The mechanism of insulin stimulation of (Na+,K+)-ATPase transport activity in muscle

A mathematical model of potassium homeostasis: Effect of feedforward and feedback controls

Maintaining normal potassium (K+) concentrations in the extra- and intracellular fluid is critical for cell function. K+ homeostasis is achieved by ensuring proper distribution between extra- and intracellular fluid compartments and by matching K+ excretion with intake. The Na+-K+-ATPase pump facilitates K+ uptake into the skeletal muscle, where most K+ is stored. Na+-K+-ATPase activity is stimulated by insulin and aldosterone. The kidneys regulate long term K+ homeostasis by controlling the amount of K+ excreted through urine. Renal handling of K+ is mediated by a number of regulatory mechanisms, including an aldosterone-mediated feedback control, in which high extracellular K+ concentration stimulates aldosterone secretion, which enhances urine K+ excretion, and a gastrointestinal feedforward control mechanism, in which dietary K+ intake increases K+ excretion. Recently, a muscle-kidney cross talk signal has been hypothesized, where the K+ concentration in skeletal muscle cells directly affects urine K+ excretion without changes in extracellular K+ concentration. To understand how these mechanisms coordinate under different K+ challenges, we have developed a compartmental model of whole-body K+ regulation. The model represents the intra- and extracellular fluid compartments in a human (male) as well as a detailed kidney compartment. We included (i) the gastrointestinal feedforward control mechanism, (ii) the effect of insulin and (iii) aldosterone on Na+-K+-ATPase K+ uptake, and (iv) aldosterone stimulation of renal K+ secretion. We used this model to investigate the impact of regulatory mechanisms on K+ homeostasis. Model predictions showed how the regulatory mechanisms synthesize to ensure that the extra- and intracelluller fluid K+ concentrations remain in normal range in times of K+ loading and fasting. Additionally, we predict that without the hypothesized muscle-kidney cross talk signal, the model was unable to predict a return to normal extracellular K+ concentration after a period of high K+ loading or depletion.

Inverse Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure Is Associated with an Increased Renin-Angiotensin System Activity

High and low sodium diets are associated with increased blood pressure and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The paradoxical response of elevated BP in low salt diets, aka inverse salt sensitivity (ISS), is an understudied vulnerable 11% of the adult population with yet undiscovered etiology. A linear relationship between the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the dopamine D₂ receptor (DRD2, rs6276 and 6277), and the sodium myo-inositol cotransporter 2 (SLC5A11, rs11074656), as well as decreased expression of these two genes in urine-derived renal proximal tubule cells (uRPTCs) isolated from clinical study participants suggest involvement of these cells in ISS. Insight into this newly discovered paradoxical response to sodium is found by incubating cells in low sodium (LS) conditions that unveil cell physiologic differences that are then reversed by mir-485-5p miRNA blocker transfection and bypassing the genetic defect by DRD2 re-expression. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important counter-regulatory mechanism to prevent hyponatremia under LS conditions. Oversensitive RAS under LS conditions could partially explain the increased mortality in ISS. Angiotensin-II (AngII, 10 nmol/L) increased sodium transport in uRPTCs to a greater extent in individuals with ISS than SR. Downstream signaling of AngII is verified by identifying lowered expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), and manganese-dependent mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) only in ISS-derived uRPTCs and not SR-derived uRPTCs when incubated in LS conditions. We conclude that DRD2 and SLC5A11 variants in ISS may cause an increased low sodium sensitivity to AngII and renal sodium reabsorption which can contribute to inverse salt-sensitive hypertension.

Comparison of the alkalizing abilities between 1.35% sodium bicarbonate solutions with and without dextrose in healthy calves

The present study aimed to clarify the alkalizing ability of 1.35% isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution (ISBS), which did not contain dextrose, compared with that of 1.35% isotonic bicarbonate sodium solution containing 4.03% dextrose (ISBD) in healthy calves. The calves were intravenously administered with 20.7 mL/kg of the solutions for 30 min as the volume required to correct base deficit of 10 mM. ISBS increased the blood pH, HCO₃⁻, and base excess from 7.44 ± 0.02, 29.6 ± 1.9 mM, and 5.3 ± 2.1 mM to 7.49 ± 0.02, 36.9 ± 2.3 mM, and 13.5 ± 2.6 mM respectively (P<0.05). These factors for the ISBD group increased from 7.41 ± 0.02, 29.0 ± 1.1 mM, and 4.5 ± 1.3 mM to 7.43 ± 0.02, 33.5 ± 1.9 mM, and 9.5 ± 1.7 mM (P<0.05), respectively. Furthermore, in the ISBD group, the relative plasma volume and blood glucose level increased while the K⁺ level decreased, which did not occur in the ISBS group. Therefore, the results revealed that ISBS had better alkalizing ability in calves than ISBD.

Insulin does not stimulate β-alanine transport into human skeletal muscle

To test whether high circulating insulin concentrations influence the transport of β-alanine into skeletal muscle at either saturating or subsaturating β-alanine concentrations, we conducted two experiments whereby β-alanine and insulin concentrations were controlled. In experiment 1, 12 men received supraphysiological amounts of β-alanine intravenously (0.11 g·kg−1·min−1for 150 min), with or without insulin infusion. β-Alanine and carnosine were measured in muscle before and 30 min after infusion. Blood samples were taken throughout the infusion protocol for plasma insulin and β-alanine analyses. β-Alanine content in 24-h urine was assessed. In experiment 2, six men ingested typical doses of β-alanine (10 mg/kg) before insulin infusion or no infusion. β-Alanine was assessed in muscle before and 120 min following ingestion. In experiment 1, no differences between conditions were shown for plasma β-alanine, muscle β-alanine, muscle carnosine and urinary β-alanine concentrations (all P > 0.05). In experiment 2, no differences between conditions were shown for plasma β-alanine or muscle β-alanine concentrations (all P > 0.05). Hyperinsulinemia did not increase β-alanine uptake by skeletal muscle cells, neither when substrate concentrations exceed the Vmaxof β-alanine transporter TauT nor when it was below saturation. These results suggest that increasing insulin concentration is not necessary to maximize β-alanine transport into muscle following β-alanine intake.

Insulin Stimulates the Activity of Na+/K+-Atpase in Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells

Objective

To assess the effect of insulin on the Na+/ K+-ATPase expression and activity in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC).

Methods

HPMC were isolated from the omental tissue of non-uremic patients, grown to confluence and rendered quiescent by serum deprivation for 24 hours. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase was determined by measuring the ouabain-sensitive86Rb uptake. To assess whether the effect of insulin was related to changes in [Na+]i the sodium influx was measured with 22Na and the activity of Na+/K+ -A TPase was assessed in the presence of amiloride. Expression of Na+/K+ -A TPaseα1’ α2 and β1-subunit mRNAs was determined by RT/PCR.

