Stimulation of Na,K-activated adenosine triphosphatase and active transport by low external K+ in a rat liver cell line

Potassium deficiency decreases the capacity for urea synthesis and markedly increases ammonia in rats

Our study provides novel findings of experimental hypokalemia reducing urea cycle functionality and thereby severely increasing plasma ammonia. This is pathophysiologically interesting because plasma ammonia increases during hypokalemia by a hitherto unknown mechanism, which may be particular important in relation to the unexplained link between hypokalemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Potassium deficiency decreases gene expression, protein synthesis, and growth. The urea cycle maintains body nitrogen homeostasis including removal of toxic ammonia. Hyperammonemia is an obligatory trait of liver failure, increasing the risk for hepatic encephalopathy, and hypokalemia is reported to increase ammonia. We aimed to clarify the effects of experimental hypokalemia on the in vivo capacity of the urea cycle, on the genes of the enzymes involved, and on ammonia concentrations. Female Wistar rats were fed a potassium-free diet for 13 days. Half of the rats were then potassium repleted. Both groups were compared with pair- and free-fed controls. The following were measured: in vivo capacity of urea-nitrogen synthesis (CUNS); gene expression (mRNA) of urea cycle enzymes; plasma potassium, sodium, and ammonia; intracellular potassium, sodium, and magnesium in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues; and liver sodium/potassium pumps. Liver histology was assessed. The diet induced hypokalemia of 1.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L. Compared with pair-fed controls, the in vivo CUNS was reduced by 34% (P < 0.01), gene expression of argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) was decreased by 33% (P < 0.05), and plasma ammonia concentrations were eightfold elevated (P < 0.001). Kidney and muscle tissue potassium contents were markedly decreased but unchanged in liver tissue. Protein expressions of liver sodium/potassium pumps were unchanged. Repletion of potassium reverted all the changes. Hypokalemia decreased the capacity for urea synthesis via gene effects. The intervention led to marked hyperammonemia, quantitatively explainable by the compromised urea cycle. Our findings motivate clinical studies of patients with liver disease.

Potassium toxicity at low serum potassium levels with refeeding syndrome

Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening condition occurring in severely malnourished patients after initiating feeding. Severe hypophosphatemia with reduced adenosine triphosphate production has been implicated, but little data are available regarding electrolyte abnormalities. In this case, we report electrocardiographic changes consistent with hyperkalemia during potassium replacement after a serum level increase from 1.9 to 2.9 mEq/L. This was reversed by lowering serum potassium back to 2.0 mEq/L. In conclusion, the patient with prolonged malnutrition became adapted to low potassium levels and developed potassium toxicity with replacement.

Critical role of the isoform-specific region in alpha1-Na,K-ATPase trafficking and protein Kinase C-dependent regulation

The isoform-specific region (ISR) is a region of structural heterogeneity among the four isoforms of the catalytic alpha-subunit of the Na,K-ATPase and an important structural determinant for isoform-specific functions. In the present study, we examined the role of a potential dileucine clathrin adaptor recognition motif [DE]XXXL[LI] embedded within the alpha1-ISR. To this end, a rat alpha1 construct where leucine 499 was replaced by a valine (as found in the alpha2 isoform sequence) was compared to wild-type rat alpha1 after stable expression in opossum kidney cells. Total Na,K-ATPase expression, activity, or in situ (86)Rb(+) transport was not affected by the L499V mutation. However, surface Na,K-ATPase expression was nearly doubled. This increase was associated with a reduced rate of internalization from the cell surface of about 50% after a 4 h chase and became undetectable if clathrin-coated pit-mediated trafficking was blocked with chlorpromazine. Further, PKC-induced stimulation of Na,K-ATPase-mediated (86)Rb(+) uptake was doubled in mutant-expressing cells, comparable to the chimera containing the intact alpha2-ISR. Similar results were observed when the potential motif was disrupted by means of an E495S mutation. These findings suggest that a dileucine motif embedded within the Na,K-ATPase alpha1-ISR plays a critical role in the surface expression of Na,K-ATPase alpha1 polypeptides at steady state and in the response to PKC activation.

Iron accumulation in bronchial epithelial cells is dependent on concurrent sodium transport

Airway epithelial cells prevent damaging effects of extracellular iron by taking up the metal and sequestering it within intracellular ferritin. Epithelial iron transport is associated with transcellular movement of other cations including changes in the expression or activity of Na, K-ATPase and epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC). Given this relationship between iron and Na(+), we hypothesized that iron uptake by airway epithelial cells requires concurrent Na(+) transport. In preliminary studies, we found that Na(+)-free buffer blocked iron uptake by human airway epithelial cell. Na(+) channels inhibitors, including furosemide, bumetanide, and ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) significantly decreased epithelial cell concentrations of non-heme iron suggesting that Na(+)-dependent iron accumulation involves generalized Na(+) flux into the cells rather than participation of one or more specific Na(+) channels. In addition, efflux of K(+) was detected during iron uptake, as was the influx of phosphate to balance the inward movement of cations. Together, these data demonstrate that intracellular iron accumulation by airway epithelium requires concurrent Na(+)/K(+)exchange.

