Na+/K+-ATPase Revisited: On Its Mechanism of Action, Role in Cancer, and Activity Modulation

Maintenance of Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients across the cell plasma membrane is an essential process for mammalian cell survival. An enzyme responsible for this process, sodium-potassium ATPase (NKA), has been currently extensively studied as a potential anticancer target, especially in lung cancer and glioblastoma. To date, many NKA inhibitors, mainly of natural origin from the family of cardiac steroids (CSs), have been reported and extensively studied. Interestingly, upon CS binding to NKA at nontoxic doses, the role of NKA as a receptor is activated and intracellular signaling is triggered, upon which cancer cell death occurs, which lies in the expression of different NKA isoforms than in healthy cells. Two major CSs, digoxin and digitoxin, originally used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, are also being tested for another indication—cancer. Such drug repositioning has a big advantage in smoother approval processes. Besides this, novel CS derivatives with improved performance are being developed and evaluated in combination therapy. This article deals with the NKA structure, mechanism of action, activity modulation, and its most important inhibitors, some of which could serve not only as a powerful tool to combat cancer, but also help to decipher the so-far poorly understood NKA regulation.

Cellular sensing platform with enhanced sensitivity based on optogenetic modulation of cell homeostasis

We demonstrate a new biosensing concept with impact on the development of rapid, point of need cell based sensing with boosted sensitivity and wide relevance for bioanalysis. It involves optogenetic stimulation of cells stably transfected to express light sensitive protein channels for optical control of membrane potential and of ion homeostasis. Time-lapse impedance measurements are used to reveal cell dynamics changes encompassing cellular responses to bioactive stimuli and optically induced homeostasis disturbances. We prove that light driven perturbations of cell membrane potential induce homeostatic reactions and modulate transduction mechanisms that amplify cellular response to bioactive compounds. This allows cell based biosensors to respond more rapidly and sensitively to low concentrations of bioactive/toxic analytes: statistically relevant impedance changes are recorded in less than 30 min, in comparison with >8 h in the best alternative reported tests for the same low concentration (e.g. a concentration of 25 μM CdCl2, lower than the threshold concentration in classical cellular sensors). Comparative analysis of model bioactive/toxic compounds (ouabain and CdCl2) demonstrates that cellular reactivity can be boosted by light driven perturbations of cellular homeostasis and that this biosensing concept is able to discriminate analytes with different modes of action (i.e. CdCl2 toxicity versus ion pump inhibition by ouabain), a significant advance against state of the art cell based sensors.

Changes in [3H]-ouabain and [3H]-neurotensin binding to rat cerebral cortex membranes after administration of antipsychotic drugs haloperidol and clozapine

Evidences indicate the relationship between neurotensinergic and dopaminergic systems. Neurotensin inhibits synaptosomal membrane Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, an effect blocked by SR 48692, antagonist for high affinity neurotensin receptor (NTS1) type. Assays of high affinity [³H]-ouabain binding (to analyze K⁺ site of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase) show that in vitro addition of neurotensin decreases binding. Herein potential interaction between NTS1 receptor, dopaminergic D2 receptor and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase was studied. To test the involvement of dopaminergic D2 receptors in [³H]-ouabain binding inhibition by neurotensin, Wistar rats were administered i.p.with antipsychotic drugs haloperidol (2mg/kg) and clozapine (3, 10 and 30mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed 18h later, cerebral cortices harvested, membrane fractions prepared and high affinity [³H]-ouabain binding assayed in the absence or presence of neurotensin at a 10 micromolar concentration. No differences versus controls for basal binding or for binding inhibition by neurotensin were recorded, except after 10mg/kg clozapine. Rats were administered with neurotensin (3, 10y 30μg, i.c.v.) and 60min later, animals were sacrificed, cerebral cortices harvested and processed to obtain membrane fractions for high affinity [³H]-ouabain binding assays. Results showed a slight but statistically significant decrease in binding with the 30μg neurotensin dose. To analyze the interaction between dopaminergic D2 and NTS1 receptors, [³H]-neurotensin binding to cortical membranes from rats injected with haloperidol (2mg/kg, i.p.) or clozapine (10mg/kg) was assayed. Saturation curves and Scatchard transformation showed that the only statistically significant change occurred in Bmax after haloperidol administration. Hill number was close to the unit in all cases. Results indicated that typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs differentially modulate the interaction between neurotensin and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. At the same time, support the notion of an interaction among dopaminergic and neurotensinergic systems and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase at central synapses.