Results

Exposure of HPMC to insulin resulted in a time and dose-dependent increase in the Na+/K+-ATPase activity. After 60 minutes the ouabain-sensitive 86Rb up take (cpm/104 cells) was increased from 6650±796 in control cells to 9763±1212 in HPMC exposed to 100 mU/ mL insulin (1.5-fold increase; n=4, P<0.05). In addition, incubation of HPMC with 100 mU/mL insulin resulted in a time-dependent increase in the 22Na influx. Pre-exposure of HPMC to 1 mM amiloride reduced the activity of Na+/K+-A TPase but did not block the stimulatory effect of insulin. RT/PCR analysis revealed that HPMC constitutively expressed α1 and β1-subunit mRNAs while the α2-subunit mRNA was barely detectable. Exposure of HPMC to insulin for up to 24 hours was not associated with any changes in the expression of either α1’ α2 or B1-subunit.

Conclusion

Insulin stimulates the Na+/K+-ATPase activity in HPMC in a time and dose-dependent manner. This effect appears to mediated by an increase in [Na+]i and is not related to alterations in Na+/K+-ATPase subunit mRNAs expression.

Effect of Intravenous Small-Volume Hypertonic Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Chloride, and Glucose Solutions in Decreasing Plasma Potassium Concentration in Hyperkalemic Neonatal Calves with Diarrhea

Background

Hyperkalemia is a frequently observed electrolyte imbalance in dehydrated neonatal diarrheic calves that can result in skeletal muscle weakness and life‐threatening cardiac conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias.

Hypothesis

Intravenous administration of a small‐volume hypertonic NaHCO₃ solution is clinically more effective in decreasing the plasma potassium concentration (cK) in hyperkalemic diarrheic calves than hypertonic NaCl or glucose solutions.

Animals

Twenty‐two neonatal diarrheic calves with cK >5.8 mmol/L.

Methods

Prospective randomized clinical trial. Calves randomly received either 8.4% NaHCO₃ (6.4 mL/kg BW; n = 7), 7.5% NaCl (5 mL/kg BW; n = 8), or 46.2% glucose (5 mL/kg BW; n = 7) IV over 5 minutes and were subsequently allowed to suckle 2 L of an electrolyte solution. Infusions with NaHCO₃ and NaCl provided an identical sodium load of 6.4 mmol/kg BW.

Results

Hypertonic NaHCO₃ infusions produced an immediate and sustained decrease in plasma cK. Hypertonic glucose infusions resulted in marked hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, but cK remained unchanged for 20 minutes. Between 30 and 120 minutes after initiation of treatment, the most marked decrements in cK from baseline occurred in group NaHCO₃, which were significantly (P < .05) larger during this period of time than in calves in group NaCl, but not group glucose. After 120 minutes, the mean decrease in cK from baseline was −26 ± 10%, −9 ± 8%, and −22 ± 6% in groups NaHCO₃, NaCl, and glucose, respectively.

Conclusions/Clinical Importance

Small‐volume hypertonic NaHCO₃ infusions appear to have clinical advantages for the rapid resuscitation of hyperkalemic diarrheic calves, compared to hypertonic NaCl or glucose solutions.

Effects of S906T polymorphism on the severity of a novel borderline mutation I692M in Nav 1.4 cause periodic paralysis

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP) is a dominantly inherited muscle disease caused by mutations in SCN4A gene encoding skeletal muscle voltage gated Na_v 1.4 channels. We identified a novel Na_v 1.4 mutation I692M in 14 families out of the 104 genetically identified HyperPP families in the Neuromuscular Centre Ulm and is therefore as frequent as I693T (13 families out of 14 HyperPP families) in Germany. Surprisingly, in 13 families, a known polymorphism S906T was also present. It was on the affected allele in at least 10 families compatible with a possible founder effect in central Europe. All affected members suffered from episodic weakness; myotonia was also common. Compared with I692M patients, I692M-S906T patients had longer weakness episodes, more affected muscles, CK elevation and presence of permanent weakness. Electrophysiological investigation showed that both mutants had incomplete slow inactivation and a hyperpolarizing shift of activation which contribute to membrane depolarization and weakness. Additionally, I692M-S906T significantly enhanced close-state fast inactivation compared with I692M alone, suggesting a higher proportion of inactivated I692M-S906T channels upon membrane depolarization which may facilitate the initiation of weakness episodes and therefore clinical manifestation. Our results suggest that polymorphism S906T has effects on the clinical phenotypic and electrophysiological severity of a novel borderline Na_v 1.4 mutation I692M, making the borderline mutation fully penetrant.

Comparison of insulin action on glucose versus potassium uptake in humans

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Insulin has several physiologic actions that include stimulation of cellular glucose and potassium uptake. The ability of insulin to induce glucose uptake by cells is impaired in type 2 diabetes mellitus, but whether potassium uptake is similarly impaired is not known. This study examines whether the cellular uptake of these molecules is regulated in concert or independently.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Thirty-two nondiabetic and 13 type 2 diabetic subjects with normal GFR were given a similar, constant metabolic diet for 8 days. On day 9, they were subjected to a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp for 2 hours. Serum and urinary chemistry were obtained before and during the clamp. Glucose disposal rate was calculated from glucose infusion rate during hyperinsulinemic euglycemia. Intracellular potassium and phosphate uptake were calculated by the reduction of extracellular potassium or phosphate content corrected for urinary excretion.

RESULTS

Although glucose disposal rate tended to be lower in type 2 diabetics, cellular potassium uptake was similar between diabetics and nondiabetics. Additionally, although glucose disposal rate was lower with increasing body mass index (R² = 0.362), cellular potassium (R² = 0.052), and phosphate (R² = 0.002), uptake rates did not correlate with body mass index. There was also no correlation between glucose disposal rate and potassium (R² = 0.016) or phosphate uptake (R² = 0.053). Conclusions Insulin-stimulated intracellular uptake of glucose and potassium are independent of each other. In type 2 diabetes, potassium uptake is preserved despite impaired glucose disposal.

Pretreatment with insulin enhances anticancer functions of 5-fluorouracil in human esophageal and colonic cancer cells

AIM

To investigate the effects of insulin on enhancing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) anticancer functions and its mechanisms in the human esophageal cancer cell line (Eca 109) and human colonic cancer cell line (Ls-174-t).