Electrogenic Na+/Ca2+-exchange of nerve and muscle cells

The plasma membrane Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger is a bi-directional electrogenic (3Na(+):1Ca(2+)) and voltage-sensitive ion transport mechanism, which is mainly responsible for Ca(2+)-extrusion. The Na(+)-gradient, required for normal mode operation, is created by the Na(+)-pump, which is also electrogenic (3Na(+):2K(+)) and voltage-sensitive. The Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger operational modes are very similar to those of the Na(+)-pump, except that the uncoupled flux (Na(+)-influx or -efflux?) is missing. The reversal potential of the exchanger is around -40 mV; therefore, during the upstroke of the AP it is probably transiently activated, leading to Ca(2+)-influx. The Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange is regulated by transported and non-transported external and internal cations, and shows ATP(i)-, pH- and temperature-dependence. The main problem in determining the role of Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange in excitation-secretion/contraction coupling is the lack of specific (mode-selective) blockers. During recent years, evidence has been accumulated for co-localisation of the Na(+)-pump, and the Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger and their possible functional interaction in the "restricted" or "fuzzy space." In cardiac failure, the Na(+)-pump is down-regulated, while the exchanger is up-regulated. If the exchanger is working in normal mode (Ca(2+)-extrusion) during most of the cardiac cycle, upregulation of the exchanger may result in SR Ca(2+)-store depletion and further impairment in contractility. If so, a normal mode selective Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange inhibitor would be useful therapy for decompensation, and unlike CGs would not increase internal Na(+). In peripheral sympathetic nerves, pre-synaptic alpha(2)-receptors may regulate not only the VSCCs but possibly the reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange as well.

Stimulation of Na,K-ATPase by low potassium requires reactive oxygen species

The signaling pathway that transduces the stimulatory effect of low K+ on the biosynthesis of Na,K-ATPase remains largely unknown. The present study was undertaken to examine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated the effect of low K+ in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Low K+ increased ROS activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and this effect was abrogated by catalase and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). To determine the role of ROS in low-K+-induced gene expression, the cells were first stably transfected with expression constructs in which the reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) was under the control of the avian Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit 1.9 kb and 900-bp 5'-flanking regions that have a negative regulatory element. Low K+ increased the CAT expression in both constructs. Catalase or NAC inhibited the effect of low K+. To determine whether the increased CAT activity was mediated through releasing the repressive effect or a direct stimulation of the promoter, the cells were transfected with a CAT expression construct directed by a 96-bp promoter fragment that has no negative regulatory element. Low K+ also augmented the CAT activity expressed by this construct. More importantly, both catalase and NAC abolished the effect of low K+. Moreover, catalase and NAC also inhibited low-K+-induced increases in the Na,K-ATPase alpha1- and beta1-subunit protein abundance and ouabain binding sites. The antioxidants had no significant effect on the basal levels of CAT activity, protein abundance, or ouabain binding sites. In conclusion, low K+ enhances the Na,K-ATPase gene expression by a direct stimulation of the promoter activity, and ROS mediate this stimulation and also low-K+-induced increases in the Na,K-ATPase protein contents and cell surface molecules.

Stimulation of Na,K-ATPase by low potassium is dependent on transferrin

We took advantage of the fact that confluent MDCK cells can survive in a serum-free medium for several days to examine whether the upregulation of Na,K-ATPase by low K+ required serum. We found that serum was essential for low K+ to induce an increase in the cell surface Na,K-ATPase molecular number as quantified by ouabain binding assays. Further analyses identified that transferrin, not EGF or IGF-1, could simulate the effect of serum. Moreover, transferrin was also required for low-K(+)-induced increases in al-subunit promoter activity, al- and el-subunit protein abundance of the Na,K-ATPase. In the presence of transferrin, low K+ enhanced cellular uptake of iron. Inhibition of intracellular iron activity by deferoxamine (40 microM) abrogated the effect of low K+ on the Na,K-ATPase. Like deferoxamine, catalase (100 U/ml) also ablated the effect of low K+. We conclude that stimulation of the Na,K-ATPase by low K+ is dependent on transferrin. The effect of transferrin is mediated by increased iron transport and reactive oxygen species activity.

Structure/function analysis of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase central isoform-specific region: involvement in PKC regulation

Specific functions served by the various Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-isoforms are likely to originate in regions of structural divergence within their primary structures. The isoforms are nearly identical, with the exception of the NH(2) terminus and a 10-residue region near the center of each molecule (isoform-specific region; ISR). Although the NH(2) terminus has been clearly identified as a source of isoform functional diversity, other regions seem to be involved. We investigated whether the central ISR could also contribute to isoform variability. We constructed chimeric molecules in which the central ISRs of rat alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-isoforms were exchanged. After stable transfection into opossum kidney cells, the chimeras were characterized for two properties known to differ dramatically among the isoforms: their K(+) deocclusion pattern and their response to PKC activation. Comparisons with rat full-length alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-isoforms expressed under the same conditions suggest an involvement of the central ISR in the response to PKC but not in K(+) deocclusion.

Interferon-gamma downregulates ion transport in murine small intestine cultured in vitro

Effects of IFN-gamma on mammalian small intestinal ion transport were studied in vitro using incubated sheets of murine small intestine in Ussing chambers. In oxygenated standard culture medium containing hydrocortisone and antibiotics, they maintained their short-circuit current (I(sc)) responses to glucose and theophylline for 48 h. Histological examination revealed a 50% diminution of villus height over 36 h but no change in crypts. Height was better maintained during a 36-h incubation of small intestine from SCID mice, suggesting a role for B or T lymphocytes in villus atrophy. Exposure of small intestine to 100 U/ml IFN-gamma for 36 h decreased basal I(sc) by 40% and I(sc) responses to glucose and theophylline by approximately 70%; at 1,000 U/ml for 36 h, IFN-gamma inhibited these I(sc) responses by 90%. An inhibitor of inducible NO synthase did not reverse these effects, suggesting that they are not mediated by NO. Tissue resistance, mucosal K(+) content, and epithelial morphology were not affected. Ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity in homogenates was inhibited 60% by IFN-gamma (100 U/ml for 36 h). IFN-gamma inhibition of I(sc) responses to glucose and theophylline also occurred in SCID mouse small intestine. Thus murine small intestinal sheets can be maintained viable in vitro for at least 48 h, although villus blunting develops (but less so in SCID mouse small intestine). Also, prolonged exposure to IFN-gamma downregulates Na(+)-coupled glucose absorption, active Cl(-) secretion, and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, effects unlikely to be mediated by enhanced NO.

