training, increases phosphorylation of PLM on Ser(63) and Ser(68), and data from one-legged cycling indicate that this effect of exercise on PLM phosphorylation is not due to systemic factors. Our results provide evidence that phosphorylation of PLM may play a role in the acute regulation of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase response to exercise.

Na+,K+-ATPase Na+ affinity in rat skeletal muscle fiber types

Previous studies in expression systems have found different ion activation of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase isozymes, which suggest that different muscles have different ion affinities. The rate of ATP hydrolysis was used to quantify Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, and the Na(+) affinity of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was studied in total membranes from rat muscle and purified membranes from muscle with different fiber types. The Na(+) affinity was higher (K(m) lower) in oxidative muscle compared with glycolytic muscle and in purified membranes from oxidative muscle compared with glycolytic muscle. Na(+),K(+)-ATPase isoform analysis implied that heterodimers containing the beta(1) isoform have a higher Na(+) affinity than heterodimers containing the beta(2) isoform. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that dimers with alpha(1) are responsible for approximately 36% of the total Na,K-ATPase activity. Selective inhibition of the alpha(2) isoform with ouabain suggested that heterodimers containing the alpha(1) isoform have a higher Na(+) affinity than heterodimers containing the alpha(2) isoform. The estimated K(m) values for Na(+) are 4.0, 5.5, 7.5 and 13 mM for alpha(1)beta(1), alpha(2)beta(1), alpha(1)beta(2) and alpha(2)beta(2), respectively. The affinity differences and isoform distributions imply that the degree of activation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase at physiological Na(+) concentrations differs between muscles (oxidative and glycolytic) and between subcellular membrane domains with different isoform compositions. These differences may have consequences for ion balance across the muscle membrane.

Cellular assessment of muscle in COPD: case studies of two males

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the recent developments in muscle physiology and biochemistry in general, and with respect to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) specifically. As a way of illustration, we have presented data on the remodeling that occurs in vastus lateralis in two patients with COPD (COPD #1, forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity [FEV₁/FVC] = 63%; COPD #2, FEV₁/FVC = 41%) exhibiting differences in muscle wasting as compared to healthy controls (CON; FEV₁/FVC = 111 ± 2.2%, n = 4). Type I fibers percentages were lower in both COPD #1 (16.7) and COPD #2 (24.9) compared to CON (57.3 ± 5.2). Cross sectional area of the type I fibers of the patients ranged between 65%–68% of CON and for the type II subtypes (IIA, IIAX, IIX) between 74% and 89% (COPD #1) and 17%–32% (COPD #2). A lower number of capillary contacts were observed for all fiber types in COPD #1 but not COPD #2. Lower concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (24%–26%) and phosphocreatine (18%–20%), but not lactate occurred in COPD. In contrast to COPD #1, who displayed normal glucose transporter content, GLUT1 and GLUT4 were only 71% and 54%, respectively of CON in COPD #2. Lower monocarboxylate contents were found for MCT1 in both COPD #1 (63%) and COPD #2 (41%) and for MCT4 (78%) in COPD #1. Maximal oxidative enzyme activities (V_max) for COPD #2 ranged between 37% (succinic dehydrogenase) and 70% (cytochrome C oxidase) of CON. For the cytosolic enzymes, V_max ranged between 89% (hexokinase) to 31% (pyruvate kinase) of CON. Depressions were also observed in V_max of the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase for COPD #1 (66% of CON) but not COPD #2 (92% of CON) while V_max of the Ca²⁺-ATPase was near normal in COPD #1 (84% CON). It is concluded that disturbances can occur in muscle to a wide range of excitation, contraction and metabolic processes in COPD.

Endothermy in birds: underlying molecular mechanisms

Endothermy is significant in vertebrate evolution because it changes the relations between animals and their environment. How endothermy has evolved in archosaurs (birds, crocodiles and dinosaurs) is controversial especially because birds do not possess brown adipose tissue, the specialized endothermic tissue of mammals. Internal heat production is facilitated by increased oxidative metabolic capacity, accompanied by the uncoupling of aerobic metabolism from energy (ATP) production. Here we show that the transition from an ectothermic to an endothermic metabolic state in developing chicken embryos occurs by the interaction between increased basal ATP demand(Na+/K+-ATPase activity and gene expression), increased oxidative capacity and increased uncoupling of mitochondria; this process is controlled by thyroid hormone via its effect on PGC1α and adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) gene expression. Mitochondria become more uncoupled during development, but unlike in mammals, avian uncoupling protein(avUCP) does not uncouple electron transport from oxidative phosphorylation and therefore plays no role in heat production. Instead, ANT is the principal uncoupling protein in birds. The relationship between oxidative capacity and uncoupling indicates that there is a continuum of phenotypes that fall between the extremes of selection for increased heat production and increased aerobic activity, whereas increased cellular ATP demand is a prerequisite for increased oxidative capacity.