METHODS

The effect of insulin/5-FU combination treatment on the growth of Eca 109 and Ls-174-t cells was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. After insulin treatment or insulin/5-FU treatment, cell cycle distribution of both cell lines was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to assess the expression of caspase-3 and thymidylate synthase (TS). Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation assay, and terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL). Moreover, the changes of 5-FU uptake after insulin pretreatment were detected by HPLC assay and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

We found that insulin enhanced the inhibitory effect of 5- FU on cell proliferation when Eca 109 cells and Ls-174-t cells were pretreated with insulin for the appropriate time. Insulin increased the cell number of the S phase and the uptake of 5-FU. Insulin/5-FU treatment enhanced apoptosis of tumor cells and upregulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3 compared with 5-FU treatment. Moreover, insulin/5-FU treatment induced the changes of free TS and the TS ternary complex level compared with 5-FU treatment in Eca 109 and Ls-174-t cells.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that insulin enhances anticancer functions of 5- FU when it is treated before 5-FU for the appropriate time in human esophageal and colonic cancer cell lines.

Animal and human tissue Na,K-ATPase in normal and insulin-resistant states: regulation, behaviour and interpretative hypothesis on NEFA effects

The sodium(Na)- and potassium(K)-activated adenosine-triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) is a membrane enzyme that energizes the Na-pump by hydrolysing adenosine triphosphate and wasting energy as heat, so playing a role in thermogenesis and energy balance. Na,K-ATPase regulation by insulin is controversial; in tissue of hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic ob/ob mice, we reported a reduction, whereas in streptozotocin-treated hypoinsulinemic-diabetic Swiss and ob/ob mice we found an increased activity, which is against a genetic defect and suggests a regulation by hyperinsulinemia. In human adipose tissue from obese patients, Na,K-ATPase activity was reduced and negatively correlated with body mass index, oral glucose tolerance test-insulinemic area and blood pressure. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with tissue Na,K-ATPase reduction, apparently linked to hyperinsulinemia, which may repress or inactivate the enzyme, thus opposing thyroid hormones and influencing thermogenesis and obesity development. Insulin action on Na,K-ATPase, in vivo, might be mediated by the high level of non-esterified fatty acids, which are circulating enzyme inhibitors and increase in obesity, diabetes and hypertension. In this paper, we analyse animal and human tissue Na,K-ATPase, its level, and its regulation and behaviour in some hyperinsulinemic and insulin-resistant states; moreover, we discuss the link of the enzyme with non-esterified fatty acids and attempt to interpret and organize in a coherent view the whole body of the exhaustive literature on this complicated topic.

Identification of potential regulatory sites of the Na+,K+-ATPase by kinetic analysis

Kinetic models are presented that allow the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase steady-state turnover number to be estimated at given intra- and extracellular concentrations of Na(+), K(+), and ATP. Based on experimental transient kinetic data, the models utilize either three or four steps of the Albers-Post scheme, that is, E(2) --> E(1), E(1) --> E(2)P (or E(1) --> E(1)P and E(1)P --> E(2)P), and E(2)P --> E(2), which are the major rate-determining steps of the enzyme cycle. On the time scale of these reactions, the faster binding steps of Na(+), K(+), and ATP to the enzyme are considered to be in equilibrium. Each model was tested by comparing calculations of the steady-state turnover from rate constants and equilibrium constants for the individual partial reactions with published experimental data of the steady-state activity at varying Na(+) and K(+) concentrations. To provide reasonable agreement between the calculations and the experimental data, it was found that Na(+)/K(+) competition for cytoplasmic binding sites was an essential feature required in the model. The activity was also very dependent on the degree of K(+)-induced stimulation of the reverse reaction E(1) --> E(2). Taking into account the physiological substrate concentrations, the models allow the most likely potential sites of short-term Na(+),K(+)-ATPase regulation to be identified. These were found to be (a) the cytoplasmic Na(+) and K(+) binding sites, via changes in Na(+) or K(+) concentration or their dissociation constants, (b) ATP phosphorylation (as a substrate), via a change in its rate constant, and (c) the position of the E(2)<==>E(1) equilibrium.

Insulin increases the turnover rate of Na+-K+-ATPase in human fibroblasts

Insulin stimulates K+ transport by the Na+-K+-ATPase in human fibroblasts. In other cell systems, this action represents an automatic response to increased intracellular [Na+] or results from translocation of transporters from an intracellular site to the plasma membrane. Here we evaluate whether these mechanisms are operative in human fibroblasts. Human fibroblasts expressed the alpha(1) but not the alpha(2) and alpha(3) isoforms of Na+-K+-ATPase . Insulin increased the influx of Rb+, used to trace K+ entry, but did not modify the total intracellular content of K+, Rb+, and Na+ over a 3-h incubation period. Ouabain increased intracellular Na+ more rapidly in cells incubated with insulin, but this increase followed insulin stimulation of Rb+ transport. Bumetanide did not prevent the increased Na+ influx or stimulation of Na+-K+-ATPase. Stimulation of the Na+-K+-ATPase by insulin did not produce any measurable change in membrane potential. Insulin did not affect the affinity of the pump toward internal Na+ or the number of membrane-bound Na+-K+-ATPases, as assessed by ouabain binding. By contrast, insulin slightly increased the affinity of Na+-K+-ATPase toward ouabain. Phorbol esters did not mimic insulin action on Na+-K+-ATPase and inhibited, rather than stimulated, Rb+ transport. These results indicate that insulin increases the turnover rate of Na+-K+-ATPases of human fibroblasts without affecting their number on the plasma membrane or modifying their dependence on intracellular [Na+].

PKCdelta activation: a divergence point in the signaling of insulin and IGF-1-induced proliferation of skin keratinocytes

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are members of the family of the insulin family of growth factors, which activate similar cellular downstream pathways. In this study, we analyzed the effects of insulin and IGF-1 on the proliferation of murine skin keratinocytes in an attempt to determine whether these hormones trigger the same signaling pathways. Increasing doses of insulin and IGF-1 promote keratinocyte proliferation in an additive manner. We identified downstream pathways specifically involved in insulin signaling that are known to play a role in skin physiology; these include activation of the Na+/K+ pump and protein kinase C (PKC). Insulin, but not IGF-1, stimulated Na+/K+ pump activity. Furthermore, ouabain, a specific Na+/K+ pump inhibitor, abolished the proliferative effect of insulin but not that of IGF-1. Insulin and IGF-1 also differentially regulated PKC activation. Insulin, but not IGF-1, specifically activated and translocated the PKCB isoform to the membrane fraction. There was no effect on PKC isoforms alpha, eta, epsilon, and zeta, which are expressed in skin. PKC8 overexpression increased keratinocyte proliferation and Na+/K+ pump activity to a degree similar to that induced by insulin but had no affect on IGF-1-induced proliferation. Furthermore, a dominant negative form of PKCdelta abolished the effects of insulin on both proliferation and Na+/K+ pump activity but did not abrogate induction of keratinocyte proliferation induced by other growth factors. These data indicate that though insulin or IGF-1 stimulation induce keratinocyte proliferation, only insulin action is specifically mediated via PKC8 and involves activation of the Na+/K+ pump.