Identifying the lipid-protein interface and transmembrane structural transitions of the Torpedo Na,K-ATPase using hydrophobic photoreactive probes

To identify regions of the Torpedo Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit that interact with membrane lipid and to characterize conformationally dependent structural changes in the transmembrane domain, we have proteolytically mapped the sites of photoincorporation of the hydrophobic compounds 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[(125)I]iodophenyl)diazirine ([(125)I]TID) and the phosphatidylcholine analogue [(125)I]TIDPC/16. The principal sites of [(125)I]TIDPC/16 labeling were identified by amino-terminal sequence analysis of proteolytic fragments of the Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit and are localized to hydrophobic segments M1, M3, M9, and M10. These membrane-spanning segments have the greatest levels of exposure to the lipid bilayer and constitute the bulk of the lipid-protein interface of the Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit. The extent of [(125)I]TID and [(125)I]TIDPC/16 photoincorporation into these transmembrane segments was the same in the E(1) and E(2) conformations, indicating that lipid-exposed segments located at the periphery of the transmembrane complex do not undergo large-scale movements during the cation transport cycle. In contrast, for [(125)I]TID but not for [(125)I]TIDPC/16, there was enhanced photoincorporation in the E(2) conformation, and this component of labeling mapped to transmembrane segments M5 and M6. Conformationally sensitive [(125)I]TID photoincorporation into the M5 and M6 segments does not reflect a change in the levels of exposure of these segments to the lipid bilayer as evidenced by the lack of [(125)I]TIDPC/16 labeling of these two segments in either conformation. These results suggest that [(125)I]TID promises to be a useful tool for structural characterization of the cation translocation pathway and for conformationally dependent changes in the pathway. A model of the spatial organization of the transmembrane segments of the Na,K-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunits is presented.

Isoform-specific effects of charged residues at borders of the M1-M2 loop of the Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit

The Na,K-ATPase is specifically inhibited by the cardiac glycoside, ouabain. Via a largely undefined mechanism, the ouabain affinity of the Na,K-ATPase can be manipulated by mutating the residues at the borders of the first extracellular (M1-M2) loop of the alpha subunit [Price, E. M., Rice, D. A., and Lingrel, J. B. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 6638-6641]. To address this issue, we compared the effects of two combinations of charged residues at the M1-M2 loop border, R113, D124 and D113,R124 (numbered according to the rat alpha1 subunit), on the ouabain sensitivity of the alpha1 and alpha2 isoforms. We report that ouabain sensitivity is dependent not only upon the identity of the residues at the M1-M2 loop border but also upon the context into which they are introduced. Furthermore, at low concentrations of ATP, the identity of the residues at the M1-M2 loop border affects the regulation of ATP hydrolysis by potassium in an isoform-specific manner. Analysis of chimeric alpha subunits reveals that the effects of potassium are determined primarily by the interaction of the N-terminus and M1-M2 loop with the C-terminal third of the alpha subunit. M1-M2 loop border residues may, therefore, influence ouabain sensitivity indirectly by altering the stability or structure of the intermediate of the Na,K-ATPase catalytic cycle which is competent to bind ouabain.

Mutagenesis disrupts posttranslational processing of the Na,K-ATPase catalytic subunit

The first 5 amino acids of the catalytic alpha 1 isoform from Na,K-ATPase are cleaved enzymatically during or after translation. To evaluate the structural requirements for that cleavage, we constructed amino-terminal mutants of alpha 1 in which an epitope tag from the c-myc oncogene product was added. Immunoblots of isolated membranes from transfected monkey kidney cells revealed binding of an antibody specific for the first 9 residues of the alpha 1 nascent protein. Because this antibody does not recognize the shorter sequence corresponding to the processed polypeptide, these results indicate that the epitope tag prevented normal processing, a conclusion confirmed by the observed binding of an anti-myc antibody. In contrast, membranes from cells expressing deletion mutants that lack residues 10-24 and 10-31 of the nascent chain failed to bind the amino-terminal-directed antibody, suggesting that the mutants were cleaved normally and that amino acids downstream of the first 9 are not required for proteolysis. Amino-terminal mutants produced in other laboratories have shown an anomalous stimulation of ATPase activity by K+ when measured in low ATP concentrations. The myc-tagged and downstream deletion mutants were sensitive to K+ in the range from 0.05 to 5 mM, similar to wild-type enzyme, despite the differences in posttranslational processing. A mutant missing the first 40 residues of the nascent chain, however, displayed an activation by K+. These results suggest that amino-terminal processing of the alpha 1 isoform was prevented by mutation, yet that processing had little influence on the kinetic parameter most likely to be influenced by such changes.