Dissociation between changes in muscle Na+-K+-ATPase isoform abundance and activity with consecutive days of exercise and recovery

The early plasticity of vastus lateralis Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase to the abrupt onset of prolonged submaximal cycling was studied in 12 untrained participants (Vo(2 peak) 44.8 +/- 2.0 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), mean +/- SE) using a 6-day protocol (3 days of exercise plus 3 days of recovery). Tissue samples were extracted prior to (Pre) and following exercise (Post) on day 1 (E1) and day 3 (E3) and on each day of recovery (R1, R2, R3) and analyzed for changes in maximal protein (beta(max)) (vanadate-facilitated [(3)H]ouabain binding), alpha- and beta-isoform concentration (quantitative immunoblotting) and maximal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity (V(max)) (3-O-methylfluorescein K(+)-stimulated phosphatase assay). For beta(max) (pmol/g wet wt), an increase (P < 0.05) of 11.8% was observed at R1 compared with E1-Pre (340 +/- 14 vs 304 +/- 17). For the alpha-isoforms alpha(1), alpha(2), and alpha(3), increases (P < 0.05) of 46, 42, and 31% were observed at R1, respectively. For the beta-isoform, beta(1) and beta(2) increased (P < 0.05) by 19 and 28% at R1, whereas beta(3) increased (P < 0.05) by 18% at R2. With the exception of alpha(2) and alpha(3), the increases in the isoforms persisted at R3. Exercise resulted in an average decrease (P < 0.05) in V(max) by 14.3%. No differences were observed in V(max) at E1 - Pre and E3 - Pre or between R1, R2, and R3. It is concluded that 3 days of prolonged exercise is a powerful stimulus for the rapid upregulation of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase subunit isoforms. Contrary to our hypothesis, the increase in subunit expression is not accompanied by increases in the maximal catalytic activity.

Na(+)-K (+) pump location and translocation during muscle contraction in rat skeletal muscle

Muscle contraction may up-regulate the number of Na(+)-K(+) pumps in the plasma membrane by translocation of subunits. Since there is still controversy about where this translocation takes place from and if it takes place at all, the present study used different techniques to characterize the translocation. Electrical stimulation and biotin labeling of rat muscle revealed a 40% and 18% increase in the amounts of the Na(+)-K(+) pump alpha(2) subunit and caveolin-3 (Cav-3), respectively, in the sarcolemma. Exercise induced a 36% and 19% increase in the relative amounts of the alpha(2) subunit and Cav-3, respectively, in an outer-membrane-enriched fraction and a 41% and 17% increase, respectively, in sarcolemma giant vesicles. The Na(+)-K(+) pump activity measured with the 3-O-MFPase assay was increased by 37% in giant vesicles from exercised rats. Immunoprecipitation with Cav-3 antibody showed that 17%, 11% and 14% of the alpha(1) subunits were associated with Cav-3 in soleus, extensor digitorum longus, and mixed muscles, respectively. For the alpha(2), the corresponding values were 17%, 5% and 16%. In conclusion; muscle contraction induces translocation of the alpha subunits, which is suggested to be caused partly by structural changes in caveolae and partly by translocation from an intracellular pool.

Muscle K+, Na+, and Cl− disturbances and Na+-K+ pump inactivation: implications for fatigue

Membrane excitability is a critical regulatory step in skeletal muscle contraction and is modulated by local ionic concentrations, conductances, ion transporter activities, temperature, and humoral factors. Intense fatiguing contractions induce cellular K+ efflux and Na+ and Cl− influx, causing pronounced perturbations in extracellular (interstitial) and intracellular K+ and Na+ concentrations. Muscle interstitial K+ concentration may increase 1- to 2-fold to 11–13 mM and intracellular K+ concentration fall by 1.3- to 1.7-fold; interstitial Na+ concentration may decline by 10 mM and intracellular Na+ concentration rise by 1.5- to 2.0-fold. Muscle Cl− concentration changes reported with muscle contractions are less consistent, with reports of both unchanged and increased intracellular Cl− concentrations, depending on contraction type and the muscles studied. When considered together, these ionic changes depolarize sarcolemmal and t-tubular membranes to depress tetanic force and are thus likely to contribute to fatigue. Interestingly, less severe local ionic changes can also augment subtetanic force, suggesting that they may potentiate muscle contractility early in exercise. Increased Na+-K+-ATPase activity during exercise stabilizes Na+ and K+ concentration gradients and membrane excitability and thus protects against fatigue. However, during intense contraction some Na+-K+ pumps are inactivated and together with further ionic disturbances, likely precipitate muscle fatigue.