Insulin, cation metabolism and insulin resistance

There is considerable evidence that insulin and insulin-like growth factors regulate a number of important physiological functions in a variety of tissues, some not considered to be classically insulin sensitive. Impaired biological responses to insulin and related insulin-like growth factors are referred to as insulin resistance. Persons with insulin resistance often display clinical abnormalities other than impaired glucose tolerance, including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, and abnormal coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. The mechanisms leading to development of insulin resistance are not fully understood. However, in addition to abnormalities of phosphorylation processes, it appears that alterations in cellular cation metabolism contribute to diminished cellular actions of insulin (i.e., glucose transport and hemodynamic actions). This review focuses on known cellular cation abnormalities and associated insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.

Insulin as a vascular hormone: implications for the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease

1. Metabolic disorders, such as obesity and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disorders, such as essential hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and atherosclerosis, have two features in common, namely relative resistance to insulin-mediated glucose uptake and vascular endothelial dysfunction. 2. Significant increases in limb blood flow occur in response to systemic hyperinsulinaemia, although there is marked variation in the results due to a number of confounding factors, including activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Local hyperinsulinaemia has a less marked vasodilator action despite similar plasma concentrations, but this can be augmented by co-infusing D-glucose. 3. Insulin may stimulate endothelial nitric oxide production or may act directly on vascular smooth muscle via stimulation of the Na+-H+ exchanger and Na+/K+-ATPase, leading to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane and consequent closure of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. 4. There is evidence both for and against the existence of a functional relationship between insulin-mediated glucose uptake (insulin sensitivity) and insulin-mediated vasodilation (which can be regarded as a surrogate measure for endothelial function). 5. If substrate delivery is the rate-limiting step for insulin-mediated glucose uptake (in other words, if skeletal muscle blood flow is a determinant of glucose uptake), then endothelial dysfunction, resulting in a relative inability of mediators, including insulin, to stimulate muscle blood flow, may be the underlying mechanism accounting for the association of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disorders with insulin resistance. 6. Glucose uptake may determine peripheral blood flow via stimulation of ATP-dependent ion pumps with consequent vasorelaxation. 7. A 'third factor' may cause both insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Candidates include skeletal muscle fibre type and capillary density, distribution of adiposity and endogenous corticosteroid production. 8. A complex interaction between endothelial dysfunction, abnormal skeletal muscle blood flow and reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake may be central to the link between insulin resistance, blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance and the risk of cardiovascular disease. An understanding of the primary mechanisms resulting in these phenotypes may reveal new therapeutic targets in metabolic and cardiovascular disease.

Changes in the expression of Na+/K+-ATPase isoenzymes in the left ventricle of diabetic rat hearts: effect of insulin treatment

Na+/K+-ATPase related strophanthidin sensitive 3-O-methylfluorescein-phosphatase activity, [3H]ouabain binding and expression of Na+/K+-ATPase subunit isoforms were measured in the left ventricle of the heart of normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats with and without insulin treatment. Compared to control animals, the enzyme activity was 0.75 +/- 0.09 and 0.62 +/- 0.06 times lower in rats diabetic for 2 and for 4 weeks, respectively. This was associated with a proportional decrease of the [3H]ouabain binding sites. Immunoblots indicated a 0.76 +/- 0.08 and 0.61 +/- 0.08-fold decrease of alpha1, a 0.68 +/- 0.09 and 0.41 +/- 0.04-fold decrease of alpha2 subunit in 2- and 4-week diabetic rats, respectively relative to controls. Beta1 subunit decreased proportionally 0.71 +/- 0.07 and 0.38 +/- 0.06-fold, and beta2 decreased 0.75 +/- 0.08 and 0.31 +/- 0.06-fold, respectively. Northern blot analysis revealed a significant reduction in mRNA level of Na+/K+-ATPase subunit isoforms after 2 and 4 weeks of diabetes (for alpha1 66.2 +/- 8.2 and 55.9 +/- 7.8% of controls for alpha2 91.7 +/- 12.1 and 41.1 +/- 7.1% of controls and for beta subunit 93.4 +/- 11.1 and 49.8 +/- 6.8% of controls, respectively). Although, mRNA levels of isoform reverted to even higher levels than the control values after insulin treatment, insulin caused only a partial recovery of enzyme activity, [3H]ouabain binding capacity and protein expression. We have obtained evidence that in cardiac left ventricle there are more than one type of Na+/K+-ATPase alpha and beta subunit isoforms which are affected in diabetes and by insulin treatment. The time course of diabetes induced changes and the degree of involvement suggest that the Na+/K+-ATPase isoforms are altered individually.

The alpha2L111R,N122D isoform of the Na,K-ATPase expressed in HeLa cells does not undergo an adipocyte-like increase in activity in response to insulin

In the rat adipocyte, insulin increases potassium uptake by a preferential activation of the alpha2 isoform of the Na,K-ATPase. The question under consideration here is whether expression of the alpha2 isoform is sufficient to replicate its differential activation by insulin. Accordingly, we compared the effect of insulin on the activity of the ouabain resistant rat alpha1 and alpha2RD (alpha2L111R,N122D) isoforms in HeLa cells. In HeLa cells, in contrast to the rat adipocyte, insulin produces an increase of equal magnitude in the rate of 86Rb+/K+ uptake by the ouabain resistant rat alpha1 and rat alpha2RD subunits. We conclude that the mechanism of insulin activation of the alpha2RD isoform in HeLa cells differs from that of the wild type alpha2 isoform in the rat adipocyte.

Cell volume and the metabolic actions of insulin

Insulin increases the volume of isolated hepatocytes and cells in perfused livers, but effects of the hormone on the volume of fat or muscle cells have not been demonstrated. Exogenous amino acids may stimulate swelling of liver cells and induce insulin-like effects on hepatic protein metabolism; however, swelling of liver cells can be induced by some treatment that do not induce insulin-like metabolic responses. Exogenous amino acids also influence protein metabolism of fat and muscle cells, but no relationship with cell volume has been established and no corresponding effects on metabolism of carbohydrates or lipids have been observed. Three families of mitogen-activated protein kinases are activated after changes in extracellular osmolarity but they appear to play little or no role in the metabolic actions of insulin. Direct evidence against a metabolic role for the extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK-1 and ERK-2 is discussed. The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (also called stress-activated protein kinases) and the mammalian homologs of the yeast Hog protein kinase are strongly activated by environmental stresses associated with catabolic metabolism. We conclude that cell volume and protein metabolism may be correlated in liver but there is no compelling evidence that the effects of insulin on metabolism of liver, fat, or muscle cells can be accounted for by changes in cell volume. The effects of insulin on cell volume may represent a discrete aspect of the complete physiological response rather than an obligatory intermediate step in metabolic signalling.

