Immunohistochemical localization of Na+-K+-ATPase in the endolymphatic sac

The detailed localization pattern of Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter type 2 and its related ion transport system in the rat endolymphatic sac

The endolymphatic sac (ES) is a part of the membranous labyrinth. ES is believed to perform endolymph absorption, which is dependent on several ion transporters, including Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter type 2 (NKCC-2) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. NKCC-2 is typically recognized as a kidney-specific ion transporter expressed in the apical membrane of the absorptive epithelium. NKCC-2 expression has been confirmed only in the rat and human ES other than the kidney, but the detailed localization features of NKCC-2 have not been investigated in the ES. Thus, we evaluated the specific site expressing NKCC-2 by immunohistochemical assessment. NKCC-2 expression was most frequently seen in the intermediate portion of the ES, where NKCC-2 is believed to play an important role in endolymph absorption. In addition, NKCC-2 expression was also observed on the apical membranes of ES epithelial cells, and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase coexpression was observed on the basolateral membranes of ES epithelial cells. These results suggest that NKCC-2 performs an important role in endolymph absorption and that NKCC-2 in apical membranes and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in basolateral membranes work coordinately in the ES in a manner similar to that in renal tubules.

Endogenous ouabain in renal Na(+) handling and related diseases

The Na(+) pump and its Endogenous modulator Ouabain (EO) can be considered as an ancestral enzymatic system, conserved among species ranging from Drosophila to humans, related to Na handling. In this review, we examine how EO is linked with vascular function in hypertension and if it impacts the pathogenesis of heart and renal failure. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of endogenous ouabain-linked hypertension involves the sodium pump/sodium-calcium exchanger duet. Biosynthesis of EO occurs in adrenal glands and is under the control of angiotensin II, ACTH and epinephrine. Elevated concentrations of EO and in the sub-nanomolar concentration range were found to stimulate proliferation and differentiation of cardiac and smooth muscle cells. They may have a primary role in the development of cardiac dysfunction and failure. Experimental data suggest that the Na/K-ATPase α(2)-catalytic subunit causes EO-induced vasoconstriction. Finally, maneuvers that promote Na depletion, as diuretic therapy or reduced Na intake, raise the EO levels. Taken together, these findings suggest a key role for EO in body Na homeostasis.

Morphological changes induced by administration of a Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor in normal and hydropic inner ears of the guinea pig

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ouabain, a Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor, in inner ears. Administering ouabain locally through the round window and vestibule, resulted in degenerative changes in cochlear and vestibular sensory cells and limbal fibrocytes, but the stria vascularis and spiral ligament were less affected. The position of Reissner's membrane was rarely changed. Vacuolar spaces in the sensory epithelia of cristae, maccula utriculi and macula sacculi increased in number. Nystagmus was a common occurrence with or without demonstrating degeneration of vestibular sensory cells. By administering ouabain systemically, the course of developing endolymphatic hydrops could not be altered in the ears with endolymphatic duct blockage. Edema of nerve endings of inner hair cells and vestibular sensory cells was frequently observed with administration of a high concentration of ouabain in both normal and hydropic ears, but edema was reversible. Degeneration of some vestibular sensory cells were observed in hydropic ears with a long survival time. The mechanism of selective sensitivity or non-sensitivity of inner ear tissues to ouabain is discussed.

Na,K-ATPase alpha and beta subunit isoform distribution in the rat cochlear and vestibular tissues

The distribution of five Na,K-ATPase subunit isoforms (alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, beta 1 and beta 2) in rat cochlear and vestibular tissues was determined by immunocytochemical techniques using subunit isoform specific polyclonal antibodies. The expression of Na,K-ATPase alpha and beta subunit isoforms varied among different cell regions of the inner ear. The alpha 1 subunit isoform was more extensively distributed in all inner ear tissues than the alpha 2 or alpha 3 subunit isoforms. The beta 1 subunit isoform was distributed primarily in spiral ligament and inner hair cells of the cochlea, and in crista ampullaris and macula of the saccule. The beta 2 subunit isoform was most abundant in the stria vascularis, dark cells of the ampullae and utricle. The alpha 1 beta 1 subunit combination of Na,K-ATPase was most commonly found in the spiral ligament, while the alpha 1 beta 2 combination was most abundant in the stria vascularis. Similarly, alpha 1 beta 2 was confined more to the dark cells of the ampullae and utricle. The alpha 3 beta 1 subunit combination of Na,K-ATPase was identified in the inner hair cells of the cochlea and the sensory regions of the vestibular end organs. These observations may reflect functional diversity of Na,K-ATPase in the individual inner ear regions and may provide insight into the differences between fluid and ion transport in the inner ear and that of other transporting tissues. Overall, the distribution pattern further indicates that the different isoform combinations have specific roles.