Ultralow friction of ink-jet printed graphene flakes

We report the frictional response of few-layer graphene (FLG) flakes obtained by the liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) of pristine graphite. To this end, we inkjet print FLG on bare and hexamethyldisilazane-terminated SiO₂ substrates, producing micrometric patterns with nanoscopic roughness that are investigated by atomic force microscopy. Normal force spectroscopy and atomically-resolved morphologies indicate reduced surface contamination by solvents after a vacuum annealing process. Notably, the printed FLG flakes show ultralow friction comparable to that of micromechanically exfoliated graphene flakes. Lubricity is retained on flakes with a lateral size of a few tens of nanometres, and with a thickness as small as ∼2 nm, confirming the high crystalline quality and low defects density in the FLG basal plane. Surface exposed step edges exhibit the highest friction values, representing the preferential sites for the origin of the secondary dissipative processes related to edge straining, wear or lateral displacement of the flakes. Our work demonstrates that LPE enables fundamental studies on graphene friction to the single-flake level. The capability to deliver ultralow-friction-graphene over technologically relevant substrates, using a scalable production route and a high-throughput, large-area printing technique, may also open up new opportunities in the lubrication of micro- and nano-electromechanical systems.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid-enriched glycerophospholipids exert cardioprotective effects in ouabain-treated rats via physiological and metabolic changes

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) might prevent heart failure or optimise drug treatments by improving cardiac contraction. We investigated whether DHA-enriched avian glycerophospholipids (GPL-DHA) exert cardioprotection in ouabain-treated rats after 4 weeks of dietary supplementation with 10, 35 or 60 mg DHA per kg body weight versus none (DHA10, DHA35, DHA60 and control groups, respectively). The contractile responsiveness to different doses of ouabain (10(-7) to 10(-4) M), ouabain intoxication (at 3 × 10(-4) M), and relative variations in cardiac energy metabolism were determined using (31)P NMR in isolated perfused rat hearts. The fatty acid composition of cardiac membranes was analysed by gas chromatography. DHA accretion in the heart was dose-dependent (+8%, +30% and +45% for DHA10, DHA35 and DHA60, respectively). The cardiac phosphocreatine content significantly increased at the baseline in DHA35 (+45%) and DHA60 groups (+85%), and at the different doses of ouabain in the DHA60 group (+73% to 98%). The maximum positive inotropy achieved at 10(-4) M ouabain was significantly increased in all DHA groups versus control (+150%, +122.5% and +135% for DHA10, DHA35 and DHA60, respectively), and ouabain intoxication was delayed. The increase in myocardial phosphocreatine content and the improved efficacy of ouabain on myocardial contraction without toxicity suggest the potential of GPL-DHA as a dietary supplement or ingredient for functional food, and possibly as a co-treatment with digitalis drugs in humans.

An automatic method for atom identification in scanning tunnelling microscopy images of Fe-chalcogenide superconductors

We describe a computational approach for the automatic recognition and classification of atomic species in scanning tunnelling microscopy images. The approach is based on a pipeline of image processing methods in which the classification step is performed by means of a Fuzzy Clustering algorithm. As a representative example, we use the computational tool to characterize the nanoscale phase separation in thin films of the Fe-chalcogenide superconductor FeSex Te1-x , starting from synthetic data sets and experimental topographies. We quantify the stoichiometry fluctuations on length scales from tens to a few nanometres.

Noncontact Atomic Force Microscope Dissipation Reveals a Central Peak of SrTiO_{3} Structural Phase Transition

The critical fluctuations at second order structural transitions in a bulk crystal may affect the dissipation of mechanical probes even if completely external to the crystal surface. Here, we show that noncontact force microscope dissipation bears clear evidence of the antiferrodistortive phase transition of SrTiO_{3}, known for a long time to exhibit a unique, extremely narrow neutron scattering "central peak." The noncontact geometry suggests a central peak linear response coupling connected with strain. The detailed temperature dependence reveals for the first time the intrinsic central peak width of order 80 kHz, 2 orders of magnitude below the established neutron upper bound.

A 12-week randomized double-blind parallel pilot trial of Sinetrol XPur on body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and muscle metabolism in overweight men

Overweight and obesity are associated to increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases that might dramatically affect life expectancy according World Health Organization. Overweight, obesity, and decline in physical activity are correlated to a significant propensity to lose skeletal muscle mass as a result of prolonged inflammation and oxidative stress whereas cohort surveys and clinical investigations have demonstrated health benefits of Citrus-based polyphenols to reverse such regression. Overweight men were included in a double-blind, randomized, parallel pilot trial where they received daily for a 12-week period 900 mg of a Citrus-based polyphenol extract, Sinetrol® XPur. Body composition, anthropometric, and blood parameters were assessed before and at the end of the intervention period. After 12 weeks, while the silhouette slimmed down, metabolic parameters were significantly improved and skeletal muscle catabolism held back. These data suggest that over a 12-week period, the efficacy of the supplement improve both overweight process and correlated skeletal muscle mass metabolism.

Regular consumption of Fiit-ns, a polyphenol extract from fruit and vegetables frequently consumed within the Mediterranean diet, improves metabolic ageing of obese volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, parallel trial

Epidemiological studies suggest that metabolic ageing process of overweight and obese populations is associated with an increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Inflammation, hyper-glycaemia, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress have been associated with early stages of NCDs development whereas cohort surveys have demonstrated health benefits of dietary polyphenols from various dietary sources to reverse such progress. Obese volunteers were included in a double-blind, randomized, parallel pilot trial where they received daily for a 12-week period 900 mg of a polyphenol-rich treatment extracted from fruit and vegetables frequently consumed within the Mediterranean diet. Anthropometric and blood parameters were assessed before and at the end of the intervention period. After 12 weeks, while the silhouette slimmed down, metabolic parameters were significantly improved and general satisfaction considerably ameliorated. These data suggest that over a 12-week period, the synergistic action of bioactives within the treatment improves metabolic ageing process and quality of life in obese volunteers.