Insulin stimulates the Na+,K(+)-ATPase and the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransporter of human fibroblasts

Insulin regulation of K+ (Rb+) transport was investigated in cultured human fibroblasts using a non-radioactive method which allows the simultaneous determination of the intracellular concentration of other monovalent cations. Insulin stimulated Rb+ influx through the Na+,K(+)-ATPase and the Na+/K(+)/Cl- cotransporter in human fibroblasts. Insulin stimulation was very rapid and maximal effect was observed within 10 min. Insulin stimulation of Rb+ uptake via the Na+,K(+)-ATPase and the Na+/K(+)/Cl- cotransporter was dose-dependent, with half-maximal stimulation at 2-3 nM of hormone. Insulin increased the V(max) of both transporters involved, affecting only minimally their Km. In other cells, insulin stimulates the Na+,K(+)-pump by increasing Na+ availability through the Na+/H+ exchanger. In human fibroblasts, insulin stimulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase occurred in the presence of ethyl-isopropyl amiloride, an inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchanger, and without sustained changes in intracellular[Na+]. By contrast, insulin action on Na+,K(+)-ATPase was impaired by the protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine and genistein. These results indicate that, in human fibroblasts, insulin stimulates both the Na+,K(+)-ATPase and the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransporter, that stimulation of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase occurs in the absence of changes in intracellular [Na+], and that protein kinase activity is essential for this insulin action.

Insulin-induced translocation of Na+-K+-ATPase subunits to the plasma membrane is muscle fiber type specific

We have previously shown that an acute insulin treatment induces redistribution of the alpha 2- and beta 1- isoforms of the Na+-K+-ATPase from intracellular membranes to plasma membranes detected on subcellular fractionation of mixed muscles and immunoblotting with isoform-specific antibodies (H. S. Hundal et al. J. Biol. Chem. 267: 5040-5043, 1992). In the present study we give both biochemical and morphological evidence that this insulin effect is operative in muscles composed mostly of oxidative (red) fibers but not in muscles composed mostly of glycolytic (white) fibers. The redistribution of the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha 2- and beta 1-isoforms after insulin injection was detected in membranes isolated from and muscles (soleus, red gastrocnemius, red rectus femoris, and red vastus lateralis) but not in membranes from white muscles (white gastrocnemius, tensor fasciae latae, white rectus femoris, and white vastus lateralis). After insulin injection, the potassium-dependent 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase activity of the enzyme was higher by 22% in the plasma membrane-enriched fraction and lower by 15% in the internal membrane fraction isolated from red but not from white muscles. Quantitative immunoelectron microscopy of ultrathin muscle cryosections showed that in vivo insulin stimulation augmented the density of Na+-K+-ATPase alpha 2- and beta 1- isoforms at the plasma membrane of soleus muscle by 80 and 124%, respectively, with no change in white gastrocnemius muscle. The effect of insulin to increase the content of Na+-K+-ATPase alpha 2- and beta 1-subunits in isolated plasma membranes was still observed when glycemia was prevented from dropping by using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. We conclude that the insulin-induced redistribution of the alpha 2- and beta 1-isoforms of the Na+-K+-ATPase from an intracellular pool to the plasma membrane in restricted to oxidative fiber-type skeletal muscles. This may be related to the selective expression of beta 1-subunits in these fibers and implies that the beta 2-subunit, typical of glycolytic muscles, does not sustain translocation of alpha 2 beta 2-complexes.

Discrete brain areas express the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GLUT4

Whether or not glucose utilization in the brain is insulin-dependent is still a controversial issue. We looked for the presence of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter (GLUT4) in rat brain and obtained the following results: (1) poly(A) RNAs from the hypothalamus and anterior medulla oblongata hybridize with a cDNA probe for GLUT4; (2) reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on RNA from various brain nuclei detects GLUT4 transcripts; (3) immunocytochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody to GLUT4; reveals a specific immunostaining pattern, whereas both electronic microscopy and double immunofluorescence staining, using a neurofilament protein marker, indicate a neuronal localization. These results are discussed in terms of a putative neuromodulator role of insulin, via glucose utilization, in brain areas involved in the regulation of fuel metabolism.

Modulation of the Na-H antiport by insulin: interplay between protein kinase C, tyrosine kinase, and protein phosphatases

The insulin modulation of Na-H antiport in rat hepatocytes was studied using the fluorescent, pH-sensitive intracellular probe, 2',7' bis (carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Our data show that insulin stimulates the Na-H antiport. The dose-response of insulin effect shows a behavior typical of other insulin responses: a maximum in the physiological range (1 nM) and smaller effects at higher and lower hormone concentrations. The time-course of activation is very fast at high hormone concentrations and slow, but reaching a higher value, for the physiological concentrations (0.26 +/- 0.05 and 0.18 +/- 0.022 pH units for 1 nM and 1 microM insulin respectively). The use of phorbol, 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA), a potent activator of protein kinase C and its inhibitor staurosporine, and the inhibitor of tyrosine kinase erbstatin analog, suggests that both protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase could be involved in the mechanism leading to Na-H antiport activation by insulin. We suggest that the activation of the antiport involves the two pathways depending on the hormone concentration. In particular, protein kinase C would mediate the effects of high hormone concentrations, acting as a growth factor, since staurosporine fully inhibited insulin 1 microM, but only partially 1 nM effects, and tyrosine kinase would mediate the effect of insulin 1 nM and only partially 1 microM. Okadaic acid 1 microM, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases, mimicked the hormone effects on the antiport and abolished the different time-course due to hormone concentration, suggesting a role of kinases and phosphatases in the signal transduction. The effect of all activators was abolished by amiloride analog, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA), confirming the specificity of these effects.