Muscle Na+-K+-ATPase response during 16 h of heavy intermittent cycle exercise

This study investigated the effects of a 16-h protocol of heavy intermittent exercise on the intrinsic activity and protein and isoform content of skeletal muscle Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. The protocol consisted of 6 min of exercise performed once per hour at approximately 91% peak aerobic power (Vo(2 peak)) with tissue sampling from vastus lateralis before (B) and immediately after repetitions 1 (R1), 2 (R2), 9 (R9), and 16 (R16). Eleven untrained volunteers with a Vo(2 peak) of 44.3 +/- 2.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) participated in the study. Maximal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity (V(max), in nmol x mg protein(-1) x h(-1)) as measured by the 3-O-methylfluorescein K(+)-stimulated phosphatase assay was reduced (P < 0.05) by approximately 15% with exercise regardless of the number of repetitions performed. In addition, V(max) at R9 and R16 was lower (P < 0.05) than at R1 and R2. Vanadate-facilitated [(3)H]ouabain determination of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase content (maximum binding capacity, pmol/g wet wt), although unaltered by exercise, increased (P < 0.05) 8.3% by R9 with no further increase observed at R16. Assessment of relative changes in isoform abundance measured at B as determined by quantitative immunoblotting showed a 26% increase (P < 0.05) in the alpha(2)-isoform by R2 and a 29% increase in alpha(3) by R9. At R16, beta(3) was lower (P < 0.05) than at R2 and R9. No changes were observed in alpha(1), beta(1), or beta(2). It is concluded that repeated sessions of heavy exercise, although resulting in increases in the alpha(2)- and alpha(3)-isoforms and decreases in beta(3)-isoform, also result in depression in maximal catalytic activity.

Glucose supplements increase human muscle in vitro Na+-K+-ATPase activity during prolonged exercise

Regulation of maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity in vastus lateralis muscle was investigated in response to prolonged exercise with (G) and without (NG) oral glucose supplements. Fifteen untrained volunteers (14 males and 1 female) with a peak aerobic power (V̇o2peak) of 44.8 ± 1.9 ml·kg−1·min−1; mean ± SE cycled at ∼57% V̇o2peak to fatigue during both NG (artificial sweeteners) and G (6.13 ± 0.09% glucose) in randomized order. Consumption of beverage began at 30 min and continued every 15 min until fatigue. Time to fatigue was increased ( P < 0.05) in G compared with NG (137 ± 7 vs. 115 ± 6 min). Maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity (Vmax) as measured by the 3- O-methylfluorescein phosphatase assay (nmol·mg−1·h−1) was not different between conditions prior to exercise (85.2 ± 3.3 or 86.0 ± 3.9), at 30 min (91.4 ± 4.7 vs. 91.9 ± 4.1) and at fatigue (92.8 ± 4.3 vs. 100 ± 5.0) but was higher ( P < 0.05) in G at 90 min (86.7 ± 4.2 vs. 109 ± 4.1). Na+-K+-ATPase content (βmax) measured by the vanadate facilitated [3H]ouabain-binding technique (pmol/g wet wt) although elevated ( P < 0.05) by exercise (0<30, 90, and fatigue) was not different between NG and G. At 60 and 90 min of exercise, blood glucose was higher ( P < 0.05) in G compared with NG. The G condition also resulted in higher ( P < 0.05) serum insulin at similar time points to glucose and lower ( P < 0.05) plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine at 90 min of exercise and at fatigue. These results suggest that G results in an increase in Vmax by mechanisms that are unclear.

Muscle Na+-K+-ATPase activity and isoform adaptations to intense interval exercise and training in well-trained athletes

The Na+-K+-ATPase enzyme is vital in skeletal muscle function. We investigated the effects of acute high-intensity interval exercise, before and following high-intensity training (HIT), on muscle Na+-K+-ATPase maximal activity, content, and isoform mRNA expression and protein abundance. Twelve endurance-trained athletes were tested at baseline, pretrain, and after 3 wk of HIT (posttrain), which comprised seven sessions of 8 × 5-min interval cycling at 80% peak power output. Vastus lateralis muscle was biopsied at rest (baseline) and both at rest and immediately postexercise during the first (pretrain) and seventh (posttrain) training sessions. Muscle was analyzed for Na+-K+-ATPase maximal activity (3- O-MFPase), content ([3H]ouabain binding), isoform mRNA expression (RT-PCR), and protein abundance (Western blotting). All baseline-to-pretrain measures were stable. Pretrain, acute exercise decreased 3- O-MFPase activity [12.7% (SD 5.1), P < 0.05], increased α1, α2, and α3 mRNA expression (1.4-, 2.8-, and 3.4-fold, respectively, P < 0.05) with unchanged β-isoform mRNA or protein abundance of any isoform. In resting muscle, HIT increased ( P < 0.05) 3- O-MFPase activity by 5.5% (SD 2.9), and α3 and β3 mRNA expression by 3.0- and 0.5-fold, respectively, with unchanged Na+-K+-ATPase content or isoform protein abundance. Posttrain, the acute exercise induced decline in 3- O-MFPase activity and increase in α1 and α3 mRNA each persisted ( P < 0.05); the postexercise 3- O-MFPase activity was also higher after HIT ( P < 0.05). Thus HIT augmented Na+-K+-ATPase maximal activity despite unchanged total content and isoform protein abundance. Elevated Na+-K+-ATPase activity postexercise may contribute to reduced fatigue after training. The Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA response to interval exercise of increased α- but not β-mRNA was largely preserved posttrain, suggesting a functional role of α mRNA upregulation.