Na, K-ATPase pump in activated human lymphocytes: on the mechanisms of rapid and long-term increase in K influxes during the initiation of phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferation

Functional expression of Na, K-ATPase pump as determined by ouabain-sensitive Rb influxes has been investigated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) from resting state to proliferation. It is found that a rapid twofold elevation of ouabain-sensitive Rb influx in response to PHA is followed by a long-term increase in pump activity, which precedes the DNA synthesis and is temporally related to the growth phase of mitogenic response. Unlike the early pump activation, the late enhanced pump activity is not the result of elevated cell Na content, it is inhibited by cycloheximide and requires new protein synthesis. Actinomycin D and alpha-amanitin, in doses, which suppress the PHA-induced increase in the RNA synthesis, do not abolish the elevated Rb influx until 20-24h of mitogenic activation and inhibit the late, growth-associated increase in Rb influx. It is concluded that (1) in mitogen-activated cells both short- and long-term control is involved in the enhanced pump activity, and (2) translational and transcriptional mechanisms may contribute to the long-term up-regulation of Na, K-ATPase pump during blast transformation of human lymphocytes.

Activity and expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in human placental cytotrophoblast cells in culture

1. To determine whether there is a change during differentiation, the activity and expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase were studied in mononucleate cytotrophoblast cells (18 h culture) and syncytiotrophoblast-like cells (66 h culture). A choriocarcinoma-derived cell line (JAr) which, unlike the cytotrophoblast cells, divides in culture, was also studied for comparison. 2. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was assessed by measurement of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase expression was determined by (i) measurement of [3H]ouabain binding and (ii) Northern hybridization to measure expression of alpha-1 and beta 1-subunit mRNA. 3. There was no significant difference in either activity or expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase during differentiation of cytotrophoblast cells. However, expression of alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNA was significantly lower in 66 vs. 18 h cultured cytotrophoblast cells. 4. Both Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and [3H]ouabain binding was significantly greater in JAr cells than either cytotrophoblast cell groups, although expression of alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNA was the same as cytotrophoblast cells cultured for 18 h. 5. It is concluded that N(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and protein expression does not change during differentiation of cytotrophoblast cells but that there are changes in expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level.

Membrane potential difference and intracellular cation concentrations in human placental trophoblast cells in culture

1. The electrochemical gradients for Na+ and K+ were assessed in a cell culture model of trophoblast differentiation. 2. Membrane potential difference (Em), intracellular water and Na+ and K+ contents were measured in choriocarcinoma cells (JAr cell line; 96% of which are undifferentiated trophoblast cells) and in mononucleate and multinucleate (differentiated) cytotrophoblast cells isolated from the human placenta at term. 3. There was a significant fall in Em from -57 mV in JAr cells, to -48 and -40 mV in mono-and multinucleate cytotrophoblast cells, respectively. Treatment with ouabain (1 mM for 15 min) depolarized the JAr cell membrane by 15 mV but did not affect cytotrophoblast cell membrane potential. 4. Intracellular K+ concentration was similar in JAr, mono- and multinucleate cytotrophoblast cells but Na+ concentration was higher in mononucleate cytotrophoblast cells compared with JAr cells. 5. Ouabain treatment (3 mM for 15 min) caused a small increase (4.5%) in cell water in mononucleate cytotrophoblast cells but lowered K+ (approximately 30%) and increased Na+ concentration (approximately 125%) in all the trophoblast cells studied. 6. The K+ equilibrium potential (EK) was more negative than Em in all cells and the difference between EK and Em was smaller in JAr cells (-25 mV) than in mono- and multinucleate cytotrophoblast cells (-33 and -43 mV, respectively). 7. The Na+ equilibrium potential (ENa) was positive in the trophoblast cells and the difference between ENa and Em was 122, 100 and 100 mV in JAr, mono- and multinucleate cytotrophoblast cells, respectively. 8. These results suggest that the electrochemical gradient for K+ is affected by the stage of trophoblast cell differentiation. In contrast, the electrochemical gradient for Na+ is similar in mono- and multinucleate cytotrophoblast cells.

Stimulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase by thyrotropin in cultured thyroid follicular cells

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; thyrotropin) produces a pleiotropic response in the thyroid gland, accelerating nearly every aspect of metabolic turnover within the follicular epithelia. We examined the effects of TSH on expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in FRTL-5 cells, a cell line derived from rat thyroid. TSH (10 mU/ml) produced a nearly twofold increase in abundance of the mRNA encoding the catalytic alpha 1-subunit within 6 h of treatment. With the four mRNAs encoding the beta 1-subunit, TSH produced a striking increase in abundance, but this regulation was discoordinate, and some species increased more than others. Similar increases in mRNA abundance were elicited by activators of the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate second messenger system. In contrast to the alpha 1- and beta 1-mRNAs, the abundance of the mRNA encoding the beta 2-subunit was unchanged with TSH after 6 h, indicating that the effects of thyrotropin were not universal or indiscriminate. Thyrotropin also caused a 76% increase in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and a 46% increase in pump-mediated transport after 48 h. These studies suggest that the changes in metabolic turnover initiated by TSH during hormone synthesis include upregulation of the N(+)-K+ pump.

Surplus Na+ pumps: how low-K(+)-incubated LLC-PK1 cells respond to K+ restoration

We have previously shown that a pig kidney cell line (LLC-PK1/Cl4) responds to chronic exposure to 0.25 mM extracellular K+ by increasing the beta-, not alpha-, subunit mRNA levels and both alpha- and beta-abundance twofold over control. Our objective in the present study was to determine how the LLC-PK1/Cl4 cells respond when returned to control (5.5 mM) medium. A 1.8-fold increase in ouabain binding established that the induced pumps were expressed at the cell surface following 24-h incubation in low K+. On restoration to 5.5 mM K+, intracellular Na+ and K+ concentrations ([Na+]i and [K+]i, respectively) rapidly returned to control levels within 15 min. The doubled pool size of pumps in the chronic low K+ cells had no significant influence on the rate of ion restoration when compared with the rate in cells acutely exposed to low K+. Despite the rapid return of ions to control values, beta-mRNA levels remained elevated for 2 h, then sharply declined to control levels by 6 h of K+ restoration. From these data, we estimate that the half-life of beta-mRNA is 2-3 h during restoration. alpha-Subunit mRNA remained essentially unchanged from control after return of K+ to the medium and restoration of intracellular ions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of Na+, K(+)-ATPase by chronic ethanol exposure of PC 12 cells