Erythrocyte Na+,K(+)-ATPase properties and adenylate energy charge in normotensives and in essential hypertensives

The activity and some kinetic properties of RBC Na+,K(+)-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.37) were investigated in essential hypertensives (EH; 40 subjects) and normotensives (NT; 20 subjects). A decrease in ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake as well as ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity was found in EH. [Na+]i and [K+]i of EH did not show any statistical difference from NT. Na+,K(+)-ATPase showed a reduced Mg2+ activation and the apparent Km value for Mg2+ was 2-fold increased in the EH group. The influence of temperature on the Na+,K(+)-ATPase showed a reduced modulation and a minor activity peak at 37 degrees C in the patients, consequently the calculated activation energy of the enzyme was increased at temperatures lower than 40 degrees C. Increased RBC adenylate energy charge (EC) was observed in EH when compared with NT. A negative correlation between EC and total Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was found when all subjects were compared and also in both groups, showing a possible pump involvement in the regulation of the RBC metabolic flux in EH. These data provide evidence about some modifications in active Na+,K+ transport and in EC in RBC which allows a further characterization of membrane cation fluxes in EH.

Glutamate up-regulates alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits of the sodium pump in astrocytes of mixed telencephalic cultures but not in pure astrocyte cultures

Prior work employing an in vitro model of the cerebral cortex has shown that sodium pump activity is a critical determinant for neuronal survival of glutamate stimulation. We have hypothesized that up-regulation of total brain sodium pump activity will protect against potential excitotoxins. Increased sodium pump activity could theoretically occur by changes in the reaction rate (short-term) and/or by increased levels of sodium pump protein (long-term) and is potentially complex since the three catalytic (a) subunit isoforms of the sodium pump are distributed in a highly variable, cell-specific pattern in the brain. Short-term regulation (seconds to minutes) has been well studied: brain sodium pump exhibits a large dynamic range. In contrast, the possibility of long-term modulation of sodium pump activity has not been extensively explored. We used isoform specific antibodies and [3H]ouabain binding to determine whether prolonged stimulation of sodium pump activity in rodent telencephalic cultures increased total sodium pump enzyme. Exposure of mixed neuronal-glial cultures to high levels of glutamate (10 mM) for 18 h, which is highly toxic to neurons, was associated with an approximately 80% increase in alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunit expression by glia. Induction of alpha 2 subunit immunoreactivity was also associated with comparable changes in [3H]ouabain binding, suggesting that the up-regulation corresponded to functional alpha 2 protein. Shorter (30 min) glutamate treatments, which also killed neurons, did not produce similar changes in sodium pump expression. In contrast to mixed cultures, pure astrocyte cultures had undetectable alpha 2 and alpha 3 and moderate levels of alpha 1 protein, as confirmed by low levels of [3H]ouabain binding. Glutamate treatment using this protocol was associated with a decrease in alpha 1 sodium pump expression. We conclude that long-term regulation of the sodium pump can be demonstrated in glia which have developed in the presence of neurons. Both alpha 1 and alpha 2 isoforms of the sodium pump are involved in this response to glutamate.

Insulin reduces contraction and intracellular calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle

Resistance to insulin-induced glucose disposal is associated with hypertension, in accord with recent reports that insulin-induced vasodilation is impaired in men with resistance to insulin-induced glucose disposal. Nevertheless, the mechanism of insulin-induced vasodilation is not known. We wished to determine whether a physiological concentration of insulin inhibits agonist-induced contraction at the level of the individual vascular smooth muscle cell, and if so, how. Dispersed vascular smooth muscle cells from dog femoral artery were grown on collagen gels for 4 to 8 days. Contraction and intracellular Ca2+ concentration of individual cells were measured by photomicroscopy and fura 2 epifluorescence microscopy, respectively. Serotonin and angiotensin II contracted cells in a dose-dependent manner. Preincubation of cells for 20 minutes (short-term) or 7 days (long-term) with insulin (40 microU/mL) inhibited serotonin- and angiotensin II-induced contractions by approximately 50%. Insulin (10 microU/mL) acutely inhibited serotonin-induced contraction by 34%. The maximal effect of high extracellular K(+)-induced contraction was not affected by short-term insulin exposure, but the ED50 for extracellular K(+)-induced contraction was increased from 7.6 +/- 2.5 to 16.0 +/- 3.9 mmol/L (P < .05). Short-term insulin exposure also attenuated the peak rise of the serotonin-induced intracellular Ca2+ transient and increased the rate constant for intracellular Ca2+ decline. Verapamil and ouabain completely blocked the attenuation of agonist-induced contraction by short-term insulin exposure, indicating the importance of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and the Na(+)-K+ pump for this effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phenotypic effects of aldosterone and dexamethasone in a SV40-transformed mammalian cortical ascending limb cell line exhibiting mineralocorticoid receptors

We have analyzed the functional and morphological effects of corticosteroid hormones in a SV40-transformed rabbit cortical-ascending-limb (CAL) cell line (RC.SV2, Vandewalle et al., 1989) having mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors (Rafestin-Oblin et al., 1993). Both aldosterone and dexamethasone (5 x 10(-8) M) induced a marked increase in (3H)ouabain binding (used to quantify membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase) detectable as early as 6 hours and maximal at 24 hours (+56-57%) (due to a 1.6-1.8-fold increase in cell membrane binding sites without Kd alteration), and significantly augmented the ouabain-sensitive component of Rb+ influx. Triiodothyronine (T3, 10(-9) M) also stimulated ouabain binding by 21% but was not permissive for steroid action, whereas 5 micrograms/ml insulin had no effect. Both steroid hormones, T3 and insulin induced the formation of domes that was tightly correlated with ouabain binding (r = 0.949) except for insulin. The effects of aldosterone and dexamethasone on cell monolayers and cell ultrastructure were, however, strikingly different as aldosterone induced a marked amplification of basolateral areas with appearance of large intercellular spaces, reminiscent of the changes observed in deoxycorticosterone-treated rats, whereas dexamethasone predominantly influenced cell height. This discrepancy might be due to specific occupancy of MR and GR by aldosterone and dexamethasone, respectively, and/or to nongenomic effects of dexamethasone. We have thus characterized a cell culture model making it possible to analyze the actions of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid hormones in the mammalian kidney.