Effects of different magnitudes of cyclic stretch on Na+-K+-ATPase in skeletal muscle cells in vitro

The Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, which plays a major role in modulation of skeletal muscle excitability and contractility, is one of the marker enzymes that senses the mechanical strain and adapts to the stimuli. Although many papers had been published on the effects of mechanical stress on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in aortic smooth muscle cells, little was known about the effects of different magnitudes of mechanical stretch on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in skeletal muscle cells. In the present study, we determined the effect of different magnitudes(6%, 12%, or 25% elongation) of cyclic stretch on the activity of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and investigated possible mechanisms that might be involved in the action of stretch. The results showed the application of different magnitudes of cyclic stretch induced a magnitude-dependent increase of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in cultured skeletal muscle cells. Furthermore, inhibition of ionic fluxes through SACs prevented the action of stretch on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. The stretch-induced increase in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was not blocked by Actinomycin D. No significant changes in mRNA and total cell protein levels of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase were detected after stretched continuous for 24 h. However, cyclic stretch increased cell surface expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-subunit proteins by 1.3- and 1.75-fold, respectively, and the increases in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and cell surface expression were abolished by LY-294002. These data indicated that cyclic stretch induced a "magnitude-dependent" increase of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in cultured skeletal muscle cells in vitro. The upregulation involved translocation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-subunits to plasma membrane, not increased gene transcription. These results suggested a novel nontranscriptional mechanism for regulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in skeletal muscle cells by cyclic stretch.

Effects of endurance training status and sex differences on Na+,K+-pump mRNA expression, content and maximal activity in human skeletal muscle

AIM

This study investigated the effects of endurance training status and sex differences on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-pump mRNA expression, content and activity.

METHODS

Forty-five endurance-trained males (ETM), 11 recreationally active males (RAM), and nine recreationally active females (RAF) underwent a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy. Muscle was analysed for Na+,K+-pump alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, beta1, beta2 and beta3 isoform mRNA expression (real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), content ([3H]-ouabain-binding site) and maximal activity (3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase, 3-O-MFPase).

RESULTS

ETM demonstrated lower alpha1, alpha3, beta2 and beta3 mRNA expression by 74%, 62%, 70% and 82%, respectively, than RAM (P<0.04). In contrast, [3H]-ouabain binding and 3-O-MFPase activity were each higher in ETM than in RAM, by 16% (P<0.03). RAM demonstrated a 230% and 364% higher alpha3 and beta3 mRNA expression than RAF, respectively (P<0.05), but no significant sex differences were found for alpha1, alpha2, beta1 or beta2 mRNA, [3H]-ouabain binding or 3-O-MFPase activity. No significant correlation was found between years of endurance training and either [3H]-ouabain binding or 3-O-MFPase activity. Significant but weak correlations were found between the number of training hours per week and 3-O-MFPase activity (r=0.31, P<0.02) and between incremental exercise VO2(peak)) and both [3H]-ouabain binding (r=0.33, P<0.01) and 3-O-MFPase activity (r=0.28, P<0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Isoform-specific differences in Na+,K+-pump mRNA expression were found with both training status and sex differences, but only training status influenced Na+,K+-pump content and maximal activity in human skeletal muscle.

Interspersed normoxia during live high, train low interventions reverses an early reduction in muscle Na+, K +ATPase activity in well-trained athletes

Hypoxia and exercise each modulate muscle Na(+), K(+)ATPase activity. We investigated the effects on muscle Na(+), K(+)ATPase activity of only 5 nights of live high, train low hypoxia (LHTL), 20 nights consecutive (LHTLc) versus intermittent LHTL (LHTLi), and acute sprint exercise. Thirty-three athletes were assigned to control (CON, n = 11), 20-nights LHTLc (n = 12) or 20-nights LHTLi (4 x 5-nights LHTL interspersed with 2-nights CON, n = 10) groups. LHTLc and LHTLi slept at a simulated altitude of 2,650 m (F(I)O(2) 0.1627) and lived and trained by day under normoxic conditions; CON lived, trained, and slept in normoxia. A quadriceps muscle biopsy was taken at rest and immediately after standardised sprint exercise, before (Pre) and after 5-nights (d5) and 20-nights (Post) LHTL interventions and analysed for Na(+), K(+)ATPase maximal activity (3-O-MFPase) and content ([(3)H]-ouabain binding). After only 5-nights LHTLc, muscle 3-O-MFPase activity declined by 2% (P < 0.05). In LHTLc, 3-O-MFPase activity remained below Pre after 20 nights. In contrast, in LHTLi, this small initial decrease was reversed after 20 nights, with restoration of 3-O-MFPase activity to Pre-intervention levels. Plasma [K(+)] was unaltered by any LHTL. After acute sprint exercise 3-O-MFPase activity was reduced (12.9 +/- 4.0%, P < 0.05), but [(3)H]-ouabain binding was unchanged. In conclusion, maximal Na(+), K(+)ATPase activity declined after only 5-nights LHTL, but the inclusion of additional interspersed normoxic nights reversed this effect, despite athletes receiving the same amount of hypoxic exposure. There were no effects of consecutive or intermittent nightly LHTL on the acute decrease in Na(+), K(+)ATPase activity with sprint exercise effects or on plasma [K(+)] during exercise.