Lipolytic effect of a polyphenolic citrus dry extract of red orange, grapefruit, orange (SINETROL) in human body fat adipocytes. Mechanism of action by inhibition of cAMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE)

The present study investigated the lipolytic (break of fat stored) effect of a citrus-based polyphenolic dietary supplement (SINETROL) at human adipocytes (ex vivo), body fat (clinical) and biochemical levels (inhibition of phosphodiesterase). Free fatty acids (FFA) release was used as indicator of human adipocyte lipolysis and SINETROL activity has been compared with known lipolytic products (isoproterenol, theopylline and caffeine). SINETROL stimulated significantly the lipolytic activity in a range of 6 fold greater than the control. Moreover, SINETROL has 2.1 greater activity than guarana 12% caffeine while its content in caffeine is 3 times lower. Clinically, two groups of 10 volunteers with BMI relevant of overweight were compared during 4 and 12 weeks with 1.4 g/day SINETROL and placebo supplementation. In the SINETROL Group the body fat (%) decreased with a significant difference of 5.53% and 15.6% after 4 and 12 weeks, respectively, while the body weight (kg) decreased with a significant difference of 2.2 and 5.2 kg after 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. These observed effects are linked to SINETROL polyphenolic composition and its resulting synergistic activity. SINETROL is a potent inhibitor of cAMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) (97%) compared to other purified compounds (cyanidin-3 glycoside, narangin, caffeine). These results suggest that SINETROL has a strong lipolytic effect mediated by cAMP-PDE inhibition. SINETROL may serve to prevent obesity by decreasing BMI.

At low doses, a gamma-linolenic acid-lipoic acid conjugate is more effective than docosahexaenoic acid-enriched phospholipids in preventing neuropathy in diabetic rats

A deficiency in essential fatty acid metabolism has been reported in diabetes. Nutritional supplementations with (n-6) or (n-3) PUFA have differential efficiency on parameters of diabetic neuropathy, including nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and nerve blood flow (NBF). The aim of this study was to compare the neuroprotective effects of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)-lipoic acid (LA) conjugate (GLA-LA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched phospholipids (PL) supplementations on NCV and NBF. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic (D) and control (C) rats were supplemented for 8 wk with either DHA-enriched PL at a dose of 30 mg.kg-1.d-1 (DDHA and CDHA) or with corn oil enriched with GLA-LA at a dose of 30 mg.kg-1.d-1 (DGLA and CGLA). Moreover, a C and D group received no supplementation. After 8 wk, NCV (-30%) and NBF (-50%) were lower in the D group than in the C group. Supplementation with GLA-LA totally prevented the decrease in NCV and NBF in the DGLA group, in which values did not differ from group C. Supplementation with DHA only partially prevented the decrease in NCV in the DDHA group, in which value was different from groups C and D and did not affect NBF. We conclude that at the low doses used, supplementation with GLA-LA is more effective than supplementation with DHA in preventing experimental diabetic neuropathy. The difference could be due in part to an antioxidant protective effect of LA on GLA.

Monitoring Super- and Subsurface Oxygen on Ag(210) by High Energy Resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: Subsurface Diffusion and Segregation

We report on a high energy resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy plus supersonic molecular beam investigation of O/Ag(210). Two components are detected in the O1s spectra upon O2 adsorption, at binding energies EB=527.7 and 529.6 eV. The former peak persists up to 470 K, while the latter one decreases abruptly above 280 K. Comparison with a previous vibrational spectroscopy investigation on the same system (L. Vattuone, et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2003, 90, 228302) allows to assign both features to atomic oxygen. The low-energy peak is identified with adatoms, while the other is correlated to O atoms in subsurface sites. A minor contribution at the same binding energy, due to carbonates, is quantified by inspection of the C1s region and shows a different temperature behavior with respect to oxygen. Oxygen segregation into the subsurface region is observed when heating the crystal in the presence of supersurface oxygen.

Stereodynamic Effects in the Adsorption of Propylene Molecules on Ag(001)

We report on the experimental evidence of the role of rotational alignment of the gas-phase molecules in the interaction of propylene with Ag(001). Molecular alignment has been controlled by a velocity selection of the impinging molecules, flying in a supersonic seeded molecular beam. The experimental findings indicate that at low surface coverage the sticking probability is independent of molecular alignment, while when coverage exceeds few percent of a monolayer, molecules impinging rotating parallel to the surface (helicopter-like configuration) achieve a higher chance to be trapped than those which impinge rotating perpendicularly (cartwheels). The sudden appearance of a large stereodynamic effect suggests that the adsorption proceeds via a mobile precursor state and is tentatively correlated with a change in the configuration of the added propylene molecules, which adsorb tilted rather than flat at the surface.

Molecular ordering and adsorbate induced faceting in the Ag{110}-(S)-glutamic acid system

The adsorption of the amino acid, (S)-glutamic acid, was investigated on Ag{110} as a function of coverage and adsorption temperature using the techniques of scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction, and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy. In the monolayer, (S)-glutamic acid was found to adsorb predominantly in the anionic glutamate form. Several discrete ordered adlayer structures were observed depending on preparation conditions. In addition, (S)-glutamic acid was found to induce both one- and two-dimensional faceting of the Ag{110} surface. In some cases, evidence was found that the 2-D faceting involved the creation of a chiral facet distribution. A comparison is made of the Ag/(S)-glutamic acid system with analogous studies of amino acids on Cu.

Dynamics of propene adsorption on Ag(001)

The interaction of propene with Ag(001) is investigated by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy and supersonic molecular beam methods under ultra high vacuum conditions. Propene adsorbs molecularly at 110 K and desorbs intact leaving a clean surface after annealing to 160 K. Two adsorption sites, characterized by slightly different vibrational modes, exist. The low frequency species is observed already at low coverage for molecules impinging at strongly hyperthermal energies while at lower translational energy it appears only at high coverage. The initial sticking probability S(0) decreases with increasing translational energy, as appropriate for nonactivated adsorption systems. The angle and energy dependence of S(0) indicate that scaling is intermediate between total and normal energy. From the coverage dependence of the sticking probability we infer that both a nonthermal intrinsic and a thermal extrinsic precursor exist.

Peripheral diabetic neuropathy and polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementations: natural sources or biotechnological needs?

The two essential fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, precursors of the n-6 and n-3 PUFA family, respectively, are known to play a strong regulatory function on cells via their incorporation into membrane phospholipids, and also on microcirculation by the production of eicosanoids. Moreover, diabetes mellitus induces impairment in PUFA metabolism due to an inhibition of desaturases, the enzymes involved in their synthesis. The decrease in PUFA bioavailability will conduct to marked alterations in membranes as well as impairment of the microcirculation. Those metabolic perturbations are involved in part in the degenerative complications of diabetes such as neuropathy. Nutritional supplementations with PUFA have given very interesting results in experimental diabetic neuropathy but also in human diabetic neuropathy. The gamma linolenic and arachidonic acids, members of the n-6 family, prevent the physiological abnormalities associated to neuropathy. The results obtained with the n-3 family PUFA are more discordant, probably because of the simultaneous use of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Nevertheless, the use of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched phospholipids produced positive results in the treatment of experimental diabetic neuropathy. These PUFA are available from natural sources but a biotechnological demand exists to provide these PUFA in different structural forms.

