Mechanisms by which Li+ stimulates the (Na+ and K+)-dependent ATPase

Astroglial N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 protects the brain from cerebral edema induced by stroke

Brain edema is a grave complication of brain ischemia and is the main cause of herniation and death. Although astrocytic swelling is the main contributor to cytotoxic edema, the molecular mechanism involved in this process remains elusive. N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), a well‐studied tumor suppressor gene, is mainly expressed in astrocytes in mammalian brains. Here, we found that NDRG2 deficiency leads to worsened cerebral edema, imbalanced Na⁺ transfer, and astrocyte swelling after ischemia. We also found that NDRG2 deletion in astrocytes dramatically changed the expression and distribution of aquaporin‐4 and Na⁺‐K⁺‐ATPase β1, which are strongly associated with cell polarity, in the ischemic brain. Brain edema and astrocyte swelling were significantly alleviated by rescuing the expression of astrocytic Na⁺‐K⁺‐ATPase β1 in NDRG2‐knockout mouse brains. In addition, the upregulation of astrocytic NDRG2 by lentiviral constructs notably attenuated brain edema, astrocytic swelling, and blood–brain barrier destruction. Our results indicate a particular role of NDRG2 in maintaining astrocytic polarization to facilitate Na⁺ and water transfer balance and to protect the brain from ischemic edema. These findings provide insight into NDRG2 as a therapeutic target in cerebral edema.

Comparison of fluorescence probes for intracellular sodium imaging in prostate cancer cell lines

Sodium (Na⁺) ions are known to regulate many signaling pathways involved in both physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, alterations in intracellular concentrations of Na⁺ and corresponding changes in membrane potential are known to be major actors of cancer progression to metastatic phenotype. Though the functionality of Na⁺ channels and the corresponding Na⁺ currents can be investigated using the patch-clamp technique, the latter is rather invasive and a technically difficult method to study intracellular Na⁺ transients compared to Na⁺ fluorescence imaging. Despite the fact that Na⁺ signaling is considered an important controller of cancer progression, only few data using Na⁺ imaging approaches are available so far, suggesting the persisting challenge within the scientific community. In this study, we describe in detail the approach for application of Na⁺ imaging technique to measure intracellular Na⁺ variations in human prostate cancer cells. Accordingly, we used three Na⁺-specific fluorescent dyes-Na⁺-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI), CoroNa™ Green (Corona) and Asante NaTRIUM Green-2 (ANG-2). These dyes have been assessed for optimal loading conditions, dissociation constant and working range after different calibration methods, and intracellular Na⁺ sensitivity, in order to determine which probe can be considered as the most reliable to visualize Na⁺ fluctuations in vitro.

Activation of Slo2.1 channels by niflumic acid

Slo2.1 channels conduct an outwardly rectifying K⁺ current when activated by high [Na⁺]_i. Here, we show that gating of these channels can also be activated by fenamates such as niflumic acid (NFA), even in the absence of intracellular Na⁺. In Xenopus oocytes injected with <10 ng cRNA, heterologously expressed human Slo2.1 current was negligible, but rapidly activated by extracellular application of NFA (EC₅₀ = 2.1 mM) or flufenamic acid (EC₅₀ = 1.4 mM). Slo2.1 channels activated by 1 mM NFA exhibited weak voltage dependence. In high [K⁺]_e, the conductance–voltage (G-V) relationship had a V_1/2 of +95 mV and an effective valence, z, of 0.48 e. Higher concentrations of NFA shifted V_1/2 to more negative potentials (EC₅₀ = 2.1 mM) and increased the minimum value of G/G_max (EC₅₀ = 2.4 mM); at 6 mM NFA, Slo2.1 channel activation was voltage independent. In contrast, V_1/2 of the G-V relationship was shifted to more positive potentials when [K⁺]_e was elevated from 1 to 300 mM (EC₅₀ = 21.2 mM). The slope conductance measured at the reversal potential exhibited the same [K⁺]_e dependency (EC₅₀ = 23.5 mM). Conductance was also [Na⁺]_e dependent. Outward currents were reduced when Na⁺ was replaced with choline or mannitol, but unaffected by substitution with Rb⁺ or Li⁺. Neutralization of charged residues in the S1–S4 domains did not appreciably alter the voltage dependence of Slo2.1 activation. Thus, the weak voltage dependence of Slo2.1 channel activation is independent of charged residues in the S1–S4 segments. In contrast, mutation of R190 located in the adjacent S4–S5 linker to a neutral (Ala or Gln) or acidic (Glu) residue induced constitutive channel activity that was reduced by high [K⁺]_e. Collectively, these findings indicate that Slo2.1 channel gating is modulated by [K⁺]_e and [Na⁺]_e, and that NFA uncouples channel activation from its modulation by transmembrane voltage and intracellular Na⁺.