Cyclic stretch translocates the alpha2-subunit of the Na pump to plasma membrane in skeletal muscle cells in vitro

The Na+-K+-ATPase and its regulation is important for maintaining membrane potential and transmembrane Na(+) gradient in all skeletal muscle cells and thus is essential for cell survival and function. In our previous study, cyclic stretch activated the Na pump in cultured skeletal muscle cells. Presently, we investigated whether this stimulation was the result of translocation of Na+-K+-ATPase from endosomes to the plasma membrane, and also evaluated the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), the activation of which initiated vesicular trafficking and targeting of proteins to specific cell compartments. Skeletal muscle cells were stretched at 25% elongation continuous for 24h using the Flexercell Strain Unit. The plasma membrane and endosome fractions were isolated and Western blotted to localize the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1- and alpha2-subunit protein. The results showed stretch increased Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1- and alpha2-subunit protein expression in plasma membrane fractions and decreased it in endosomes. The alpha2-subunit had a more dynamic response to mechanical stretch. PI 3-kinase inhibitors (LY294002) blocked the stretch-induced translocation of the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha2-subunit, while LY294002 had no effect on the transfer of alpha1-subunit. We concluded that cyclic stretch mainly stimulated the translocation of the alpha2-subunit of Na+-K+-ATPase from endosomes to the plasma membrane via a PI 3-kinase-dependent mechanism in cultured skeletal muscle cells in vitro, which in turn increased the activity of the Na pump.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates the decline in muscle Na+,K+-pump activity and delays fatigue during prolonged exercise in humans

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been linked with both depressed Na(+),K(+)-pump activity and skeletal muscle fatigue. This study investigated N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effects on muscle Na(+),K(+)-pump activity and potassium (K(+)) regulation during prolonged, submaximal endurance exercise. Eight well-trained subjects participated in a double-blind, randomised, crossover design, receiving either NAC or saline (CON) intravenous infusion at 125 mg kg(-1) h(-1) for 15 min, then 25 mg kg(-1) h(-1) for 20 min prior to and throughout exercise. Subjects cycled for 45 min at 71% , then continued at 92% until fatigue. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken before exercise, at 45 min and fatigue and analysed for maximal in vitro Na(+),K(+)-pump activity (K(+)-stimulated 3-O-methyfluorescein phosphatase; 3-O-MFPase). Arterialized venous blood was sampled throughout exercise and analysed for plasma K(+) and other electrolytes. Time to fatigue at 92% was reproducible in preliminary trials (c.v. 5.6 +/- 0.6%) and was prolonged with NAC by 23.8 +/- 8.3% (NAC 6.3 +/- 0.5 versus CON 5.2 +/- 0.6 min, P < 0.05). Maximal 3-O-MFPase activity decreased from rest by 21.6 +/- 2.8% at 45 min and by 23.9 +/- 2.3% at fatigue (P < 0.05). NAC attenuated the percentage decline in maximal 3-O-MFPase activity (%Deltaactivity) at 45 min (P < 0.05) but not at fatigue. When expressed relative to work done, the %Deltaactivity-to-work ratio was attenuated by NAC at 45 min and fatigue (P < 0.005). The rise in plasma [K(+)] during exercise and the Delta[K(+)]-to-work ratio at fatigue were attenuated by NAC (P < 0.05). These results confirm that the antioxidant NAC attenuates muscle fatigue, in part via improved K(+) regulation, and point to a role for ROS in muscle fatigue.

Prolonged submaximal exercise induces isoform-specific Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA and protein responses in human skeletal muscle

This study investigated effects of prolonged submaximal exercise on Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA and protein expression, maximal activity, and content in human skeletal muscle. We also investigated the effects on mRNA expression of the transcription initiator gene, RNA polymerase II (RNAP II), and key genes involved in protein translation, eukaryotic initiation factor-4E (eIF-4E) and 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Eleven subjects (6 men, 5 women) cycled at 75.5% (SD 4.8%) peak O2uptake and continued until fatigue. A vastus lateralis muscle biopsy was taken at rest, fatigue, and 3 and 24 h postexercise. We analyzed muscle for Na+-K+-ATPase α1, α2, α3, β1, β2, and β3, as well for RNAP II, eIF-4E, and 4E-BP1 mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR and Na+-K+-ATPase isoform protein abundance using immunoblotting. Muscle homogenate maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity was determined by 3 -O-methylfluorescein phosphatase activity and Na+-K+-ATPase content by [3H]ouabain binding. Cycling to fatigue [54.5 (SD 20.6) min] immediately increased α3( P = 0.044) and β2mRNA ( P = 0.042) by 2.2- and 1.9-fold, respectively, whereas α1mRNA was elevated by 2.0-fold at 24 h postexercise ( P = 0.036). A significant time main effect was found for α3protein abundance ( P = 0.046). Exercise transiently depressed maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity ( P = 0.004), but Na+-K+-ATPase content was unaltered throughout recovery. Exercise immediately increased RNAP II mRNA by 2.6-fold ( P = 0.011) but had no effect on eIF-4E and 4E-BP1 mRNA. Thus a single bout of prolonged submaximal exercise induced isoform-specific Na+-K+-ATPase responses, increasing α1, α3, and β2mRNA but only α3protein expression. Exercise also increased mRNA expression of RNAP II, a gene initiating transcription, but not of eIF-4E and 4E-BP1, key genes initiating protein translation.