The effects of chronic ethanol exposure on Na+, K(+)-ATPase were investigated in PC 12 cells. Inclusion of ethanol in the Na+, K(+)-ATPase assay (i.e. in vitro addition of ethanol) inhibited enzyme activity. Conversely, intrinsic Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity was increased after chronic ethanol exposure of the cells. This increase in Na+, K+ pumps occurred without any alteration in the inhibitory effects of in vitro ethanol. A similar response was observed when the chronic treatments were carried out using serum-free defined medium. The effects of other agents, which like ethanol decrease membrane order, were investigated. The addition of ketamine and tert-butanol in vitro caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity. However, chronic exposure of the PC 12 cells to tert-butanol or ketamine did not alter either intrinsic Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity or the inhibitory effects of ethanol in vitro. Maintenance of PC 12 cells in medium containing ethanol resulted in an increase in the intracellular content of Na+ without any change in the K+ levels. In contrast, maintenance of the cells in medium containing tert-butanol did not alter intracellular levels of Na+ or K+. The present study shows that the ethanol-induced increase in Na+, K+ pumps involved an increase in the intracellular content of Na+. This increase in Na+ content did not appear to be secondary to an inhibition of Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity.

Na,K-ATPase expression in C2C12 cells during myogenesis: minimal contribution of alpha 2 isoform to Na,K transport

Cells of the murine skeletal muscle line, C2C12, undergo differentiation from mononuclear myoblasts to multinuclear myotubes that express a number of proteins associated with striated muscle. We examined the relationship between the abundance of the mRNAs encoding the fast-twitch Ca-ATPase and the alpha isoforms of Na,K-ATPase and the subsequent expression of their respective polypeptides. Both the mRNA and protein levels of the alpha 1 isoform remained constant throughout differentiation. In contrast, the content of mRNAs encoding the alpha 2 isoform and fast-twitch Ca-ATPase increased coordinately with the abundance of their corresponding polypeptides during myotube development. Despite the dramatic increase in alpha 2 expression, estimates of in vitro Na,K-ATPase activity and assessments of in vivo transport activity suggest that alpha 2 contributes little to ionic homeostasis in C2C12 myotubes.

Regulation of the Na,K-ATPase activity of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells in defined medium by prostaglandin E1 and 8-bromocyclic AMP

The role of PGE1 in regulating the activity of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase in Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells has been examined. PGE1 increased the initial rate of ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake by MDCK cells, a process that continued to occur over a 5-day period. The increase in the initial rate of ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake in MDCK cells treated with PGE1 could be explained by a 1.6-fold increase in the Vmax for ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake. The increase in the Vmax for ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake observed in MDCK cells under these conditions can be explained either by an increase in the number of active Na+ pumps, or by an increase in the efficiency of the Na+ pumps. Consistent with the former possibility is the observed increase in the number of ouabain binding sites, as well as the increase in Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in cell lysates obtained from MDCK monolayers treated with PGE1. The involvement of cyclic AMP in mediating these effects of PGE1 on the Na+, K(+)-ATPase in MDCK cells is supported by: (1) the observation of similar effects in 8-bromocyclic AMP treated MDCK monolayers, and (2) a dramatic reduction of the stimulatory effects of PGE1 and 8-bromocyclic AMP on the Vmax for ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake, and on the number of ouabain binding sites in dibutyryl cyclic AMP resistant clone 3 (DBr3) (which is defective in cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase activity). PGE1 independent MDCK monolayers exhibit both an increase in the Vmax for ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake and an increase in the number of ouabain binding sites in response to 8-bromocyclic AMP. Apparently, the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase defect in these PGE1 independent cells did not cause cellular cyclic AMP levels to be elevated to a sufficient extent to maximally increase the Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in these variant cells.

Reversal of the effects of a low extracellular potassium concentration on the number and activity of Na+/K+ pumps in an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed human lymphocyte cell line

A reduction in the extracellular concentration of potassium to 0.5 mM (low K) in Epstein-Barr (EB) virus-transformed lymphocytes caused changes in the number and activity of Na+/K+ pumps in the cell membrane, with increases in the Bmax and apparent Kd of ouabain binding, and concomitant increases in the Vmax and apparent Km of potassium (rubidium) influx. However, recovery from the effects of low K occurred more quickly than the original up-regulation. Furthermore, there were differences in the time-courses of the separate rates of recovery of the Bmax and Kd of ouabain binding after the cells were returned to normal K, the rate of recovery of the Kd being quicker than that of the Bmax, which was biphasic, with slow and fast rates of recovery. Inhibition of protein synthesis by emetine caused an increase in the rate of recovery of the Bmax of ouabain binding, but no effect on the Kd, suggesting that the slow phase of recovery of the Bmax is attributable to the synthesis and insertion of new protein, while the rapid phase of recovery is independent of protein synthesis and may represent internalization. The results suggested that during up-regulation of pump number in response to low K about 40% of the newly inserted Na+/K+ pumps are normal and the rest are abnormal. The half-time of removal of the abnormal pumps from the cell membrane during recovery from low K stress was 2.8 hr and the half-time of internalization of the normal pumps was 4.3 hr.