An ouabain-sensitive Na+,K(+)-ATPase in tentacles of the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus

Tentacles of Stichodactyla helianthus contain an ouabain-inhibitable, (Na+,K+)-stimulated ATPase. The K0.5 for Na+ was 24 mM and for K+, 3.2 mM. The apparent affinity for ouabain was low, I50 = 10(-4) M. The order of cation affinities was Rb+ > K+ > NH4+ = Cs+. The catalytic subunit of the enzyme comprised a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, M(r) = 105 kDa, that was phosphorylated by [32P]ATP in the presence of NaCl and dephosphorylated by the addition of KCl. The alpha subunit was weakly reactive with antibodies directed against the rat alpha subunit.

Effect of chronic lithium chloride on membrane adenosine triphosphatases in certain postural muscles of rats

Lithium has been extensively used as an antidepressant in the treatment of manic depressive disorders requiring chronic administration. Here, we report a study of the effect of long-term lithium treatment on the activities of membrane adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) in certain postural muscles of rat. Specifically, Ca(2+)-ATPase, Na+,K(+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase activities were measured in the soleus, extensor digitorum longus and plantaris muscles following 6 weeks of treatment with LiCl. Increases were observed in the Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity whereas the Mg(2+)-ATPase activity decreased with prolonged LiCl treatment. The most pronounced effect was a highly significant (P < 0.001) increase in the mitochondrial Ca(2+)-ATPase and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity to almost 50-100% above the control. The increases in the mitochondrial Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of extensor digitorum longus and plantaris were 70% and 100%, respectively. The corresponding increases in the Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity were 127%, 99% and 87% for soleus, extensor digitorum longus and plantaris, respectively. Irrespective of the differences in the fiber pattern and physiological function, all three muscles responded in a similar way to Li+. The changes in the membrane ATPases reflect a deranged ATP turnover, thus affecting the overall energy state of the animal. Based on these results, we hypothesize that Li+ produces its effects by interfering with cation transport processes. Since Li+ affects the neural excitability of the cell it is suggested that the stimulation of the ATPases may be important in the psychotropic properties of the ion.

Rat myometrial Na/K ATPase is increased by serum but not by isoproterenol and relaxin

1. Na/K ATPase activity in rat myometrial cells in culture exhibited a Kapp of 0.93 mM for Rb+ and a Ki of 31 microM for ouabain with respect to Rb+. 2. 86Rb+ uptake was stimulated by serum and monensin but was not affected by the uterine relaxants isoproterenol and relaxin in 0.5-7.5 mM Rb+. Nonetheless, these relaxants elicited significant increases in 45Ca2+ efflux under similar conditions. 3. These data suggest that increased Na/Ca exchange resulting from a stimulation of Na/K ATPase is not involved in the mechanism of action of relaxin and isoproterenol in the uterus.

Enhancing effect of lithium and potassium ions on lectin-induced lymphocyte proliferation in aging and Down's syndrome subjects

The effect of different concentrations of LiCl or KCl (0.6-20 meq/liter) on PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from young, old, and Down's syndrome subjects was studied. LiCl showed a dramatic enhancing effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation induced by a suboptimal dose of PHA in old subjects and Down's syndrome patients. An increase of [3H]thymidine incorporation in human lymphocytes stimulated by a suboptimal dose of PHA was also observed with KCl. This effect was higher in old subjects than that observed in young and Down's subjects. LiCl and KCl can modulate and partially restore the derangement in early events of mitogen stimulation which seems to be present in lymphocytes from both old and Down's syndrome subjects.

Adjuvant effects of lithium chloride on human mononuclear cells in suppressor-enriched and suppressor-depleted systems

Lithium enhances several in vitro indices of immune function, including thymidine uptake by mitogen-stimulated human mononuclear cells. To further characterize the mechanism of action of lithium and to determine whether it acts by abrogating suppressor cell activity or by enhancing helper cell function, we have compared the effects of lithium on the mitogenic response of normal, suppressor-depleted and suppressor-enriched mononuclear cell preparations. In normal cultures, lithium enhanced thymidine uptake in response to concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). In the suppressor-depleted cultures, thymidine uptake after Con A stimulation was significantly higher than in normal cultures, and was further enhanced by lithium. In the suppressor-enriched system, response to PHA was significantly lower than in normal cultures, and addition of lithium reversed the observed suppression. These results indicate that lithium may be enhancing thymidine uptake in response to mitogen at least in part by abrogating suppressor cell activity. The observed increase in thymidine incorporation in the suppressor-depleted cultures suggests that lithium may also have a direct stimulatory effect on helper cell activity.