Oxidation of myosin heavy chain and reduction in force production in hyperthyroid rat soleus

We tested the hypothesis that a force reduction in hyperthyroid rat soleus muscle would be associated with oxidative modification in myosin heavy chain (MHC). Daily injection of thyroid hormone [3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3)] for 21 days depressed isometric forces of whole soleus muscle across a range of stimulus frequencies (P < 0.01). In fiber bundles, hyperthyroidism also led to pronounced reductions (P < 0.01) in both K+ - and 4-chloro-m-cresol-induced contracture forces. The degrees of the reductions were similar between these two contractures that were induced by distinct reagents. Treatment with T3 elicited a significant decrease ( approximately 14%; P < 0.05) in the relative content of MHC contained in myofibrillar proteins. The content of carbonyl groups in myofibrillar protein extracts was elevated (P < 0.05) by approximately 50% in T3-treated muscles. Immunoblot analyses on T3-treated muscles showed a greater increase (106%; P < 0.05) of the carbonyl content in MHC than in myofibrillar protein extracts. These data suggest that in hyperthyroidism the decrease in force production of skeletal muscles may stem primarily from failure in myofibrillar protein function resulting from oxidative modification of MHC.

The Impact of Gastrocnemius Muscle Cell Changes in Chronic Venous Insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathological and metabolic changes in the gastrocnemius muscle in patients with chronic vein insufficiency (CVI).

METHOD

Thirty-six patients with varicose veins were investigated by ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) and duplex ultrasonography. Twelve age and height-matched controls were used for comparison. Patients and controls consented to participate in this study. Twenty-one patients with primary vein varicose (group AI) and 15 patients (group AII) with primary deep venous valve incompetence (DVI) underwent biopsies of the gastrocnemius muscle during operation. Adductor biopsies obtained from the same limbs served as a control group (group B) and specimens from controls subjects without venous disease served as the second control group (group C). All the specimens were investigated by superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase and lactic acid (LD) determinations. Samples were subjected to light and electron microscopy following H & E staining, special ATPase, cytochrome oxidase/succinate dehydrogenase (COX/SDH) stains.

RESULTS

Normal muscle architecture was seen following H & E, ATPase and COX/SDH staining and normal cell metabolism was observed in specimens of groups B and C. In group A, pathological changes were encountered in the gastrocnemius muscle including disseminated myofibril atrophy, cell denaturation and necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, proliferation and dilation of interfascicular veins. ATPase staining (pH 9.4) demonstrated grouping of atrophic fibres, especially type I myofibril grouping, accompanied by moderate to severe atrophy of type II muscle fibres. However, no patient had selective type I fibre atrophy. Enhanced enzymatic activity in single or multiple myofibrils was demonstrated by COX/SDH staining in approximately half of the specimens in group AII. In group AII, electron microscopy showed swelling, myelin figure denaturation of mitochondria, disruption of the myofibrils and increased lipid droplets in the gastrocnemius muscle. Increased concentration of LD was found in most specimens from group A patients. There were also reductions of SOD, NO, biochemical activity of Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase with increasing concentration of LD in these patients, most prominently in group AII. We found correlation between AVP assessments and the biochemical measurements as well as morphological appearances of the gastrocnemius muscle.

CONCLUSION

Venous hypertension results in pathophysiological changes in the gastrocnemius muscles of patients with DVI, associated with decreased calf pump function.

Mechanisms underlying increases in rat soleus Na+-K+-ATPase activity by induced contractions

Acute regulation of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in rat soleus muscle was investigated in response to 15 and 90 min of electrically induced contractile activity (500-ms trains at 30 Hz every 1.5 s). Kinetic measurements of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, assessed by the 3-O-methylfluorescein K(+)-stimulated phosphatase assay (3-O-MFP), were performed on crude homogenates (Hom) and on tissue separated into two membrane fractions, the sarcolemmal/particulate (SLP) and endosomal (En), in both stimulated (Stim) and contralateral control (Con) muscles. Maximal 3-O-MFP activity (V(max), nmol.mg protein(-1).h(-1)) was elevated (P < 0.05) in Stim by 40% and by 53% in Hom and by 37 and 40% in SLP at 15 and 90 min, respectively. The 38% increase (P < 0.05) in the alpha(2)-isoform subunit distribution in SLP at 15 min, as assessed by quantitative immunoblotting, persisted at 90 min, whereas for En a 42% decrease (P < 0.05) was observed only at 15 min. For the alpha(1)-subunit at 15 min, a 27% decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in En, whereas the 13% increase observed in SLP was not significant (P = 0.08). At 90 min, alpha(1) was increased (P < 0.05) by 14% in SLP and by 29% in En. No changes were observed in beta(1)-subunit distribution in En and SLP regardless of time of stimulation. Immunoprecipitation with antiphosphotyrosine antibody and quantitative immunoblotting with alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-antibodies indicated increases (P < 0.05) in tyrosine phosphorylation of 51% in alpha(2) at 15 min only. These results suggest that the increases in V(max) during contractile activity are mediated both by increased phosphorylation and by translocation of the enzyme to the plasma membrane.