Dose dependent accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cardiac membranes of rats fed egg yolk powder enriched in DHA

We tested the hypothesis that enrichment of the diet with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) enriched egg yolk powder could modify specifically the (n-3) fatty acids content of rat plasma, red blood cells and heart membranes. Dose-dependent effect of DHA was studied in rats supplemented during 4 weeks. Three groups of adult male rats, DHA10, DHA35 and DHA60 (n = 5 each), had their diet supplemented with 10 mg, 35 mg or 60 mg DHA/kg body weight/day, respectively. Fatty acid composition of membranes and plasma lipids were determined. A significant dose-dependent increase in DHA was observed in all three types of samples. Arachidonic acid (AA) levels did not change in heart and red blood cell membranes whereas it increased significantly in plasma with the DHA35 diet. These results contrast with that previously reported for fish oil supplementation where a decrease in AA levels was reported. Hence, DHA enriched egg yolk supplementation leads to a specific accretion of DHA without competition on AA status.

Neuroprotective effect of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched phospholipids in experimental diabetic neuropathy

A deficiency in essential fatty acid metabolism has been widely reported in both human and animal diabetes. Fish oil supplementations (n-3 fatty acids), containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), were less effective on diabetic neuropathy than (n-6) fatty acids. This partial effect of (n-3) fatty acids might be attributed to the presence of EPA, a competitor of arachidonic acid, which enhanced the diabetes-induced decrease of this fatty acid in serum and tissues. For determining whether a supplementation with DHA alone could prevent neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetes, diabetic rats were given daily, by gavage, liposomes containing DHA phospholipids, at a dose of 60 mg/kg. Eight weeks of diabetes induced significant decreases in nerve conduction velocity (NCV), nerve blood flow (NBF), and sciatic nerve and erythrocyte (red blood cells [RBCs]) Na,K-ATPase activities. DHA phospholipids totally prevented the decrease in NCV and NBF observed during diabetes when compared with the nonsupplemented diabetic group. DHA phospholipids also prevented the Na,K-ATPase activity decrease in RBC but not in sciatic nerve. Moreover, DHA level in sciatic nerve membranes was correlated with NCV. These results demonstrate a protective effect of daily doses of DHA on experimental diabetic neuropathy. Thus, treatment with DHA phospholipids could be suitable for evaluation in clinical trials.

Differential effect of omega3 PUFA supplementations on Na,K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase activities: possible role of the membrane omega6/omega3 ratio

Several functional properties of Na,K-ATPase are strongly dependent on membrane fatty acid composition, but the underlying mechanism is still not well defined. We have studied the effects of two types of supplementations enriched in the w3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the Na,K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase activities in sciatic nerve (SN) and red blood cells (RBC). Eight groups of rats, controls and diabetics, received a standard diet, supplemented or not with 30 or 60 mg/kg/day of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or with soybean for eight weeks. Diabetes induced significant decrease of Na,K-ATPase activity in SN (-23%) and RBC (-25%), without affecting Mg-ATPase activity. In RBC, soybean and DHA supplementations caused significant increases in Na,K-ATPase activity (in various range, +13% to +145%) in all groups, and in Mg-ATPase activity in control soybean (+65%), control and diabetic DHA high dose (+39%, +53%) and diabetic DHA low dose (+131%) groups. In SN, the soybean caused a significant decrease in Na,K-ATPase activity (-26%) and still more in the diabetic group (-53%). The DHA diet induced a slight decrease in activity in control groups, whilst during diabetes, at high dose, we noted an aggravation of this decrease (-36%). Mg-ATPase activity was not modified by supplementations except for the low dose of DHA where the activity was slightly decreased in the control group (-16%). The supplementations induced multiple tissue-specific modifications in the membrane fatty acid composition of RBC and of SN homogenates. Several specific correlations have been found between variations in fatty acids amounts and Na,K-ATPase activity in these tissues but only in RBC for Mg-ATPase activity. Indeed, we observed that the variations in Na,K-ATPase activity are positively and significantly correlated with changes in the omega6/omega3 ratio in SN as well as in RBC. These data clearly show, for the first time, that the diet could modulate the Na,K-ATPase activity via the omega6/omega3 ratio in the membranes. A similar correlation was observed with Mg-ATPase activity in RBC, suggesting also a dietary regulation of the enzyme; but for the SN, this activity might be regulated by a different omega6/omega3 ratio or by another pathway.

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) protects Na,K-ATPase isoenzymes during cerebral ischemia

Disturbances of Na,K-ATPase activity are implicated in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Previous experiments have shown that EGb 761 protects NaK-ATPase activity against one hour of cerebral ischemia. In the brain however, the 3 isoenzymes responsible for Na,K-ATPase activity may be differentially affected by various times of ischemia. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a longer period of ischemia, and the protection provided by a pre-treatment with EGb 761 on each of the 3 cerebral NaK-ATPase isoenzymes. In control and EGb 761 pre-treated mice exposed to a 6 hr unilateral occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, Na,K-ATPase activity was decreased by 60% and lipid peroxidation was increased by 40% in the ipsilateral (ischemic) cortex compared to the contralateral one. In parallel, membrane integrity was altered. The alteration of NaK-ATPase activity, as a whole, resulted from a decrease in the activity of the 3 isoenzymes. The two isoenzymes of high ouabain affinity however, had their affinities decreased while the sensitivity of the lowest affinity isoenzyme was increased. Pre-treatment with EGb 761 abolished the differences observed between ipsi- and contralateral cortex, with the exception of the change in ouabain affinity of the low affinity isoenzyme. Ischemia also induced changes in Na,K-ATPase isoenzyme ouabain affinities in the contralateral cortex that where not prevented by EGb 761.