[Ouabain and asthenospermia]

Asthenospermia accounts for about 30% of the causes of male infertility. Currently, most drugs for asthenospermia lack specificity and desirable therapeutic efficiency. An insight into the pathogenesis of asthenospermia is important for the development of specific therapies for this disease. The protein Na+/K(+)- ATPase α4 isoform (NKA4) presents in both mature testis tissue and the sperm tail, the absence or reduced activity of which may significantly decrease sperm motility. Ouabain is a natural inhibitor of NKA4, suppressing its activity by specifically binding the ouabain site in it. The hypothalamus and adrenal cortex excrete an ouabain-like steroid hormone called endogenous ouabain (EO), which may be associated with the pathogenesis of asthenospermia by inhibiting the activity of NKA4, affecting Na+/H+ exchange, Na+/Ca2+ exchange and sperm cell membrane potential, and eventually reducing sperm motility.

Development of a concise synthesis of ouabagenin and hydroxylated corticosteroid analogues

The natural product ouabagenin is a complex cardiotonic steroid with a highly oxygenated skeleton. This full account describes the development of a concise synthesis of ouabagenin, including the evolution of synthetic strategy to access hydroxylation at the C19 position of a steroid skeleton. In addition, approaches to install the requisite butenolide moiety at the C17 position are discussed. Lastly, methodology developed in this synthesis has been applied in the generation of novel analogues of corticosteroid drugs bearing a hydroxyl group at the C19 position.

Neuroendocrine humoral and vascular components in the pressor pathway for brain angiotensin II: a new axis in long term blood pressure control

Central nervous system (CNS) administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) raises blood pressure (BP). The rise in BP reflects increased sympathetic outflow and a slower neuromodulatory pressor mechanism mediated by CNS mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). We investigated the hypothesis that the sustained phase of hypertension is associated also with elevated circulating levels of endogenous ouabain (EO), and chronic stimulation of arterial calcium transport proteins including the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX1), the type 6 canonical transient receptor potential protein (TRPC6), and the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2). Wistar rats received a chronic intra-cerebroventricular infusion of vehicle (C) or Ang II (A, 2.5 ng/min, for 14 days) alone or combined with the MR blocker, eplerenone (A+E, 5 µg/day), or the aldosterone synthase inhibitor, FAD286 (A+F, 25 µg/day). Conscious mean BP increased (P<0.05) in A (123±4 mm Hg) vs all other groups. Blood, pituitary and adrenal samples were taken for EO radioimmunoassay (RIA), and aortas for NCX1, TRPC6 and SERCA2 immunoblotting. Central infusion of Ang II raised plasma EO (0.58±0.08 vs C 0.34±0.07 nM (P<0.05), but not in A + E and A + F groups as confirmed by off-line liquid chromatography (LC)-RIA and LC-multistage mass spectrometry. Two novel isomers of EO were elevated by Ang II; the second less polar isomer increased >50-fold in the A+F group. Central Ang II increased arterial expression of NCX1, TRPC6 and SERCA2 (2.6, 1.75 and 3.7-fold, respectively; P<0.01)) but not when co-infused with E or F. Adrenal and pituitary EO were unchanged. We conclude that brain Ang II activates a CNS-humoral axis involving plasma EO. The elevated EO reprograms peripheral ion transport pathways known to control arterial Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ homeostasis; this increases contractility and augments sympathetic effects. The new axis likely contributes to the chronic pressor effect of brain Ang II.

Strategic redox relay enables a scalable synthesis of ouabagenin, a bioactive cardenolide

Here, we report on a scalable route to the polyhydroxylated steroid ouabagenin with an unusual take on the age-old practice of steroid semisynthesis. The incorporation of both redox and stereochemical relays during the design of this synthesis resulted in efficient access to more than 500 milligrams of a key precursor toward ouabagenin-and ultimately ouabagenin itself-and the discovery of innovative methods for carbon-hydrogen (C-H) and carbon-carbon activation and carbon-oxygen bond homolysis. Given the medicinal relevance of the cardenolides in the treatment of congestive heart failure, a variety of ouabagenin analogs could potentially be generated from the key intermediate as a means of addressing the narrow therapeutic index of these molecules. This synthesis also showcases an approach to bypass the historically challenging problem of selective C-H oxidation of saturated carbon centers in a controlled fashion.