Serum independence of low K+ induction of Na,K-ATPase: possible role of c-fos

Cultured ARL15 cells respond to abnormally low extracellular K+ concentrations by increasing the abundance of Na,K-ATPase (the Na/K pump). This response is preceded by significant increases in the mRNAs of the alpha 1 and beta 1 subunits of this enzyme, implying transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation in the response. The present study concerned the possible participation of serum factors in low K+ induction of Na,K-ATPase. In normal K+ (4.5 mM) or low K+ (0.68 mM) the presence of 10% calf serum had no effect on Na,K-ATPase activity. The serum independence of the response to low K+ raised the possibility that low K+ may itself elicit a "growth" response. Accordingly, the effect of low K+ on mRNA abundances of four proto-oncogenes (c-fos, c-myc, c-jun and c-ski) was evaluated in the early phase of the response by quantitative Northern blot analysis. The mRNA for c-fos was transiently elevated by low K+, with a peak at 30 min. In contrast, low K+ had no measurable effect on the abundances of c-myc, c-jun and c-ski, for up to 2 hr of exposure. The early elevation of c-fos mRNA makes it a candidate mediator in this signal-transduction pathway. Induction of c-fos mRNA by the phorbol ester, PMA, or by dioctanoyl glycerol, however, had no effect on Na,K-ATPase activity. These results indicate that an increase in c-fos mRNA alone is not sufficient to induce Na,K-ATPase. Whether induction of c-fos is necessary for the response to low K+ remains to be determined in future studies.

Evidence for coordinate regulation of the A system for amino acid transport and the mRNA for the alpha 1 subunit of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase gene in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Previous work suggested that the structural gene for the A system transporter and the mRNA for the alpha subunit of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase in Chinese hamster ovary cells CHO-K1 [wild type (WT)] are coordinately controlled by regulatory gene R1. This conclusion was based on analysis of a mutant for the A system, alar4. This mutant had a constitutive level of A system transport activity equal to the level found in derepressed WT cells and a 4 times increase in abundance of the alpha 1 subunit of Na+,K(+)-ATPase mRNA over that found in repressed WT. The level of Na+ per cell in alar4 was not significantly greater than that found in the WT. To further characterize the likely coregulation of both genes, we have studied the A system activity and Na+,K(+)-ATPase mRNA alpha 1-subunit levels in cells grown under various conditions that result in repression or derepression of the A system in the WT. System A activity increased up to 2-3 times the basal transport rate (repressed state) and Na+,K(+)-ATPase mRNA alpha 1-subunit levels showed a 3-fold increase after amino acid starvation (derepressed state). These changes occurred along with a decrease in intracellular Na+ levels. N-Methyl-alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and beta-alanine, previously shown to be corepressors for the A system, prevented to a similar extent A system derepression and Na+,K(+)-ATPase mRNA alpha 1-subunit accumulation. On the other hand, phenylalanine and lysine, amino acids that are not corepressors of the A system, failed to significantly prevent derepression of both genes. Hybrids between the WT and alar4 have the phenotype of the WT when grown under repressed conditions. These results give further support to the proposition that both the A system transporter and mRNA for the alpha 1 subunit of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase are coordinately controlled by regulatory gene R1 and elevated Na+ concentrations are not involved. No Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was detected in derepressed cells. Activity was restored by the addition of monensin. However, this activity was no greater than that obtained in repressed cells. Indications are that the reduced Na+ content in derepressed cells inhibits Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and that conditions that favored derepression do not allow for de novo synthesis of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase.

Induction of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase subunit mRNAs by cycloheximide in a rat liver cell line

Exposure of confluent Clone 9 cells to 40 microM cycloheximide (CHX), a concentration sufficient to inhibit leucine incorporation by 95% within 5 min, coordinately increased the abundances of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase subunit mRNAs, mRNA alpha 1 and mRNA beta 1. The CHX-induced increases in mRNA alpha 1 and mRNA beta 1 abundances were, respectively, 1.8- and 1.9-fold at 40 min and 3.0- and 3.3-fold at 6 h. Augmented subunit mRNA contents were also observed after exposure to other protein synthesis inhibitors including 100 microM anisomycin and 100 microM emetine. Upon removal of CHX, the rate of leucine incorporation returned to control values within 1 h, but mRNA alpha 1 and mRNA beta 1 content decreased only slowly and were still elevated at 24 h at 1.7- and 1.8-fold the respective control values. Despite the persistence of increased levels of the subunit mRNAs and normalization of the rate of leucine incorporation, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was unchanged at 3, 6, 24, and 48 h after removal of CHX. In cells "depleted" of protein kinase C (PKC) activity after a 24-h preincubation in the presence of 160 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), mRNA alpha 1 and mRNA beta 1 abundances were still inducible by CHX. It is concluded that exposure of Clone 9 cells to CHX and other inhibitors of protein synthesis results in increased abundances of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase subunit mRNAs independently of PKC activation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in adipocyte differentiation in culture

Differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells from a fibroblast to an adipocyte phenotype results in an approximately 50% decline in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake. Kinetic analysis revealed a K 1/2 for Na+ of approximately 14 mM, a Km for ATP of approximately 0.4 mM, and maximal activation by sodium dodecyl sulfate at a 0.05 (wt/wt) detergent/protein ratio in both mature fibroblasts and adipocytes. Both fibroblasts and adipocytes exhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity with an inhibition constant (Ki) for ouabain of approximately 10(-4) M. In addition, adipocytes exhibited a second component representing 30% of total activity with a Ki of approximately 5 x 10(-7) M. The emergence of biphasic ouabain inhibition kinetics in adipocytes raised the possibility of a change in alpha-subunit isoform composition with cytodifferentiation. This inference was evaluated by isoform-specific mRNA analysis (Northern blots) and by alpha-isoform-specific immunoassays (Western blots). Northern blots revealed a modest decrease in mRNA alpha 1, a striking increase in mRNA alpha 2, and a significant loss of mRNA beta content with differentiation of fibroblasts to adipocytes. By immunoassay, fibroblasts exhibited the alpha 1-isoform. Adipocytes exhibited an admixture of alpha 1- and alpha 2-isoforms, with alpha 2 being the more abundant isoform. There was no one-to-one correspondence either between the mRNA isoform and alpha-subunit abundances or between alpha-subunit abundances and enzymatic activity, suggesting that regulation occurs at multiple levels in this system. Findings indicate, however, that a shift in alpha-isoform composition accompanied by a change in ouabain inhibition kinetics occurs with cytodifferentiation.