Na,K-atpase alterations in diabetic rats: relationship with lipid metabolism and nerve physiological parameters

Type 1 diabetes induces several metabolic and biochemical disturbances which result in the alteration ofNa,K-ATPase, an enzyme implicated in the physiopathology of neuropathy Several fatty acid supplementations lessen this alteration. The aims of this study were to determine the possible relationships between Na,K-ATPase activity in nerves and red blood cells (RBCs) and, on one hand, the fatty acid alterations induced by diabetes in these tissues and plasma and on the other, on nerve physiological parameters. Two groups of rats, control and diabetic (n = 15), were sacrified 8 weeks after induction of diabetes with streptozotocin. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV), nerve blood flow (NBF), Na,K-ATPase activity and membrane fatty acid composition of sciatic nerves, red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma were measured. NCV, NBF and Na,K-ATPase activity in RBCs and in sciatic nerves were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. We revealed a positive correlation between Na,K-ATPase activity in sciatic nerves and both NBF and NCV and between Na,K-ATPase activity in RBCs and NBF and the same activity in sciatic nerve. Diabetes induced major changes in plasma fatty acids and RBC membranes and less important changes in sciatic nerve membranes. Na,K-ATPase activity correlated negatively with C20: 4 (n-6) and C22: 4 (n-6) levels in nerves and with C18: 2 (n-6) levels in RBCs. During diabetes, changes in the membrane fatty acid composition suggest the existence of a tissue-specific regulation, and the decrease in Na,K-ATPase activity correlates with the alteration in the level of specific fatty acids in RBCs and sciatic nerves. Modifications in the lipidic environment of Na,K-ATPase would be involved in the alteration of its activity. Na,K-ATPase activity seems to be implicated in the decrease of both NCV and NBF during diabetes.

Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on rat liver Na+/K+-ATPase

Na+/K+-ATPase during diabetes may be regulated by synthesis of its alpha and beta subunits and by changes in membrane fluidity and lipid composition. As these mechanisms were unknown in liver, we studied in rats the effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on liver Na+/K+-ATPase. We then evaluated whether fish oil treatment prevented the diabetes-induced changes. Diabetes mellitus induced an increased Na+/K+-ATPase activity and an enhanced expression of the beta1 subunit; there was no change in the amount of the alpha1 and beta3 isoenzymes. Biphasic ouabain inhibition curves were obtained for diabetic groups indicating the presence of low and high affinity sites. No alpha2 and alpha3 isoenzymes could be detected. Diabetes mellitus led to a decrease in membrane fluidity and a change in membrane lipid composition. The diabetes-induced changes are not prevented by fish oil treatment. The results suggest that the increase of Na+/K+-ATPase activity can be associated with the enhanced expression of the beta1 subunit in the diabetic state, but cannot be attributed to changes in membrane fluidity as typically this enzyme will increase in response to an enhancement of membrane fluidity. The presence of a high-affinity site for ouabain (IC50 = 10-7 M) could be explained by the presence of (alphabeta)2 diprotomeric structure of Na+/K+-ATPase or an as yet unknown alpha subunit isoform that may exist in diabetes mellitus. These stimulations might be related, in part, to the modification of fatty acid content during diabetes.

Dietary fish oil promotes positive inotropy of ouabain in the rat heart

We tested the hypothesis that a fish oil (FO) diet promotes positive inotropy of ouabain without increased toxicity. For 2 mo, two groups of adult male rats were fed 1) a regular food diet supplemented with dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid from FO or 2) a regular food diet (control). The responsiveness to ouabain was evaluated for the two groups in Langendorff-perfused hearts, by (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and on purified membrane-bound Na-K-ATPase. The maximum positive inotropy achieved with ouabain was nearly two times higher in the FO than in the control group and was not associated with significant changes in energetics. Alteration of function and energetic metabolism and inhibition of Na-K-ATPase in response to 3 x 10(-4) M ouabain were delayed in the FO group. This study demonstrates that dietary FO, by a cardiac membrane incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, promotes positive inotropy of ouabain without toxicity and changes in cardiac metabolism.

Localization of Na,K-ATPase alpha/beta isoforms in rat sciatic nerves: effect of diabetes and fish oil treatment

The localization of the Na,K-ATPase isoenzymes in sciatic nerve remains controversial, as well as diabetes-induced changes in Na,K-ATPase isoforms. Some of these changes could be prevented by fish oil therapy. The aim of this study was to determine by confocal microscopy the distribution of Na,K-ATPase isoforms (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, beta1, and beta2) in the sciatic nerve, the changes induced by diabetes, and the preventive effect of fish oil in diabetic neuropathy. This study was performed in three groups of rats. In the first two groups, diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and rats were supplemented daily with fish oil or olive oil at a dosage of 0.5 g/kg of body weight. The third one was a control group that was supplemented with olive oil. Five antibodies against specific epitopes of Na,K-ATPase isoenzymes were applied to stained dissociated nerve fibers with fluorescent secondary antibodies. The five isoenzymes were documented in nonspecific regions, Schwann cells (myelin), and the node of Ranvier. The localization of the alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 isoenzymes was not affected by diabetes. In contrast, diabetes induced a decrease of the alpha2 subunit (p < 0.05) and an up-regulation of the beta2 subunit (p < 0.05). These modifications were noted in both regions for alpha2 and were localized at the myelin domain only for the beta2. Fish oil supplementation prevented the diabetes-induced changes in the alpha2 subunit with an additional up-regulation. The beta2 subunit was not modified. A phenotypic change similar to nerve injury was induced by diabetes. Fish oil supplementation partially prevented some of these changes.

Beneficial effects of gamma linolenic acid supplementation on nerve conduction velocity, Na+, K+ ATPase activity, and membrane fatty acid composition in sciatic nerve of diabetic rats

Metabolic and vascular abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. Two principal metabolic defects are altered lipid metabolism resulting from the impairment of delta-6-desaturase, which converts linoleic acid (LA) into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and reduced nerve Na+, K+ ATPase activity. This reduction may be caused by a lack of incorporation of (n-6) fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. Because this ubiquitous enzyme maintains the membrane electrical potential and allows repolarization, disturbances in its activity can alter the process of nerve conduction velocity (NCV). We studied the effects of supplementation with GLA (260 mg per day) on NCV, fatty acid phospholipid composition, and Na+, K+ ATPase activity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Six groups of 10 rats were studied. Two groups served as controls supplemented with GLA or sunflower oil (GLA free). Two groups with different durations of diabetes were studied: 6 weeks with no supplementation and 12 weeks supplemented with sunflower oil. To test the ability of GLA to prevent or reverse the effects of diabetes, two groups of diabetic rats were supplemented with GLA, one group for 12 weeks and one group for 6 weeks, starting 6 weeks after diabetes induction. Diabetes resulted in a 25% decrease in NCV (P < 0.0001), a 45% decrease in Na+, K+ ATPase activity (P < 0.0001), and an abnormal phospholipid fatty acid composition. GLA restored NCV both in the prevention and reversal studies and partially restored Na+, K+ ATPase activity in the preventive treatment group (P < 0.0001). These effects were accompanied by a modification of phospholipid fatty acid composition in nerve membranes. Overall, the results suggest that membrane fatty acid composition plays a direct role in NCV and confirm the beneficial effect of GLA supplementation in diabetic neuropathy.