Caveolin-Na/K-ATPase interactions: role of transmembrane topology in non-genomic steroid signal transduction

Progesterone and its polar metabolite(s) trigger the meiotic divisions in the amphibian oocyte through a non-genomic signaling system at the plasma membrane. Published site-directed mutagenesis studies of ouabain binding and progesterone-ouabain competition studies indicate that progesterone binds to a 23 amino acid extracellular loop of the plasma membrane α-subunit of Na/K-ATPase. Integral membrane proteins such as caveolins are reported to form Na/K-ATPase-peptide complexes essential for signal transduction. We have characterized the progesterone-induced Na/K-ATPase-caveolin (CAV-1)-steroid 5α-reductase interactions initiating the meiotic divisions. Peptide sequence analysis algorithms indicate that CAV-1 contains two plasma membrane spanning helices, separated by as few as 1-2 amino acid residues at the cell surface. The CAV-1 scaffolding domain, reported to interact with CAV-1 binding (CB) motifs in signaling proteins, overlaps transmembrane (TM) helix 1. The α-subunit of Na/K-ATPase (10 TM helices) contains double CB motifs within TM-1 and TM-10. Steroid 5α-reductase (6 TM helices), an initial step in polar steroid formation, contains CB motifs overlapping TM-1 and TM-6. Computer analysis predicts that interaction between antipathic strands may bring CB motifs and scaffolding domains into close proximity, initiating allostearic changes. Progesterone binding to the α-subunit may thus facilitate CB motif:CAV-1 interaction, which in turn induces helix-helix interaction and generates both a signaling cascade and formation of polar steroids.

Inorganic mercury interacts with thiols at the nucleotide and cationic binding sites of the ouabain-sensitive cerebral electrogenic sodium pump

The molecular events leading to neuronal dysfunction often associated with mercury toxicity can be complex and is yet to be fully elucidated. Hence, the present study sought to evaluate the interaction of inorganic mercury (Hg(2+)) with the ouabain-sensitive electrogenic pump in partially purified mammalian brain membrane preparations. The results show that Hg(2+) significantly inhibited the transmembrane enzyme in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, Hg(2+) exerts its inhibitory effect on the activity of the enzyme by interacting with groups at the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Na(+) and K(+) binding sites. However, preincubation of the enzyme with exogenous monothiols, cysteine, prevented the inhibition of Hg(2+) on the pump's activity suggesting that Hg(2+) may be interacting with the thiols at the nucleotide (ATP) and cationic (Na(+) and K(+)) binding sites. In fact, our data show that Hg(2+) oxidizes sulphydryl groups in cysteine in a time dependent fashion in vitro. Finally, we speculate that the small molecular volume of Hg(2+) in comparison with the substrates (ATP, Na(+) and K(+)) of sodium pump, its possibly high reactivity and strong affinity for thiols may account for its high toxicity towards the membrane bound ouabain-sensitive electrogenic pump.

[Comparative study of in vitro and in vivo effect of ouabain and calixarene C107 on Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity in plasma membranes of rat hepatocytes]

The comparative study of influence of ouabain and calixarene C107, and the structure component of this calixarene--fragment M3, in the conditions of in vitro and chronic action in vivo on Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity was carried out on the fractions of plasmatic membranes (PM) of the rat hepatocytes. A general property in the conditions in vitro is the ability of calixarene C107 and ouabain (both substances were in the concentration of 1 mM) to inhibit PM Na+, K(+)-ATPase of rat hepatocytes. However, in the case of activities of calixarene C107 and ouabain in the conditions in vivo heterogeneous action on Mg2(+)-ATPase and Mg2+, Na+, K(+)-ATPase activities takes place: total activity in the conditions of injection of increased concentrations of ouabain remains without changes, but Mg2(+)-ATPase activity significantly grows; in analogous conditions under the action of calixarene C107 both these activities decrease twice in comparison with control. Both under the in vitro and in vivo conditions, M3 fragment (the structural component of C107) does not change the values of investigated enzymatic activities. The biochemical mechanisms of calixarene C107 action on Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in PM of rat hepatocytes are discussed.

[Protective effects of ouabain conjugated peptide from Ph.D.-7 Library on vascular endothelial cell]

AIM

To find one kind of peptide that will conjugate with ouabain and inhibit its biological function, and provide a new treatment strategy for primary hypertension.

METHODS

In this study, ouabain was used as a target to screen ouabain conjugated peptide (OCP) from Ph.D.-7 phage display peptide library. After 3 rounds of bio-panning, the products were identified by ELISA and DNA electrophoresis analysis and sequencing. Peptide was synthesized and analyzed the activity by radioligand binding assay. The inhibitory ratio of cell proliferation was measured by MTT and the cell morphology changing was measured by Hoechst 33342/PI staining. The expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha1-subunit and beta1-subunit were detected by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. The levels of the free intracellular Na(+) in EAhy926 cells were measured by laser confocal microscope.

RESULTS

The ouabain conjugated peptide was found out, and it was occupied in 0.64 (9/14). The analysis of protein showed that the obtained peptides had no homology with Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. The amino acid sequence of synthesized peptide was Arg-Cys-Met-Thr-Ser-Arg-Ser. There was binding activity between OCP and (3)H-ouabain. The MTT assay showed that OCP could reverse the inhibition action of ouabain on vascular endothelial EAhy926 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. The number of apoptotic cells had significantly decreased detected by Hoechst 33342/PI staining. The results of RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry showed that OCP could inhibit the up-regulated expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha1-subunit and down-regulated expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta1-subunit induced by ouabain in EAhy926 cells.