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.

alar4, a constitutive mutant of the A system for amino acid transport, has increased abundance of the Na+,K+-ATPase and mRNA for alpha 1 subunit of this enzyme

A constitutive mutant, alar4, for the A system of amino acid transport, has increased activity and amount of the A system. This is accompanied by increased sensitivity to ouabain, as measured by efficiency of plating, and increased activity and abundance of the Na+,K+-ATPase that is present in the parental cell line, CHO-K1 (wild type). The latter was shown by increases in (i) ouabain-inhibitable 86Rb uptake in intact cells, (ii) ouabain-inhibitable ATPase activity in mixed membrane vesicles, and (iii) number of ouabain-binding sites and by similar Kd values for ouabain binding and K1/2 for ouabain inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase as compared to the wild type. The increase in abundance of the Na+ pump is associated with a 4-fold increase in abundance of the mRNA for the alpha 1 subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase. We could not detect mRNA for alpha 2 or alpha 3 or for the beta subunits. The increase in abundance of the A system and Na+,K+-ATPase is associated with a negligible increase in intracellular Na+ concentration. We propose that the increase in the abundance of the A system and the Na+,K+-ATPase is the result of a mutation in regulatory gene R1 that controls the A system and the Na+,K+-ATPase and is not due to a primary effect of a possible initial increase in Na+ concentration.

Enhanced glucose transport in response to inhibition of respiration in Clone 9 cells

An acceleration of ATP synthesis by anaerobic glycolysis provides important compensation for interference with respiration in a variety of cells. Effective compensation for an inhibition of respiration, however, can occur in cells in which glucose entry is rate limiting only if sufficient glucose becomes available through an enhancement of transport. We present here a detailed study of the effects of inhibition of respiration in Clone 9 cells, a continuous cell line characterized by low internal glucose concentrations (less than 10% that of the external medium) and minimal stores of glycogen. Exposure of these cells to 5 mM cyanide results in a 90% fall in cell ATP and a twofold rise in cell Na+ within 20 min. By the end of 1 h, however, there is a 4.5- to 7-fold increase in cytochalasin B-inhibitable glucose transport that is accompanied by a parallel increase in the rate of lactate production, a partial recovery of cell ATP, and no further rise in cell Na+. The acute fall in ATP resulting from a submaximally effective concentration of cyanide (0.5 mM) is moreover followed by a time-dependent recovery of cell ATP to near-normal levels and subsequent resistance to challenge with even 5 mM cyanide. The stimulation of facilitative glucose transport resulting from exposure to cyanide is attributable to an increase in maximal velocity rather than to a change in Km and persists for more than 2 h after removal of the inhibitor. These results demonstrate that, in these cells characterized by low internal glucose concentrations, regulation of glucose entry is of central importance in ATP homeostasis and that a major component of the adaptive response to an inhibition of respiration is a time-dependent increase in glucose transport.

Ouabain treatment of cardiac cells induces enhanced Na+-Ca2+ exchange activity

Inhibition of the cardiac Na+-K+-ATPase with cardiac glycosides causes a rise in internal Na+ and a subsequent increase in cellular Ca2+ due to the sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchange mechanism. We investigated the adaptation of cultured cardiac cells to prolonged elevation of internal Ca2+ after exposure to ouabain. Cultured neonatal rat heart cells were treated with 100 microM ouabain for 4-48 h. This ouabain concentration inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity by approximately 45% and caused modest cellular Ca2+ loading. We found that cells adapted to ouabain treatment by increasing the amount of sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchange activity by 50-90% over a 24-h period. Kinetic and immunological data indicate that the increase was due to increased numbers of functional exchangers. Neither total cellular nor total sarcolemmal protein content was affected by the ouabain treatment. These results may be relevant toward understanding the effects of therapeutic use of cardiac glycosides.

Isoforms of Na,K-ATPase in Artemia salina: II. Tissue distribution and kinetic characterization

To characterize the molecular properties conveyed by the isoforms of the alpha subunit of Na,K-ATPase, the two major transepithelial transporting organs in the brine shrimp (Artemia salina), the salt glands and intestines, were isolated in pure form. The alpha isoforms were quantified by ATP-sensitive fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling. The salt gland enzyme exhibits only the alpha 1 isoform, whereas the intestinal enzyme exhibits both the alpha 1 and the alpha 2 isoforms. After 32 hours of development, Na,K-ATPase activity [in mumol Pi/mg protein/hr (1 mu)] in whole homogenates was 32 +/- 6 in the salt glands and 12 +/- 3 in the intestinal preparations (mean +/- SEM). The apparent half-maximal activation constants (K1/2) of the salt gland enzyme as compared to the intestinal enzyme were 3.7 +/- 0.6 mM vs. 23.5 +/- 4 mM (P less than 0.01) for Na+, 16.6 +/- 2.2 mM vs. 8.29 +/- 1.5 mM for K+ (P less than 0.01), and 0.87 +/- 0.8 mM vs. 0.79 +/- 1.1 mM for ATP (NS). The apparent Ki's for ouabain inhibition were 1.1 x 10(-4) M vs. 2 x 10(-5) M, respectively. Treatment of whole homogenates with deoxycholic acid (DOC) produced a maximal Na,K-ATPase activation of 46% in the salt gland as compared to 23% in the intestinal enzyme. Similar differences were found with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The two distinct forms of Na,K-ATPase isolated from the brine shrimp differed markedly in three kinetic parameters as well as in detergent sensitivity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isoforms of Na,K-ATPase in Artemia saline: I. Detection by FITC binding and time course