Modification of the rate of ouabain binding to (Na+ + K+)ATPase by lithium ions

We report on the interactions of Li+, a congener of K+ with the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from E Electricus as measured by their effects on the rate of [3H]-ouabain binding to this enzyme. Like K+, Li+ slows ouabain binding under both Type I (Na+ + ATP) and Type II (P1) conditions, but with lower affinity. In contrast to K+, the Li+ inhibition curve is hyperbolic, suggesting interaction at an uncoupled site. Also differing from the complete inhibition by high K+, a residual ouabain-binding rate persists at high Li+. The interactions of Li+ and K+ are synergistic: the apparent K+ affinity increases 3 to 4-fold in presence of Li+. These results are consistent with the conclusion that Li+ interacts with only one of the two K+ sites and may be of interest in interpreting lithium pharmacology.

Studies on the lithium transport across the red cell membrane. II. Characterization of ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-insensitive Li+ transport. Effects of bicarbonate and dipyridamole

In studies on Li+ net-transport across the human red cell membrane following results were obtained: 1. In K+- and Na+-free choline chloride media, Li+ is transported into the erythrocytes against an electrochemical gradient. This Li+ uphill transport as well as Li+ downhill transport into the cells is inhibited by ouabain, ATP-depletion, and by external K+ and Na+. The effects of K+ and Na+ are relieved at high Li+ concentrations. 2. Ouabain-sensitive Li+ uptake, determined at 10 mM external Na+, does not obey simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics and exhibits a maximum at about pH 7. 3. Ouabain-resistant Li+ downhill transport into erythrocytes increases with rising pH. It is comprised of a saturating component and a component linearly dependent on external Li+. The linear component is partly inhibited by dipyridamole and accelerated by bicarbonate. The bicarbonate effect can be completely blocked by dipyridamole, phlorizin and phenylbutazone. 4. Li+ release is not inhibited by ouabain, ATP-depletion and external K+. It increases with external Na+ concentration, tending to saturate at 150 mM Na+. Na+-independent Li+ release is stimulated by bicarbonate. It is concluded that ouabain-sensitive Li+ uptake is mediated at the K+-site(s) of the Na+-K+ pump. Li+, K+ and Na+ appear to compete for a common site (or sites). The stimulation of Li+ transfer by bicarbonate and the inhibition by dipyridamole suggest a participation of anionic species in ouabain-resistant Li+ transfer. The Na+-dependent Li+ release and the "saturating component" of Li+ uptake are ascribed to the Na+-dependent Li+ countertransport system.

Studies on the lithium transport across the red cell membrane. I. Li+ uphill transport by the Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system of human erythrocytes

Li+ net-transfer across cell membranes was studied on human erythrocytes and ghosts preloaded with 1-2 mM Li+ and incubated in saline media of varying composition at initial thermodynamic equilibrium for Li+. The following results were obtained: 1. Li+ is extruded from glycolyzing erythrocytes against an electrochemical gradient until a steady-state Li+ distribution is established after 24-28 h. 2. The initial rate of Li+ extrusion is not altered by ouabain or by reduction of ATP levels to less than 25% of the normal value. 3. Replacement of external Na+ by K+ or choline+ abolishes the establishment of an electrochemical Li+ gradient. 4. The Li+ distribution ratio Lie+/Lii+ increases proportional to the ratio Nae+/Nai+ at constant extravellular K+ concentrations. 5. In ghost suspension an uphill Li+ transport is driven by an oppositely directed Na+ gradient. The direction of the Li+ uphill transport can be reversed by reversing the Na+ gradient. From the results it is concluded that the Li+ uphill transport across human red cell membranes is mediated by a Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system. This system is not inhibited by ouabain and does not appear to be identical to the Na+-Na+ exchange system described by Garrahan and Glynn.

The ATP dependence of a ouabain-sensitive sodium efflux activated by external sodium, potassium and lithium in human red cells

The stimulation of ouabain-sensitive Na+ efflux by external Na+, K+ and Li+ was studied in control and ATP-depleted human red cells. In the presence of 5 mM Na+, with control and depleted cells, Li+ stimulated with a lower apparent affinity than K+, and gave a smaller maximal activation than K+. The ability of Na+, K+ and Li+ to activate Na+ efflux was a function of the ATP content of the cells. Relative to K+ both Na+ and Li+ became more effective activators when the ATP was reduced to about one tenth of the control values. At this low ATP concentration Na+ was absolutely more effective than K+.