CONCLUSION

The OCP could reverse the growth inhibition and death induction of ouabain in EAhy926 cells, which would provide the basis for studying the interaction between ouabain and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and explore novel anti-ouabain agents.

[Binding activity of polypeptide containing human Na+, K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit M1-M2 extracellular segment]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the binding activity of polypeptide containing human Na+, K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit M1-M2 extracellular segment (HES1 derivative).

METHODS

HES1 derivative was synthesized by Fmoc method and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and its binding activity was identified by radioligand binding assay.

RESULTS

3H-ouabain and synthetic HES1 derivative showed some binding activity with the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 24.58 nmol/L, with the the receptor density of 492.43 fmol x mg(-1) pro. and IC50 of 3.078 x 10(-7) mol/L.

CONCLUSION

HES1 derivative can bind to ouabain and has the potential of becoming an effective therapeutic agent.

Progesterone binding to the alpha1-subunit of the Na/K-ATPase on the cell surface: insights from computational modeling

Progesterone triggers the resumption of meiosis in the amphibian oocyte through a signaling system at the plasma membrane. Analysis of [(3)H]ouabain and [(3)H]progesterone binding to the plasma membrane of the Rana pipiens oocyte indicates that progesterone competes with ouabain for a low affinity ouabain binding site on a 112kDa alpha1-subunit of the membrane Na/K-ATPase. Published amino acid sequences from both low and high affinity ouabain binding alpha1-subunits are compared, together with published site-directed mutagenesis studies of ouabain binding. We propose that the progesterone binding site is located in the external loop (23 amino acids) between the M1-M2 transmembrane helices. Analysis of loop topology and the countercurrent hydrophobicity/polarity gradients within the M1-M2 loop further suggest that the polar beta and hydrophobic alpha surfaces of the planar progesterone molecule interact with opposite sides of the amino acid loop. The 19-angular methyl group of progesterone is essential for activity; it could bind to the C-terminal region of the M1-M2 loop. Maximum biological activity requires formation of hydrogen-bond networks between the 3-keto group of progesterone and Arg(118), Asp(129) and possibly Glu(122-124) in the C-terminal region of the loop. The 20-keto group hydrogen may in turn hydrogen bond to Cys(111) near the M1 helix. Peptide flexibility undergoes a maximal transition near the midway point in the M1-M2 loop, suggesting that folding occurs within the loop, which further stabilizes progesterone binding.

Synergistic interaction between ouabain and 8-methoxy-3,9-dihydroxy coumestan, a non-steroidal synthetic inhibitor of Na+,K+-ATPase

The use of combination drugs is very common in therapeutics as in the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer and heart failure but controversies about analysis of these interactions are frequent. The aim of the present work was to characterize the interaction between ouabain and 8-methoxy-3,9-dihydroxy coumestan (LQB93), a non-steroidal synthetic inhibitor of Na+,K+-ATPase, as well as the interaction between ouabain and ouabagenin, two cardiac glycosides sharing the same binding site. Inhibition of rat kidney Na+,K+-ATPase with increasing concentrations of the drugs alone or of mixtures of ouabain:ouabagenin and LQB93:ouabain in a fixed 1:4 ratio was performed. In other experiments, increasing concentrations of LQB93 (or ouabain) in the presence of a fixed concentration of ouabain (or ouabagenin) were used for determining the concentration pairs eliciting 50% inhibition in order to construct isobolograms. The mixture (experimental) curve for the ouabain:ouabagenin combination was superimposed on the additive (theoretical) curve indicating additivity, in accordance with the isobolographic analysis. On the other hand, the empirical curve for LQB93:ouabain (IC50=10.6 microM) was significantly shifted to the left in relation to the theoretical curve (IC50=30.7 microM) indicating synergism, further confirmed by the isobolographic analysis. As a conclusion, we show that the combination of a newly synthesized non-steroidal inhibitor and ouabain have a synergistic effect on Na+,K+-ATPase, further supporting a mechanism of inhibition different from ouabain. Present data also support the use of both the isobolograms and combination curves for the assessment of drug interactions occurring at the same molecular target, a situation poorly investigated.