Partially purified Na,K-ATPase from whole nauplii at various stages of development, analyzed by SDS-PAGE, reveals a polydisperse beta and two alpha subunits (denoted alpha 1 and alpha 2). In the absence of Ca2+, ATP-inhibitable fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling is restricted to the alpha subunit of this enzyme, even in crude naupliar homogenates. The intensity of the alpha-specific fluorescent signal (i.e., the sum of the yield from both alpha isoforms) is proportional to Na,K-ATPase activity during development. FITC-labeled subunits were detected at 8 hr of development prior to the detection of measurable Na,K-ATPase activity. The alpha 2/alpha 1 ratio changed from an initial value of 1.25 to a peak of 1.75 at 32 hr of development, then reverted to a ratio of 1.25 by 42 hr, and remained constant thereafter. Pulse chase studies with 35S-methionine indicated that the developmental increase in enzyme activity is coincident with amino acid incorporation into the alpha subunits, implying that enzyme synthesis is active during enzyme accumulation.

Rates of synthesis and degradation of Na+-K+-ATPase during chronic ouabain treatment

Chronic inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity in outer medullary kidney tubules has previously been demonstrated to elicit a 60% increase in activity, measured under maximal velocity (Vmax) conditions (J. Biol. Chem. 260: 12740-12743, 1985). To investigate the cellular mechanism of this response, we measured the rates of Na+-K+-ATPase synthesis and degradation over its full time course. A transient increase in the rate of synthesis occurred after 12 h of ouabain treatment. After 24-h treatment, the rate of synthesis returned to a level not different from control levels. The relative degradation rate after 24-h treatment, however, was markedly lower in ouabain-treated cells than in control cells. Thus the augmentation of the number of Na+-K+-ATPase sites, elicited by the transient increase in synthesis described, was maintained under steady-state conditions by a reduction in apparent degradation rate constant.

Increased abundance of Na+-K+-ATPase mRNAs in response to low external K+

Exposure of ARL 15 cells, an established line from adult rat liver, to external K+ concentrations less than 1 mM for 24 h increases Na+-K+ pump abundance (Na+-K+-ATPase) (J. Gen. Physiol. 87:591-606, 1986). We found that treatment of confluent monolayers of ARL 15 cells with low-K+ medium (0.65 mM) caused a 100% increase in total RNA content per plate after 24 h, as well as a 25% increase in DNA and protein content per plate. Concomitant with this growth effect, low-K+ exposure for 6 h elicited 60% increases in mRNA alpha and mRNA beta, the mRNAs that encode the constituent subunits of the Na+-K+-ATPase, in a polyadenylated RNA fraction. At 24 h, however, the abundance of mRNA alpha increased by 290%, whereas mRNA beta increased by only 70%. Moreover, in both control and low-K+-treated cells, mRNA alpha was 30-fold or more greater in abundance than mRNA beta. This discrepancy in abundance was also present in rat liver, but not in cultured MDCK cells. The differences in abundance of mRNA alpha and mRNA beta suggest that the liver may have an unusual subunit composition or biosynthetic mechanism. Nevertheless, the increases in the abundance of mRNA alpha and mRNA beta are sufficient to account for the observed 70-100% increase in Na+-K+-ATPase activity in response to low external K+.

Pretranslational regulation of Na-K-ATPase in cultured canine kidney cells by low K+

Long-term upregulation of the sodium pump [Na-K-adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase)] entails an increase in the number of enzyme molecules. We incubated Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in low K+ medium and studied the time course and magnitude of change in the relative abundance of the two Na-K-ATPase subunits (alpha and beta), in the synthesis rate of the subunits, and in the relative abundance of alpha- and beta-mRNA. When cells were incubated in medium containing 0.25 mM K+, intracellular Na+ increased from 25.2 +/- 0.9 (SE) mmol/l cell H2O to 69.8 +/- 9.6 at 4 h and 132 +/- 6 at 16 h. Cell K+ fell from 146 +/- 4 mmol/l cell H2O to 105 +/- 9 at 4 h and 42.3 +/- 4.7 at 16 h. The relative abundance of Na-K-ATPase subunits, measured with immunoblots of cell homogenates, increased such that after 24 h alpha was 1.71 +/- 0.33 and beta was 1.67 +/- 0.22 times control. After 8 h of K+ depletion, alpha-synthesis rate, measured by immunoprecipitation of pulse-labeled cells, increased to 2.30 +/- 0.50 and beta increased to 2.07 +/- 0.42 times control. The alpha- and beta-subunit mRNA abundance, measured by hybridizing alpha- and beta-cDNA probes to total RNA, increased within 30 min to 1.93 +/- 0.24 and 2.29 +/- 0.64 times control, respectively. We conclude that regulatory adjustments of Na-K-ATPase abundance involve an increase in translation after a rapid and coordinate increase in the concentrations of alpha- and beta-subunit mRNA.