A quantitative immunocytochemical study of Na+,K+-ATPase in rat hepatocytes after STZ-induced diabetes and dietary fish oil supplementation

Because diabetes causes alterations in hepatic membrane fatty acid content, these changes may affect the Na+,K+-ATPase. In this study we documented the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on hepatic Na+,K+-ATPase catalytic alpha1-subunit and evaluated whether these changes could be normalized by fish oil supplementation. Two groups of diabetic rats received fish oil or olive oil supplementation. Both groups had a respective control group. We studied the localization of catalytic alpha1-subunit on bile canalicular and basolateral membranes using immunocytochemical methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the Na+, K+-ATPase activity, membrane fluidity, and fatty acid composition on isolated hepatic membranes. A decrease in the alpha1-subunit was observed with diabetes in the bile canalicular membranes, without changes in basolateral membranes. This decrease was partially prevented by dietary fish oil. Diabetes induces significant changes as documented by enzymatic Na+,K+-ATPase activity, membrane fluidity, and fatty acid content, whereas little change in these parameters was observed after a fish oil diet. In conclusion, STZ-induced diabetes appears to modify bile canalicular membrane integrity and dietary fish oil partly prevents the diabetes-induced alterations.

Diet deficient in alpha-linolenic acid alters fatty acid composition and enzymatic properties of Na+, K+-ATPase isoenzymes of brain membranes in the adult rat

The effects of dietary (n-6)/(n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid balance on fatty acid composition, ouabain inhibition, and Na(+) dependence of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes of whole brain membranes were studied in 60-day-old rats fed over two generations a diet either devoid of alpha-linolenic acid [18:3(n-3)] (sunflower oil diet) or rich in 18:3(n-3) (soybean oil diet). In the brain membranes, the sunflower oil diet led to a dramatic decrease in docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3)] membrane content. The activities of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes were discriminated on the basis of their differential affinities for ouabain and their sensitivity to sodium concentration. The ouabain titration curve of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity displayed three inhibitory processes with markedly different affinity [i.e., low (alpha1), high (alpha2), and very high (alpha3)] for brain membranes of rats fed the sunflower oil diet, whereas the brain membranes of rats fed the soybean oil diet exhibited only two inhibitory processes, low (alpha1) and high (alpha2' = alpha2 + alpha3). Regardless of the diet, on the basis of the Na(+) dependence of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, three isoenzymes were found: alpha1 form displaying an affinity 1.5- to 2-fold higher that of than alpha2 and 3-fold higher that of alpha3. In rats fed the sunflower oil diet, alpha2 isoenzyme exhibited higher affinity for sodium (Ka = 8.8 mmol/L) than that of rats fed the soybean oil diet (Ka = 11.7 mmol/L). These results suggest that the membrane lipid environment modulates the functional properties of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes of high ouabain affinity (alpha2).

Fatty acid-induced modulation of ouabain responsiveness of rat Na, K-ATPase isoforms

Membrane phospholipids represent a potential influence on the enzymatic properties of the Na,K-ATPase. Little is known concerning the effects of the fatty acid environment surrounding the enzyme on the kinetic properties of the Na,K-ATPase. We used the most obvious difference among the alpha isoforms of rat, their affinities for digitalis glycosides, to examine the relationship between the lipid environment and the Na,K-ATPase. Specific membrane environments that differ in their fatty acid composition were produced by drug-induced diabetes, as well as variations in diet. The alpha1 isoforms in various tissues were then characterized by their resistance to ouabain in Na,K-ATPase-enriched membrane microsomal fractions. The Na,K-ATPase activity in nerves and hearts were altered by diabetes and partially restored in nerves after a fish oil diet. Evaluation of enzyme kinetics (dose-response curves for ouabain) in membrane preparations allowed us to correlate the ouabain affinity of alpha1 isoform with fatty acid composition. The affinity of the alpha1 isoform for ouabain was significantly increased with accretions in the total amount of fatty acids of the n-6 series (P < 0.0001). Our observations provide a partial explanation for the observed difference in isoform properties among tissues. Moreover, these results underline the interaction between membrane fatty acids and the glycoside binding site of the Na,K-ATPase alpha1 subunit.

Cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acids inhibit Na, K-ATPase activity in human endothelial cells

We have investigated the effects of cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexenoic acid (DHA) on Na, K-ATPase activity in human endothelial cells (HUVEC). Cultured HUVEC were incubated for 18 h with pure egg phosphatidylcholine (PC), or cholesterol-enriched liposomes (4 mg PC/ml). EPA and DHA alpha-tocopherol-acetate were emulsified with PC and incubated with HUVEC (10 mM). Na, K-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase activities were determined using the coupled assay method on microsomal fractions obtained from cultured cells using non treated cells as control. Cholesterol enrichment significantly reduced both Na, K-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase activities by a similar level (- 40%), whereas pure phospholipid liposomes inhibited this activity only by 22%. The dose-response curves of Na, K-ATPase activity were all biphasic assuming the presence of two independent sites exhibiting different affinities for ouabain of nM and microM respectively. The cholesterol induced inhibitory effect was greater for low affinity sites (-54%) as compared to that of the high affinity sites (-24%) whereas omega-3 fatty acids reduced the activity of both sites by 22%. Short term effects of EPA and DHA on Na, K-ATPase activity were determined by incubating microsomal fractions from untreated cells with various concentrations of free fatty acids (from 1 to 200 microM) for 20 min. Both EPA and DHA significantly reduced Na, K-ATPase activity but inhibition by EPA seems to be more effective than DHA. These results suggest that cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acids reduce Na, K-ATPase activity in HUVEC.