Inhibition of DNA topoisomerases I and II, and growth inhibition of breast cancer MCF-7 cells by ouabain, digoxin and proscillaridin A

We evaluated the cytotoxicity and underlying mechanisms of cardiac glycosides, including digoxin, ouabain and proscillaridin A, on the proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In terms of inhibition of cell proliferation of MCF-7 cells, the compounds rank in the order proscillaridin A>digoxin>ouabain. While both digoxin and ouabain inhibited topoisomerase II catalytic activity at nanomolar concentrations (100 nM), neither agent inhibited topoisomerase I catalytic activity even at concentrations as high as 100 microM. On the other hand, proscillaridin A was a potent poison of topoisomerase I and II activity at nanomolar drug concentrations (30 nM, 100 nM, respectively), suggesting that this agent may produce its cytotoxic activity by targeting both enzymes simultaneously. These studies suggest that the stabilization of DNA-topoisomerase II complexes is closely linked to the mechanism of digoxin, ouabain and proscillaridin A cytotoxicity. The potential DNA-binding properties of the cardiac glycosides have been assessed by measuring the displacement of ethidium bromide from calf thymus DNA. These results indicate that digoxin, ouabain and proscillaridin A neither intercalate nor interact with the minor groove of DNA.

Repeated electroconvulsive shock induces changes in high-affinity [3H]-ouabain binding to rat striatal membranes

Repeated electroconvulsive shock is an effective treatment for affective disorders. Striatum, hippocampus and brainstem are involved in affective disorders. Sodium-potassium/ATPase is of paramount importance for the proper functioning of the brain and its involvement in the affective disorders has been claimed for a long time. Sodium-potassium/ATPase has an extracellular regulatory binding site to which cardiotonic glycosides, such as ouabain, bind to, thus regulating the activity of the enzyme. Endogenous "ouabain-like" substances exist in the brain and their actions on the sodium-potassium/ATPase resemble ouabain biological properties. The aim of this work was to determine if electroconvulsive shock (ECS) would induce changes in the high-affinity binding of ouabain to the sodium-potassium/ATPase from rat brain regions. Adult, male Wistar rats received one (ECSx1 group) or seven electroshocks (ECSx7 group) delivered daily through ear-clips electrodes. Control rats received the same manipulations; however, no current was delivered through the electrodes (SHAMx1 and SHAMx7 groups). All groups were sacrificed 24 h after the last ECS session. The B (max) and K (D) of high-affinity [(3)H]-ouabain binding were determined in crude membrane preparations from the striatum, hippocampus and brainstem. The results obtained showed a statistically significant increase in the affinity of [(3)H]-ouabain (lower K (D)) to striatal membranes in those rats receiving seven ECS. In the striatum there was no change in the K (D) after one ECS; as well as there was no change in the B (max) after a single or seven ECS. High-affinity [(3)H]-ouabain binding to hippocampus and brainstem did not reveal any significant differences either in K (D) or B (max) after one or seven ECS. The increased affinity of ouabain to the striatal sodium-potassium/ATPase induced by repeated ECS suggests an increased interaction in vivo of the endogenous "ouabain-like" substances with the enzyme and the involvement of the extracellular regulatory allosteric ouabain binding site in the striatal sodium-potassium/ATPase in the effects of electroconvulsive shock.

Microgram-scale testing of reaction conditions in solution using nanoliter plugs in microfluidics with detection by MALDI-MS

This paper describes a microfluidic system to screen and optimize organic reaction conditions on a submicrogram scale. The system uses discrete droplets (plugs) as microreactors separated and transported by a continuous phase of a fluorinated carrier fluid. Previously, we demonstrated the use of a microfabricated PDMS plug-based microfluidic system to perform assays and crystallization experiments in aqueous solutions with optical detection. Here, we developed an approach that does not require microfabrication of microfluidic devices, is applicable to synthetic reactions in organic solvents, and uses detection by MALDI-MS. As a demonstration, conditions for selective deacetylation of ouabain hexaacetate were tested, and the optimum conditions for mono-, bis-, or trisdeacetylation have been identified. These conditions were validated by scale-up reactions and isolating these potentially neurotoxic products. Mono- and bisdeacetylated products are unstable intermediates in the deacetylation and were isolated for the first time. This system enables no-loss handling of submicroliter volumes containing a few micrograms of a compound of interest. It could become valuable for investigating or optimizing reactions of precious substrates (e.g., products of long synthetic sequences and natural products that can be isolated only in small quantities).