Renal tubular Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in diabetes mellitus: relationship to metabolic abnormality

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of long-term diabetes on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in isolated nephron segments in five groups of rats: 1) controls of 7 wk duration (7 WD), 2) diabetes mellitus (DM) of 7 WD, 3) DM of 7 WD treated with insulin replacement, 4) DM rats of 25 WD, and 5) control rats of 25 WD. The blood glucose (BG) values in the first three groups were 123 +/- 9, 450 +/- 25, and 302 +/- 30 mg/dl; the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 1.34 +/- 0.08, 1.80 +/- 0.10, and 1.77 +/- 0.08 ml/min; and urinary sodium excretion was 0.94 +/- 0.05, 1.76 +/- 0.10, and 1.40 +/- 0.07 mu eq/min. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in group 2 increased in all segments studied (P < 0.001, group 1 vs. 2 for all). In group 3, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase normalized in proximal convoluted (PC), proximal straight (PS), and distal convoluted (DC) tubules (P < 0.001, group 2 vs. group 3 for all), whereas in the outer medullary thick ascending limb (OMTAL) the correction was partial and in the CTAL and CCD there was no correction. In group 4 BG was 420 +/- 20 mg/100 ml compared with 123 +/- 9 in group 5 (P < 0.001), and GFR was 1.19 +/- 0.11 ml/min vs. 1.15 +/- 0.11 in group 5 (P = not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of angiotensin II in high fructose-induced left ventricular hypertrophy in rats

Recent studies suggest the linkage of hypertension and insulin resistance. High fructose diet is known to induce hyperinsulinemia and hypertension in rats. In a previous study, however, high fructose (66%) diet failed to elevate blood pressure but increased left ventricular weight in Sprague-Dawley rats. In the present study, we investigated the precise mechanism of high fructose diet-induced changes in the cardiovascular system in rats. Intake of fructose-enriched diet for 2 weeks increased serum insulin and plasma angiotensin II levels. Urinary excretion of sodium and norepinephrine was not changed. Blood pressure measured directly through an indwelling catheter was not increased, but left ventricular weight and protein content were increased by high fructose diet. To further elucidate the role of the renin-angiotensin system, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, TCV-116, was given orally at 1 mg/kg per day with either normal or high fructose diet. Concomitant administration of TCV-116 did not affect plasma glucose or serum insulin levels. Plasma angiotensin II was increased, but neither urinary sodium nor norepinephrine was changed by TCV-116. TCV-116 similarly decreased blood pressure in rats on normal and high fructose diets. Increase in left ventricular weight induced by high fructose diet was prevented by the concomitant administration of TCV-116. On the other hand, left ventricular weight in control rats was not changed by TCV-116. In conclusion, increased plasma angiotensin II may account for the left ventricular hypertrophy induced by high fructose diet, whereas hemodynamic change, sodium retention, and the sympathetic nervous system do not play an important role.

Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity and its alpha II subunit gene expression in rat skeletal muscle: influence of diabetes, fasting, and refeeding

We have examined the effects of diabetes, fasting, and refeeding on Na+/K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity and its catalytic alpha II subunit gene expression in skeletal muscle. Two hypoinsulinemic states, streptozotocin-induced diabetes and 48-hour fasting caused a significant decrease (P less than .05) in skeletal muscle Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity and a marked increase (P less than .01) in the levels of alpha II subunit mRNA. A decrease in enzyme activity was observed on the 2nd and the 14th day of diabetes, whereas an increase in alpha II mRNA levels was found only on the 14th day. The levels of alpha I mRNA were not affected, while the levels of mRNA of the structural beta subunit were decreased on the 14th day of diabetes. Correction of hyperglycemia with insulin restored enzyme activity and alpha II isoform mRNA levels toward normal in diabetic animals. Refeeding for 48 or 72 hours restored these parameters to normal in skeletal muscle of previously fasting rats. These observations suggest that a decrease in muscle Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity may lead to a compensatory increase in its alpha II subunit gene expression. The levels of insulin and not of glycemia appear to be critical in modulating Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity and gene expression.

Glutamine metabolism in skeletal muscle of septic rats

The metabolism of skeletal muscle glutamine was studied in rats made septic by cecal ligation and puncture technique. Blood glucose was not significantly different in septic rats, but lactate, pyruvate, glutamine, and alanine were markedly increased. Conversely, blood ketone body concentrations were markedly decreased in septic rats. Both plasma insulin and glucagon were markedly elevated in septic rats. Sepsis increased the rates of glutamine production in muscle, but without marked effects on skin and adipose tissue preparations, with muscle production accounting for over 87% of total glutamine produced by the hindlimb. Sepsis produced decreases in the concentrations of skeletal muscle glutamine, glutamate, 2-oxoglutarate, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The concentrations of ammonia, pyruvate, and inosine monophosphate (IMP) were increased. Hindlimb blood flow showed no marked change in response to sepsis, but was accompanied by an enhanced net release of glutamine and alanine. The maximal activity of glutamine synthetase was increased only in quadriceps muscles of septic rats, whereas that of glutaminase was decreased in all muscles studied. Tyrosine release from incubated muscle preparation was markedly increased in septic rats; however, its rate of incorporation was markedly decreased. It is concluded that there is an enhanced rate of production of glutamine from skeletal muscle of septic rats. This may be due to changes in efflux and/or increased intracellular formation of glutamine; these suggestions are discussed.

The relationships of concentrations of insulin, intact proinsulin and 32-33 split proinsulin with cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic subjects

Standard radioimmunoassay for insulin may substantially overestimate levels of insulin because of cross-reaction with other insulin-like molecules. We have measured concentrations of insulin, intact proinsulin and 32-33 split proinsulin using two-site monoclonal antibody based immunoradiometric assays, and of insulin by a standard radioimmunoassay ("immunoreactive insulin") in 51 Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic subjects in the fasting state. The relationships of these concentrations were sought with those of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, plasminogen activator inhibitor, blood pressure, and indices of body fat distribution. Significant relationships were apparent between concentrations of "immunoreactive insulin" as measured by standard radioimmunoassay and triglyceride (rs = 0.42, p less than 0.001), total cholesterol (rs = 0.25, p = 0.038), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (rs = -0.30, p = 0.018) and body mass index (rs = 0.30, p = 0.017), but only the relationships with triglyceride (rs = 0.36, p = 0.006) and body mass index (rs = 0.26, p = 0.34) remained significant when concentrations of immunoradiometrically measured insulin were employed. Concentrations of 32-33 split proinsulin, which comprises the major insulin-like molecule in these subjects, correlated positively with triglyceride (rs = 0.33, p = 0.009), total cholesterol (rs = 0.23, p = 0.050), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (rs = 0.26, p = 0.049), and negatively with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (rs = -0.29, p = 0.021).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Arterial hypertension in patients with obesity. Role of hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance]

The association between arterial hypertension and obesity has been known for many years and demonstrated by epidemiological studies. The physiopathological mechanisms involved consist of increased extracellular volumes, hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and abnormal ion exchanges between extra- and intracellular compartments. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between arterial hypertension and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may well be the most important aetiological factor in this type of arterial hypertension as it stimulates both renal sodium reabsorption and sympathetic nervous system activity and reduces vascular Na-K-ATPase activity.