Fish oil supplementation prevents diabetes-induced nerve conduction velocity and neuroanatomical changes in rats

Diabetic neuropathy has been associated with a decrease in nerve conduction velocity, Na,K-ATPase activity and characteristic histological damage of the sciatic nerve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of a dietary supplementation with fish oil [(n-3) fatty acids] on the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intravenous streptozotocin injection. Diabetic animals (n = 20) were fed a nonpurified diet supplemented with either olive oil (DO) or fish oil (DM), and control animals (n = 10) were fed a nonpurified diet supplemented with olive oil at a daily dose of 0.5 g/kg by gavage for 8 wk. Nerves were characterized by their conduction velocity, morphometric analysis and membrane Na, K-ATPase activity. Nerve conduction velocity, as well as Na,K-ATPase activity, was improved by fish oil treatment. A correlation was found between these two variables (R = 0.999, P < 0.05). Moreover, a preventive effect of fish oil was observed on nerve histological damage [endoneurial edema, axonal degeneration (by 10-15%) with demyelination]. Moreover, the normal bimodal distribution of the internal diameter of myelinated fibers was absent in the DO group and was restored in the DM group. These data suggest that fish oil therapy may be effective in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy.

Alterations of Na,K-ATPase isoenzymes in the rat diabetic neuropathy: protective effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids

Diabetic neuropathy is a degenerative complication of diabetes accompanied by an alteration of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and Na,K-ATPase activity. The present study in rats was designed first to measure diabetes-induced abnormalities in Na,K-ATPase activity, isoenzyme expression, fatty acid content in sciatic nerve membranes, and NCV and second to assess the preventive ability of a fish oil-rich diet (rich in n-3 fatty acids) on these abnormalities. Diabetes was induced by intravenous streptozotocin injection. Diabetic animals (D) and nondiabetic control animals (C) were fed the standard rat chow either without supplementation or supplemented with either fish oil (DM, CM) or olive oil (DO, CO) at a daily dose of 0.5 g/kg by gavage during 8 weeks. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of purified sciatic nerve membranes from diabetic animals showed a decreased incorporation of C16:1(n-7) fatty acids and arachidonic acids. Fish oil supplementation changed the fatty acid content of sciatic nerve membranes, decreasing C18:2(n-6) fatty acids and preventing the decreases of arachidonic acids and C18:1(n-9) fatty acids. Protein expression of Na,K-ATPase alpha subunits, Na,K-ATPase activity, and ouabain affinity were assayed in purified sciatic nerve membranes from CO, DO, and DM. Na,K-ATPase activity was significantly lower in sciatic nerve membranes of diabetic rats and significantly restored in diabetic animals that received fish oil supplementation. Diabetes induced a specific decrease of alpha1- and alpha3-isoform activity and protein expression in sciatic nerve membranes. Fish oil supplementation restored partial activity and expression to varying degrees depending on the isoenzyme. These effects were associated with a significant beneficial effect on NCV. This study indicates that fish oil has beneficial effects on diabetes-induced alterations in sciatic nerve Na,K-ATPase activity and function.

Evidence that human endothelial cells express different isoforms of Na,K-ATPase

BACKGROUND

The catalytic alpha and smaller beta subunits of the plasma membrane Na,K-ATPase occur in various molecular forms (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, beta1 and beta2). The alpha isoforms of the enzyme have varying affinities for ouabain and exist in different tissues with particular distribution patterns.

OBJECTIVE

To document the existence of isoforms of the Na,K-ATPase in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

METHODS

Microsomal fractions were prepared by differential ultracentrifugation from primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and from such cells obtained after three passages. Na,K-ATPase activity was assayed using the coupled assay method and sensitivity to ouabain was determined in the presence of varying concentrations of ouabain. Specific antibodies for the various Na,K-ATPase isoforms were used to label these different proteins by immunocytochemistry in endothelial cells and by Western blotting in isolated membranes.

RESULTS

In plotting the dose-response curves for Na,K-ATPase activity in response to ouabain we assumed the existence of two independent sites exhibiting different affinities for ouabain (in the micromol/l and the nmol/l ranges). The contribution of low-affinity sites was threefold that of high-affinity sites. After three passages in culture, a specific increase in Na,K-ATPase activity of the high-affinity sites was observed compared with that of cells from primary cultures. Confocal microscopy revealed the existence of beta1, beta2, and alpha1 subunit proteins in human umbilical endothelial cells. Staining for alpha3 isoform was less pronounced and no obvious alpha2 was detected.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that human umbilical vein endothelial cells contain beta1, beta2, a large amount of alpha1 isoform with an apparently low affinity for ouabain, and a lesser amount of high-affinity sites, which may correspond to the alpha3 protein.

Changes in ouabain affinity of Na+, K+-ATPase during focal cerebral ischaemia in the mouse

We investigated the effect of focal cerebral ischaemia on the activity and the affinity of the ouabain sites of Na+,K+-ATPase in the mouse. The Na+,K+-ATPase activity was decreased by 38% as early as 30 min following ischaemia. In the sham group, the dose-response curves for ouabain disclosed three inhibitory states which contribute, respectively, 24.9 +/- 6.7%, 39.1 +/- 7.5% and 36.0% of the total activity (low affinity, LA; high affinity, HA and very high affinity, VHA, respectively). Their computed IC50 values are, respectively: 1.3 X 10(-3) M, 4.5 X 10(-6) M and 2.9 X 10(-9) M. Surprisingly, in ischaemic cortices, only two sites for ouabain were detected. The first site exhibits a LA (IC50 = 2.0 X 10[-4] M) but its relative contribution to the total activity (46.1 +/- 5.2%) is twice that noted for the LA site in non-ischaemic tissues. The second site presents an affinity intermediate between those of HA and VHA sites of the sham group (IC50 = 1.7 X 10[-7] M) and contributes 53.9% to the total activity. Loss in the specific activity of the second site explains that of the total activity. The most likely explanation in the presence of only two ouabain sites of Na+,K+-ATPase following ischaemia may be a change in ouabain affinity of alpha2 and/or alpha3 isoforms, as the presence of all three alpha isoforms has been observed by Western blotting. These results suggest that ischaemia induces intrinsic modifications in Na+,K+-ATPase which result from perturbations in membrane integrity and/or association of the alpha isoforms of this enzyme.