Molecular mechanisms linking sodium to hypertension: report of a symposium

There is abundant clinical and epidemiologic data linking excess body sodium with hypertension. The mechanism(s) at the molecular level to explain this relationship are unknown. Recent studies by multiple investigators, have identified several ion transport mechanisms in the vascular wall that interact to control vascular tone and contractility. These new data include 1) biochemical, pharmacologic, and molecule structural studies, 2) experiments in transgenic and knockout mice, and 3) results in clinical hypertension. The overall results provide compelling evidence for the concept that salt-dependent hypertension involves the secretion of endogenous ouabain (EO), an adrenal steroid synthesized with the same initial steps as aldosterone and secreted by the zona glomerulosa. Circulating EO inhibits arterial smooth muscle Na+ pumps with alpha 2 subunits. These are functionally coupled to the type 1 Na/Ca exchanger (NCX1). Thus when a2 Na pumps are inhibited in arterial smooth muscle, the resulting subplasma membrane increase in Na+ concentration triggers, via NCX1 Ca2+ entry, a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and increased myogenic tone and contractility. The ultimate result is a rise in peripheral vascular resistance-the hemodynamic hallmark of hypertension. The elucidation of this pathway has facilitated the development of pharmacologic agents that have therapeutic potential for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. These include agents that compete with EO for binding to the Na+ pump and inhibitors of NCX1.

Preparation of 99mTc-labelled conjugates of ouabagenin and their biological evaluation in animal models

BACKGROUND

Ouabagenin and its 1,19-acetonide were conjugated with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) through their respective anhydrides.

METHODS

The reaction mixtures were exhaustively purified by silica gel column chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography to furnish the ligands in good purity and moderate yield. These ligands were labelled with 99mTc to produce four chelates in 90-95% yield. Of these chelates the 99mTc-oubagenin-NTA conjugate and the corresponding acetonide exhibited appreciable myocardial uptake with respect to that of other vicinal organs in a guinea-pig model. However, all these 99mTc chelates exhibited poor heart-to-blood ratios, which could be attributed to the absence of a 3beta sugar residue in this molecule.

CONCLUSION

The result is in agreement with that previously reported in connection with radioiodinated digoxin and digoxigenin derivatives.

A REDOR NMR study of a phosphorylated statherin fragment bound to hydroxyapatite crystals

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the main mineral component of teeth. It is well-known that several salivary proteins and peptides bind strongly to HAP to regulate crystal growth. Interactions between a peptide derived from the N-terminal fragment of the salivary protein statherin and HAP were measured utilizing rotational-echo double-resonance (REDOR) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The REDOR measurement from the side chain of the salivary peptide to the HAP surface is complicated by two effects: a possible additional dipolar coupling to a phosphorylated side chain and the potential proximity of phosphorus atoms to each other, resulting in a homonuclear dipolar interaction. Both of these effects were addressed, and the smallest model applicable to our system includes the nitrogen-15 (15N) spin in the lysine side chain and two phosphorus-31 (31P) spins, at least one of which must be from the surface phosphates of the HAP.

OASIS-HT: design of a pharmacogenomic dose-finding study

Experimental evidence and observations in humans strongly support an interactive role of mutated α-adducin, sodium (Na+)/potassium (K+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity and endogenous ouabain in Na+ homeostasis and the pathogenesis of hypertension. The Ouabain and Adducin for Specific Intervention on Sodium in HyperTension (OASIS-HT) trial is an early Phase II dose-finding study, which will be conducted across 39 European centers. Following a run-in period of 4 weeks without treatment, eligible patients will be randomized to one of five oral doses of rostafuroxin consisting of 0.05, 0.15, 0.5, 1.5, or 5.0 mg/day. Each dose will be compared to a placebo in a double-blind crossover experiment with balanced randomization. Treatment will be initiated with the active drug and continued with placebo or vice versa. Each double-blind period will last 5 weeks. The primary end point is the reduction in systolic blood pressure defined as the average of three clinic readings with the patient in the sitting position. Secondary end points include the reduction in diastolic blood pressure on clinic measurement, the decrease in the 24-h blood pressure, and the incidence of end points related to safety. Secondary objectives are to investigate the dependence of the blood pressure-lowering activity on the plasma concentration of endogenous ouabain and the genetic variation of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of this hormone, and the adducin cytoskeleton proteins. Eligible patients will have Grade I or II systolic hypertension without associated conditions and no more than two additional risk factors. In conclusion, OASIS-HT is a combination of five concurrent crossover studies, one for each dose of rostafuroxin to be studied. To our knowledge, OASIS-HT is the first Phase II dose-finding study in which a genetic hypothesis is driving primary and secondary end points.