Muscle Na-K-pump and fatigue responses to progressive exercise in normoxia and hypoxia

To investigate the effects of hypoxia and incremental exercise on muscle contractility, membrane excitability, and maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity, 10 untrained volunteers (age = 20 ± 0.37 yr and weight = 80.0 ± 3.54 kg; ± SE) performed progressive cycle exercise to fatigue on two occasions: while breathing normal room air (Norm; FiO2= 0.21) and while breathing a normobaric hypoxic gas mixture (Hypox; FiO2= 0.14). Muscle samples extracted from the vastus lateralis before exercise and at fatigue were analyzed for maximal Na+-K+-ATPase (K+-stimulated 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase) activity in homogenates. A 32% reduction ( P < 0.05) in Na+-K+-ATPase activity was observed (90.9 ± 7.6 vs. 62.1 ± 6.4 nmol·mg protein−1·h−1) in Norm. At fatigue, the reductions in Hypox were not different (81 ± 5.6 vs. 57.2 ± 7.5 nmol·mg protein−1·h−1) from Norm. Measurement of quadriceps neuromuscular function, assessed before and after exercise, indicated a generalized reduction ( P < 0.05) in maximal voluntary contractile force (MVC) and in force elicited at all frequencies of stimulation (10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 Hz). In general, no differences were observed between Norm and Hypox. The properties of the compound action potential, amplitude, duration, and area, which represent the electomyographic response to a single, supramaximal stimulus, were not altered by exercise or oxygen condition when assessed both during and after the progressive cycle task. Progressive exercise, conducted in Hypox, results in an inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity and reductions in MVC and force at different frequencies of stimulation; these results are not different from those observed with Norm. These changes occur in the absence of reductions in neuromuscular excitability.

Depressed Na+-K+-ATPase activity in skeletal muscle at fatigue is correlated with increased Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA expression following intense exercise

We investigated whether depressed muscle Na+-K+-ATPase activity with exercise reflected a loss of Na+-K+-ATPase units, the time course of its recovery postexercise, and whether this depressed activity was related to increased Na+-K+-ATPase isoform gene expression. Fifteen subjects performed fatiguing, knee extensor exercise at ∼40% maximal work output per contraction. A vastus lateralis muscle biopsy was taken at rest, fatigue, 3 h, and 24 h postexercise and analyzed for maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity via 3- O-methylfluorescein phosphatase (3- O-MFPase) activity, Na+-K+-ATPase content via [3H]ouabain binding sites, and Na+-K+-ATPase α1-, α2-, α3-, β1-, β2- and β3-isoform mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR. Exercise [352 (SD 267) s] did not affect [3H]ouabain binding sites but decreased 3- O-MFPase activity by 10.7 (SD 8)% ( P < 0.05), which had recovered by 3 h postexercise, without further change at 24 h. Exercise elevated α1-isoform mRNA by 1.5-fold at fatigue ( P < 0.05). This increase was inversely correlated with the percent change in 3- O-MFPase activity from rest to fatigue (%Δ3- O-MFPaserest-fatigue) ( r = −0.60, P < 0.05). The average postexercise (fatigue, 3 h, 24 h) α1-isoform mRNA was increased 1.4-fold ( P < 0.05) and approached a significant inverse correlation with %Δ3- O-MFPaserest-fatigue( r = −0.56, P = 0.08). Exercise elevated α2-isoform mRNA at fatigue 2.5-fold ( P < 0.05), which was inversely correlated with %Δ3- O-MFPaserest-fatigue( r = −0.60, P = 0.05). The average postexercise α2-isoform mRNA was increased 2.2-fold ( P < 0.05) and was inversely correlated with the %Δ3- O-MFPaserest-fatigue( r = −0.68, P < 0.05). Nonsignificant correlations were found between %Δ3- O-MFPaserest-fatigueand other isoforms. Thus acute exercise transiently decreased Na+-K+-ATPase activity, which was correlated with increased Na+-K+-ATPase gene expression. This suggests a possible signal-transduction role for depressed muscle Na+-K+-ATPase activity with exercise.

Dexamethasone up-regulates skeletal muscle maximal Na+,K+ pump activity by muscle group specific mechanisms in humans

Dexamethasone, a widely clinically used glucocorticoid, increases human skeletal muscle Na+,K+ pump content, but the effects on maximal Na+,K+ pump activity and subunit specific mRNA are unknown. Ten healthy male subjects ingested dexamethasone for 5 days and the effects on Na+,K+ pump content, maximal activity and subunit specific mRNA level (alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2, beta3) in deltoid and vastus lateralis muscle were investigated. Before treatment, maximal Na+,K+ pump activity, as well as alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and beta2 mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.05) in vastus lateralis than in deltoid. Dexamethasone treatment increased Na+,K+ pump maximal activity in vastus lateralis and deltoid by 14 +/- 7% (P < 0.05) and 18 +/- 6% (P < 0.05) as well as Na+,K+ pump content by 18 +/- 9% (P < 0.001) and 24 +/- 8% (P < 0.01), respectively. Treatment with dexamethasone resulted in a higher alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and beta2 mRNA expression in the deltoid (P < 0.05), but no effects on Na+,K+ pump mRNA were detected in vastus lateralis. In conclusion, dexamethasone treatment increased maximal Na+,K+ pump activity in both vastus lateralis and deltoid muscles. The relative importance of transcription and translation in the glucocorticoid-induced regulation of Na+,K+ pump expression seems to be muscle specific and possibly dependent on the actual training condition of the muscle, such that a high Na+,K+ pump maximal activity and mRNA level prior to treatment prevents the transcriptional response to dexamethasone, but not the increase in Na+,K+ pump content and maximal activity.