Alteration of Na,K-ATPase isoenzymes in diabetic cardiomyopathy: effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil (n-3 fatty acids) in rats

Diabetic cardiomyopathy has been associated with a decrease in Na,K-ATPase activity and expression, as well as alterations in membrane lipid composition. The aim of this study was twofold: 1) to document in rats the effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on myocardial Na,K-ATPase and fatty acids, and 2) to evaluate the potential effect of a dietary supplementation with fish oil (n-3 fatty acids) on the streptozotocin-induced changes. Assays were performed in purified cardiac plasma membranes to determine Na,K-ATPase activity, expression of the different alpha- and beta-subunits of Na,K-ATPase, and the fatty acid content of total phospholipids. Relative abundance of the mRNAs encoding the alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta 1 isoforms was studied by Northern blot analysis. Results demonstrated that diabetes significantly decreased activities of alpha 1 and alpha 2 isoforms and mRNA levels of alpha 2 and beta 1 isoforms, and, at the protein level, increased alpha 1-isoforms and decreased both alpha 2- and beta 1-isoforms. Changes in fatty acid content of the membrane were consistent with inhibition of desaturase. Fish-oil supplementation produced an increase in membrane incorporation of eicosapentaenoic acid. It also increased the level of beta 1-isoforms and restored the activity of the alpha 2-isoenzyme without significant changes in the level of alpha 1- and alpha 2-isoforms. Northern blot analysis showed no effect of fish oil supplementation. Experimental diabetes and prevention by the fish oil rich (n-3 fatty acids) diet induced specific effects on the activity and expression of alpha and beta Na,K-ATPase subunit isoforms. These studies suggest that fish oil therapy may be effective in preventing some of the adverse consequences of diabetes.

Specific modulation of two neuronal digitalis receptors by anaesthesia

Three isoenzymes of digitalis receptors (alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3) in the brain and only one in the kidney (alpha 1) can be distinguished by their ouabain affinities and their responsiveness to sodium. Since we have reported modulations for these digitalis receptors by their fatty acid membrane environment, anaesthesics could bind on and modulate either directly these receptors or indirectly by disturbing membrane lipids. The aim of this study was to evaluate this anaesthetic action on apparent ouabain affinities and sodium dependence of cerebral and renal Na+, K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes activities. Rat brain and kidney membrane fractions with pentobarbital-induced anaesthetized state were compared to an unanaesthetized state for their (1) fatty acid composition of total membrane phospholipids, (2) responsiveness to ouabain and (3) Na+ dependence of digitalis receptors. An anaesthesia period of 10 minutes induced (1) a fatty acid modification of brain membranes and (2) a significant sensibilization to ouabain for the alpha 2 and alpha 3 isoforms of digitalis receptors (alpha 2, IC50; 8.2 +/- 0.5 x 10(-7) mol/l vs 4.5 +/- 0.2 x 10(-7) mol/l; alpha 3, IC50; 6.0 +/- 0.3 x 10(-8) mol/l vs 2.5 +/- 0.1 x 10(-8). In contrast, the ouabain affinity of the alpha 1 subunit expressed in kidney and brain membranes was unaltered. No anaesthetic effect was observed on the Na+ dependence of the alpha 1 isoenzyme in the brain (4 mmol/l) and the kidney (8 mmol/l). Pentobarbital induced a desensibilization for alpha 2-receptors (8.3 +/- 0.5 vs 16.0 +/- 1.4 mmol/l Na+) and a sensibilization for alpha 3-receptors (14.4 +/- 0.8 vs 10 +/- 1.3 mmol/l Na+). These altered properties could be related to a selective modification of the fatty acid composition and/or to the presence of a specific binding site for pentobarbital on these two neuronal digitalis receptors.

Canine cardiac digitalis receptors are preserved in congestive heart failure induced by rapid ventricular pacing

In dogs, it has been reported that acute ischemia or severe and terminal heart failure results in a selective reduction of myocardial alpha 3 isoform of Na, K-ATPase activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a similar change in the two canine digitalis receptor isoforms occurs following 4 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing-induced heart failure without profound necrosis. Heart failure was induced in dogs by rapid ventricular pacing (240 beats x min-1). Digitalis receptors were quantitated by [3H]-ouabain binding with isolated microsomal membranes from sham-operated (n = 3) and heart failure dogs (n = 4) and by Western blot analysis using specific alpha 1 and alpha 3 polyclonal antibodies. In kinetic studies, similar dissociation rates of 19 to 22 x 10(-4) s-1 and 1.3 to 2.4 x 10(-4) s-1 corresponding to high and low affinity sites respectively, were found in sham-operated and CHF dogs. Immunoblotting showed similar abundance of alpha 1 isoform in the two groups; however, levels of alpha 3 were increased by at least 50% in pacing-induced heart failure animals. In conclusion, heart failure selectively modulates the expression of cardiac alpha 3 isoform in dogs.

Modulation of mouse cerebral Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity by oxygen free radicals

There is increasing evidence that oxygen free radicals (OFR) are involved in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury, possibly via a modulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity, one of the major membrane pumps responsible for ionic homeostasis. We measured OFR-mediated modulation of this enzymatic activity and examined the roles of lipid and/or protein alterations. Using mouse brain microsomes exposed to UV-C irradiation, our results show a good correlation between activity inhibition and lipoperoxidation estimated by PUFA loss as well as malondialdehyde production. The protective effect of thiourea (OH scavenger) and the lack of effect noted with DTT (thiol protector) suggest that the functionality of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase is altered by perturbation of membrane integrity rather than by a structural alteration of the protein itself.

Effect of fish oil diet on fatty acid composition of phospholipids of brain membranes and on kinetic properties of Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes of weaned and adult rats

The influence of dietary (n-3) fatty acids (such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) as found in fish oil on Na+ sensitivity and ouabain affinity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes (alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3) was studied in whole brain membranes from weaned and adult rats fed diets for two generations. The long chain (n-3) fatty acids supplied by fish oil decreased the fatty acids of the (n-6) series compared with the standard diet, resulting in a decrease in the (n-6)/(n-3) molar ratio in both 21- and 60-day-old rats. On the basis of ouabain titration, three inhibitory processes with markedly different affinities were associated with isoenzymes, i.e., low affinity (alpha 1), high affinity (alpha 2), and very high affinity (alpha 3). It appears that the fish oil diet, in part via the modification of membrane fatty acid composition, altered the proportion and ouabain affinity of isoenzymes. Na+ sensitivity is the best criterion of physiologic change induced by fish oil diet. We calculated the Na+ activation for each isoenzyme and found one Na+ sensitivity and two Na+ sensitivities per isoenzyme in weanling and adult rats fed different diets, respectively. In contrast to alpha 2 and alpha 3, alpha 1 appears insensitive to membrane change induced by fish oil diet. Fish oil diet, which is known to confer cardioprotection, induced significant modulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes at the brain level.

Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on functional characteristic of Na+/K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes in whole brain membranes of weaned rats

The influence of dietary fatty acids on Na+ sensitivity and ouabain affinity of Na+/K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes of whole brain membranes were studied in weaned rats fed for two generations with diets either devoid of alpha-linolenic acid (sunflower oil diet) or rich in alpha-linolenic acid (soya oil diet). The (n--3) deficiency induced by the sunflower oil diet led to an increase in the (n--6)/(n--3) molar ratio in whole brain membranes. Na+/K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes were discriminated on the basis of their differential affinities for ouabain. In rats fed sunflower oil diet, the ouabain titration displayed three inhibitory processes with markedly different affinities: low affinity (alpha 1); high affinity (alpha 2); and very high affinity (alpha 3). Membranes of rats fed soya oil diet exhibited only two inhibitory processes, i.e., low affinity (likely alpha 1+ alpha 2) and high affinity (likely alpha 2+ alpha 3) with the low affinity form intermediate between the sunflower alpha 1 and alpha 2 forms, and the high affinity form intermediate between the sunflower alpha 2 and alpha 3 forms. In fact, the Na+ response shows that the three isoenzymes have different Na+ sensitivities. Regardless of the diet, alpha 1 has a similar Na+ sensitivity (less than 1 mM), whilst alpha 2 and alpha 3 are more sensitive in soya oil membranes compared to sunflower oil membranes (5.1 vs. 7.2 mM and about 11 vs. 22.5 mM, respectively). Thus, sodium appears to be a better criterion of heterogeneity than ouabain.

Heterogeneous Na+ sensitivity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes in whole brain membranes

The Na+ sensitivity of whole brain membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes was studied using the differential inhibitory effect of ouabain (alpha 1, low affinity for ouabain; alpha 2, high affinity; and alpha 3, very high affinity). At 100 mM Na+, we found that the proportion of isoforms with low, high, and very high ouabain affinity was 21, 38, and 41%, respectively. Using two ouabain concentrations (10(-5) and 10(-7) M), we were able to discriminate Na+ sensitivity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoenzymes using nonlinear regression. The ouabain low-affinity isoform, alpha 1, exhibited high Na+ sensitivity [Ka of 3.88 +/- 0.25 mM Na+ and a Hill coefficient (n) of 1.98 +/- 0.13]; the ouabain high-affinity isoform, alpha 2, had two Na+ sensitivities, a high (Ka of 4.98 +/- 0.2 mM Na+ and n of 1.34 +/- 0.10) and a low (Ka of 28 +/- 0.5 mM Na+ and an n of 1.92 +/- 0.18) Na+ sensitivity activated above a threshold (22 +/- 0.3 mM Na+); and the ouabain very-high-affinity isoform, alpha 3, was resolved by two processes and appears to have two Na+ sensitivities (apparent Ka values of 3.5 and 20 mM Na+). We show that Na+ dependence in the absence of ouabain is the result of at least of five Na+ reactivities. This molecular functional characteristic of isoenzymes in membranes could explain the diversity of physiological roles attributed to isoenzymes.

Cordil reversibly inhibits the Na,K-ATPase from outside of the cell membrane. Role of K-dependent dephosphorylation

Cordil-LND796 is a new cardiotonic glycoside under development. In rat brain microsomes where three isoforms of the Na,K-ATPase with differential affinities for cardiac glycosides have been identified, Cordil had higher affinity for the alpha 3 (IC50 = 0.02 microM) than for the alpha 2 (IC50 = 0.6 microM) and the alpha 1 (IC50 = 30 microM) isozymes. Cordil is potentially a selective inhibitor for both alpha 2 and alpha 3 Na,K-ATPase isoforms. Using inside out vesicles we have shown that Cordil binds to and inhibits Na,K-ATPase at an extracellular site. The dissociation kinetic rates (k-1) from the ATPase and the phosphatase activity (K-dependent dephosphorylation) of the Na,K-ATPase were similar for Cordil. Despite these similarities to ouabain comparison of the kinetics of the Na,K-ATPase inhibition by ouabain and Cordil revealed marked differences in their association rates (k+1 = 0.7 l mol-1 min-1 and k+1 = 6 x 10(-3) l mol-1 min-1 respectively) and their dissociation rates (k-1 = 1.3 +/- 0.2 x 10(-4) s-1 and k-1 = 69 +/- 7 x 10(-4) s-1 respectively). Both binding association and dissociation rates were enhanced for Cordil. These data are compatible with a stabilizing effect of Cordil on the E2P conformational state of Na,K-ATPase.

An organophosphorus compound, Vx, selectively inhibits the rat cardiac Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 isoform. Biochemical basis of the cardiotoxicity of Vx

Serine-specific reagents, anticholinesterase organophosphorus compounds like Vx provoke, in the micromolar range, digitalis-like ventricular arrhythmias of non-cholinergic origin in rodent hearts. The sensitivities of the two rat cardiac Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoforms (alpha 1 and alpha 2) to Vx (0.1-100 microM) were measured in sarcolemma vesicles. At 1 microM Vx, the inhibition of the total activity averaged 18% but never exceeded 75% with 100 microM. When the alpha 2 isoform activity was inhibited by 0.1 microM ouabain, alpha 1 was 35% inhibited by 1 microM Vx, i.e. a 16 +/- 4% inhibition of the total activity. The cardiac alpha 1 being related to the digitalis-induced toxicity, its selective inhibition by a micromolar dose of Vx fully accounts for the cardiotoxicity of Vx. Inasmuch as Vx had no effect on the rat kidney alpha 1, differentially inactivated the cardiac isozymes and specifically reacted with serine residues, the putative binding-site(s) of the organophosphorus compound on the Na+-K(+)-ATPase molecules has been considered.

Two functional Na+/K(+)-ATPase isoforms in the left ventricle of guinea pig heart

Guinea pig left ventricular muscle contains two distinct molecular forms of the Na+/K(+)-ATPase catalytic alpha subunit. Sarcolemmal vesicles highly enriched in Na+/K(+)-ATPase were isolated by a new procedure that yielded specific activities of 60-100 mumol Pi.h-1.mg-1. SDS/PAGE of isolated sarcolemma after reduction and alkylation of the sulfhydryl groups and identification on immunoblots with specific anti-(alpha subunit) antibodies indicated the presence of two major polypeptides of 100 kDa and 103 kDa, respectively. The two alpha subunits were functional: the dose/response curves of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity with ouabain, dihydroouabain and digitoxigenin were biphasic, revealing the presence of high-affinity [concentration of drug causing 50% inhibition (IC50) = 10 nM] and low-affinity (IC50 = 2 microM) forms with proportional contributions of 55% and 45%, respectively. The involvement of the high-affinity form in the positive inotropic effect of digitalis and of the low-affinity sites in both inotropy and toxicity are consistent with the literature data on rodents.