Reconstruction of the Complete Ouabain-binding Pocket of Na,K-ATPase in Gastric H,K-ATPase by Substitution of Only Seven Amino Acids

Although cardiac glycosides have been used as drugs for more than 2 centuries and their primary target, the sodium pump (Na,K-ATPase), has already been known for 4 decades, their exact binding site is still elusive. In our efforts to define the molecular basis of digitalis glycosides binding we started from the fact that a closely related enzyme, the gastric H,K-ATPase, does not bind glycosides like ouabain. Previously, we showed that a chimera of these two enzymes, in which only the M3-M4 and M5-M6 hairpins were of Na,K-ATPase, bound ouabain with high affinity (Koenderink, J. B., Hermsen, H. P. H., Swarts, H. G. P., Willems, P. H. G. M., and De Pont, J. J. H. H. M. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 97, 11209-11214). We also demonstrated that only three amino acids (Phe(783), Thr(797), and Asp(804)) present in the M5-M6 hairpin of Na,K-ATPase were sufficient to confer high affinity ouabain binding to a chimera which contained in addition the M3-M4 hairpin of Na,K-ATPase (Qiu, L. Y., Koenderink, J. B., Swarts, H. G., Willems, P. H., and De Pont, J. J. H. H. M. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 47240-47244). To further pinpoint the ouabain-binding site here we used a chimera-based loss-of-function strategy and identified four amino acids (Glu(312), Val(314), Ile(315), Gly(319)), all present in M4, as being important for ouabain binding. In a final gain-of-function study we showed that a gastric H,K-ATPase that contained Glu(312), Val(314), Ile(315), Gly(319), Phe(783), Thr(797), and Asp(804) of Na,K-ATPase bound ouabain with the same affinity as the native enzyme. Based on the E(2)P crystal structure of Ca(2+)-ATPase we constructed a homology model for the ouabain-binding site of Na,K-ATPase involving all seven amino acids as well as several earlier postulated amino acids.

Elucidation of the Na+, K+-ATPase digitalis binding site

Despite controversy over their use and the potential for toxic side effects, cardiac glycosides have remained an important clinical component for the treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF) and supraventricular arrhythmias since the effects of Digitalis purpurea were first described in 1785. While there is a wealth of information available with regard to the effects of these drugs on their pharmacological receptor, the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, the exact molecular mechanism of digitalis binding and inhibition of the enzyme has remained elusive. In particular, the absence of structural knowledge about Na(+), K(+)-ATPase has thwarted the development of improved therapeutic agents with larger therapeutic indices via rational drug design approaches. Here, we propose a binding mode for digoxin and several analogues to the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase. A 3D-structural model of the extracellular loop regions of the catalytic alpha1-subunit of the digitalis-sensitive sheep Na(+), K(+)-ATPase was constructed from the crystal structure of an E(1)Ca(2+) conformation of the SERCA1a and a consensus orientation for digitalis binding was inferred from the in silico docking of a series of steroid-based cardiotonic compounds. Analyses of species-specific enzyme affinities for ouabain were also used to validate the model and, for the first time, propose a detailed model of the digitalis binding site.

Lys691 and Asp714 of the Na+/K+-ATPase α Subunit Are Essential for Phosphorylation, Dephosphorylation, and Enzyme Turnover

P-type ATPases such as the sodium pump appear to be members of a superfamily of hydrolases structurally typified by the L-2-haloacid dehalogenases. In the dehalogenase L-DEX-ps, Lys151 serves to stabilize the excess negative charge in the substrate/reaction intermediates and Asp180 coordinates a water molecule that is directly involved in ester intermediate hydrolysis. To investigate the importance of the corresponding Lys691 and Asp714 of the sodium pump alpha subunit, sodium pump mutants were expressed in yeast and analyzed for their properties. Lys691Ala, Lys691Asp, Asp714Ala, and Asp714Arg mutants were inactive, not only with respect to ATPase activity but also to interaction with the highly sodium pump-specific inhibitors ouabain or palytoxin (PTX). In contrast, conservative mutants Lys691Arg and Asp714Glu retained some of the partial activities of the wild-type enzyme, although they completely failed to display any ATPase activity. Yeast cells expressing Lys691Arg and Asp714Glu mutants are sensitive to the sodium pump-specific inhibitor PTX and lose intracellular K+. Their sensitivity to PTX, with EC50 values of 118 +/- 24 and 76.5 +/- 3.6 nM, respectively, was clearly reduced by almost 7- or 4-fold below that of the native sodium pump (17.8 +/- 2.7 nM). Ouabain was recognized under these conditions with low affinity by the mutants and inhibited the PTX-induced K+ efflux from the yeast cells. The EC50 for the ouabain effect was 183 +/- 20 microM for Lys691Arg and 2.3 +/- 0.08 mM for the Asp714Glu mutant. The corresponding value obtained with cells expressing the native sodium pump was 69 +/- 18 microM. In the presence of Pi and Mg2+, none of the mutant sodium pumps were able to bind ouabain. When Mg2+ was omitted, however, both Lys691Asp and Asp714Glu mutants displayed ouabain binding that was reduced by Mg2+ with an EC50 of 0.76 +/- 0.11 and 2.3 +/- 0.2 mM, respectively. In the absence of Mg2+, ouabain binding was also reduced by K+. The EC50 values were 1.33 +/- 0.23 mM for the wild-type enzyme, 0.93 +/- 0.2 mM for the Lys691Arg mutant, and 1.02 +/- 0.24 mM for the Asp714Glu enzyme. None of the neutral or nonconservative mutants displayed any ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity. Ouabain-sensitive phosphatase activity, however, was present in membranes containing either the wild-type (1105 +/- 100 micromol of p-nitrophenol phosphate hydrolyzed min(-1) mg of protein(-1)) or the Asp714Glu mutant (575 +/- 75 micromol min(-1) mg(-1)) sodium pump. Some phosphatase activity was also associated with the Lys691Arg mutant (195 +/- 63 micromol min(-1) mg(-1)). The results are consistent with Lys691 and Asp714 being essential for the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation process that allows the sodium pump to accomplish the catalytic cycle.