Na+-K+-ATPase properties in rat heart and skeletal muscle 3 mo after coronary artery ligation

This study was designed to determine whether chronic heart failure (CHF) results in changes in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase properties in heart and skeletal muscles of different fiber-type composition. Adult rats were randomly assigned to a control (Con; n = 8) or CHF (n = 8) group. CHF was induced by ligation of the left main coronary artery. Examination of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity (means +/- SE) 12 wk after the ligation measured, using the 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase assay (3-O-MFPase), indicated higher (P < 0.05) levels in soleus (Sol) (250 +/- 13 vs. 179 +/- 18 nmol.mg protein(-1).h(-1)) and lower (P < 0.05) levels in diaphragm (Dia) (200 +/- 12 vs. 272 +/- 27 nmol.mg protein(-1).h(-1)) and left ventricle (LV) (760 +/- 62 vs. 992 +/- 16 nmol.mg protein(-1).h(-1)) in CHF compared with Con, respectively. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase protein content, measured by the [(3)H]ouabain binding technique, was higher (P < 0.05) in white gastrocnemius (WG) (166 +/- 12 vs. 135 +/- 7.6 pmol/g wet wt) and lower (P < 0.05) in Sol (193 +/- 20 vs. 260 +/- 8.6 pmol/g wet wt) and LV (159 +/- 10 vs. 221 +/- 10 pmol/g wet wt) in CHF compared with Con, respectively. Isoform content in CHF, measured by Western blot techniques, showed both increases (WG; P < 0.05) and decreases (Sol; P < 0.05) in alpha(1). For alpha(2), only increases [red gastrocnemius (RG), Sol, and Dia; P < 0.05] occurred. The beta(2)-isoform was decreased (LV, Sol, RG, and WG; P < 0.05) in CHF, whereas the beta(1) was both increased (WG and Dia; P < 0.05) and decreased (Sol and LV; P < 0.05). For beta(3), decreases (P < 0.05) in RG were observed in CHF, whereas no differences were found in Sol and WG between CHF and Con. It is concluded that CHF results in alterations in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase that are muscle specific and property specific. Although decreases in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase content would appear to explain the lower 3-O-MFPase in the LV, such does not appear to be the case in skeletal muscles where a dissociation between these properties was observed.

Prolonged exercise to fatigue in humans impairs skeletal muscle Na+-K+-ATPase activity, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+release, and Ca2+uptake

Prolonged exhaustive submaximal exercise in humans induces marked metabolic changes, but little is known about effects on muscle Na+-K+-ATPase activity and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+regulation. We therefore investigated whether these processes were impaired during cycling exercise at 74.3 ± 1.2% maximal O2uptake (mean ± SE) continued until fatigue in eight healthy subjects (maximal O2uptake of 3.93 ± 0.69 l/min). A vastus lateralis muscle biopsy was taken at rest, at 10 and 45 min of exercise, and at fatigue. Muscle was analyzed for in vitro Na+-K+-ATPase activity [maximal K+-stimulated 3- O-methylfluorescein phosphatase (3- O-MFPase) activity], Na+-K+-ATPase content ([3H]ouabain binding sites), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+release rate induced by 4 chloro- m-cresol, and Ca2+uptake rate. Cycling time to fatigue was 72.18 ± 6.46 min. Muscle 3- O-MFPase activity (nmol·min−1·g protein−1) fell from rest by 6.6 ± 2.1% at 10 min ( P < 0.05), by 10.7 ± 2.3% at 45 min ( P < 0.01), and by 12.6 ± 1.6% at fatigue ( P < 0.01), whereas3[H]ouabain binding site content was unchanged. Ca2+release (mmol·min−1·g protein−1) declined from rest by 10.0 ± 3.8% at 45 min ( P < 0.05) and by 17.9 ± 4.1% at fatigue ( P < 0.01), whereas Ca2+uptake rate fell from rest by 23.8 ± 12.2% at fatigue ( P = 0.05). However, the decline in muscle 3- O-MFPase activity, Ca2+uptake, and Ca2+release were variable and not significantly correlated with time to fatigue. Thus prolonged exhaustive exercise impaired each of the maximal in vitro Na+-K+-ATPase activity, Ca2+release, and Ca2+uptake rates. This suggests that acutely downregulated muscle Na+, K+, and Ca2+transport processes may be important factors in fatigue during prolonged exercise in humans.