Insulin activation of brain Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is mediated by alpha 2-form of enzyme

The sensitivity of the synaptosomal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase to insulin was examined and found to be stimulated by the hormone when physiological intracellular sodium concentrations were present. Activation was not mediated by a sodium influx into the vesicles, as shown using sodium uptake experiments and by the fact that tetrodotoxin did not inhibit insulin action. Because the brain Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase catalytic subunit exists as two forms with different affinities for the inhibitory cardiac glycoside ouabain, the sensitivity of each form for insulin was examined. As previously observed in adipocytes, only the high-affinity component, alpha 2, was insulin sensitive. A dose-response curve of insulin activation of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase demonstrated a maximal insulin effect at relatively high hormone concentrations. It is unknown, therefore, whether stimulation of the brain Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase occurs in vivo.

Sodium affinity of brain Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is dependent on isozyme and environment of the pump

The sodium affinities for the two forms of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in brain were characterized. To mimic physiological conditions, synaptosomes, which are pinched off presynaptic nerve termini, were used. Examination of the pump in vitro was performed by preparing synaptic plasma membranes (SPMs). It was first shown that synaptosomes contain the two forms of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, alpha 1 and alpha 2, and that these forms have markedly different affinities for the inhibitory cardiac glycoside ouabain. The apparent dissociation constant (K0.5) of alpha 1 for sodium changed from 12 to 9 mM when going from synaptosomes to membranes. For alpha 2, however, a shift from 36 to 12.5 mM was evident. The conclusion is that in vivo alpha 2 exists as a low sodium affinity species but can be altered to a high-affinity form simply by vesicle disruption. By comparison, the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase from the mouse fibroblast cell line, 3T3-F442A cells, expressed only the alpha 1-isozyme, as shown by immunoblotting and by measurement of its ouabain and sodium affinities. The physiological relevance of these observations is also presented.

Molecular genetics of Na,K-ATPase

Researchers in the past few years have successfully used molecular-genetic approaches to determine the primary structures of several P-type ATPases. The amino-acid sequences of distinct members of this class of ion-transport ATPases (Na,K-, H,K-, and Ca-ATPases) have been deduced by cDNA cloning and sequencing. The Na,K-ATPase belongs to a multiple gene family, the principal diversity apparently resulting from distinct catalytic alpha isoforms. Computer analyses of the hydrophobicity and potential secondary structure of the alpha subunits and primary sequence comparisons with homologs from various species as well as other P-type ATPases have identified common structural features. This has provided the molecular foundation for the design of models and hypotheses aimed at understanding the relationship between structure and function. Development of a hypothetical transmembrane organization for the alpha subunit and application of site-specific mutagenesis techniques have allowed significant progress to be made toward identifying amino acids involved in cardiac glycoside resistance and possibly binding. However, the complex structural and functional features of this protein indicate that extensive research is necessary before a clear understanding of the molecular basis of active cation transport is achieved. This is complicated further by the paucity of information regarding the structural and functional contributions of the beta subunit. Until such information is obtained, the proposed model and functional hypotheses should be considered judiciously. Considerable progress also has been made in characterizing the regulatory complexity involved in expression of multiple alpha-isoform and beta-subunit genes in various tissues and cells during development and in response to hormones and cations. The regulatory mechanisms appear to function at several molecular levels, involving transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and posttranslational processes in a tissue- or cell-specific manner. However, much research is needed to precisely define the contributions of each of these mechanisms. Recent isolation of the genes for these subunits provides the framework for future advances in this area. Continued application of biochemical, biophysical, and molecular genetic techniques is required to provide a detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in cation transport of this biologically and pharmacologically important enzyme.

Role of cellular calcium metabolism in abnormal glucose metabolism and diabetic hypertension

The prevalence of hypertension in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is considerably higher than in the non-diabetic population. Insulin resistance may contribute to this increased prevalence. Abnormal cellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis may link insulin resistance and high blood pressure in patients with NIDDM. Observations of abnormal cellular Ca2+ homeostasis in animal models of NIDDM and obesity as well as in diabetic patients are consistent with this hypothesis. Abnormalities in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis are also found in hypertensive animals and humans. Alterations in cell membrane phospholipid content and distribution may be the primary cause of abnormal plasma membrane Ca2+ fluxes in patients with NIDDM and hypertension.

The effect of environmental temperature on prandial changes in leucocyte sodium transport in man

Cellular sodium transport via the Na+, K+-ATPase contributes significantly to daily energy expenditure. The effect of a meal on leucocyte Na+ transport and intracellular electrolytes was therefore investigated in lean normal subjects at room temperatures of 23 degrees and 33 degrees, to determine if the Na pump responds to the need for thermogenesis. In the fasting state, the ouabain-sensitive efflux rate which reflects active Na+ transport, and the intracellular electrolytes were similar. At 2 h after eating a 4.2 MJ (1000 kcal) meal, the ouabain-sensitive efflux rate constant rose when the room temperature was 23 degrees but not at 33 degrees. The ouabain-sensitive Na+ efflux rate, an index of active Na+ transport, rose post-prandially at 23 degrees only. The post-prandial activation of leucocyte active Na efflux in normal subjects was blunted at higher environmental temperatures, when the need for thermogenesis was reduced.

Muscle glutamine concentration and protein turnover in vivo in malnutrition and in endotoxemia

A comparison of the changes in the concentration of glutamine [Gln] in skeletal muscle in a variety of catabolic states with the attendant changes in rates of protein synthesis and degradation indicates a number of substantial correlations which provide insight into both the way in which [Gln] is regulated in muscle and possible regulatory influences of [Gln] on protein balance. There is a striking direct correlation between [Gln] and the rate of protein synthesis in the whole data set. Further examination of this relationship in protein deficiency shows that the changes in [Gln] correlate mainly with the reductions in ribosomal concentration (RNA/protein) and with the decrease in the rate of protein degradation. Because the fall in [Gln] in protein deficiency is also correlated with the decrease in free T3 concentrations, it is suggested that in this case the correlations of [Gln] with rates of protein turnover may be incidental, reflecting thyroidal influences on both protein turnover and glutamine transport. In contrast, in endotoxemia the changes in [Gln] were highly correlated with the ribosomal activity, kRNA, and in this case [Gln] was inversely correlated with the rate of protein degradation. Similar correlated changes occur in starvation and in response to glucocorticoids, and it is suggested that the reductions in [Gln] in endotoxemia could be causally related to the development of insulin resistance and the inhibition of the translational phase of protein synthesis which occurs in these circumstances. The mechanism of the reduction in [Gln] and any linked inhibition of protein synthesis is unknown, but it is shown to be independent of prostaglandin production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)