Molecular adaptation of Chrysochus leaf beetles to toxic compounds in their food plants

Herbivores that feed on toxic plants must overcome plant defenses and occasionally may even benefit from them. The current challenge is to understand how herbivores evolve the necessary physiological adaptations and which changes at the molecular level are involved. In this context we studied the leaf beetles genus Chrysochus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Two species of this genus, C. auratus and C. cobaltinus, feed on plants that contain toxic cardenolides. These beetles not only avoid poisoning by the toxin but also use it for their own defense against predators. All other Chrysochus species feed on plants that are devoid of cardenolides. The most important active principle of cardenolides is their capacity to bind to and thereby block the ubiquitous Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase responsible for maintaining cellular potentials. By analyzing the DNA sequence of the putative ouabain-binding site of the alpha-subunit of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase gene of Chrysochus and its close relatives feeding on plants with or without cardenolides, we here trace the evolution of cardenolide insensitivity in this group of beetles. The most interesting difference among the sequences involves the amino acid at position 122. Whereas all species that do not encounter cardenolides have an asparagine in this position, both Chrysochus species that feed on cardenolide plants have a histidine instead. This single amino acid substitution has already been shown to confer cardenolide insensitivity in the monarch butterfly. A mtDNA-based phylogeny corroborates the hypothesis that the asparagine at position 122 of the alpha-subunit of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase gene as observed in Drosophila and other insects is the plesiomorphic condition in this group of leaf beetles. The later host-plant switch to cardenolide-containing plants in the common ancestor of C. auratus and C. cobaltinus coincides with the exchange of the asparagine for a histidine in the ouabain binding site.

Evidence for an intracellular site of action in the heart for two hydrophobic cardiac steroids

Although cardiac steroids (CS) have long been used to treat cardiac insufficiency, the mechanism(s) of action of these agents remain open to question. While many results indicate that inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase underlies both the therapeutic and toxic actions of CS, other studies suggest that actions on the SR membrane system may be important. We used two experimental approaches and measurements of left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP) in isolated guinea pig hearts to test whether CS had an intracellular site of action. In the first approach, we compared the inotropic effects of a hydrophilic CS, ouabain, and a hydrophobic CS, digitoxin, after the activity of the Na+ pump was reduced by perfusing hearts with solutions maintained at 5 degrees C. Under these conditions, exposure of hearts to 1 microM ouabain for 60 min did not increase LVDP above control levels. In contrast, an equi-effective concentration of digitoxin (0.3 microM) increased LVDP by 40 +/- 8.5% (p < 0.01) over pre-drug control levels. In the second experimental approach, we compared the inotropic effects of ouabain and digitoxin in the presence of rapid-cooling contractures (RCC), which result in the release of SR Ca2+. Hearts were perfused with Tyrode solution or Tyrode solution containing either digitoxin (0.3 microM) or ouabain (1 microM) for 180 sec, rapidly cooled and the RCC responses were analyzed. Compared to RCC elicited in Tyrode solution alone, or in Tyrode solution containing ouabain, RCC in the presence of digitoxin reached peak amplitudes more rapidly, but elicited reduced peak amplitude values. Based on these findings, we suggest that: 1) the ability of the hydrophobic CS, digitoxin, but not the hydrophilic CS, ouabain, to produce a positive inotropic effect at 5 degrees C, when the activity of the Na+ pump is markedly reduced, is consistent with a mechanism other than Na+ pump inhibition and involves an intracellular location; and 2) the diminished RCC observed in the presence of the hydrophobic CS, digitoxin, indicate that this alternative mechanism may involve effects on the SR Ca2+ release channel.

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis of ligand binding to human sequence antidigoxin monoclonal antibodies using comparative molecular field analysis

The present study indicates that the newly generated human sequence antidigoxin monoclonal antibody (mAb), 1B3, binds digoxin with a different fine specificity binding than our previously obtained human sequence monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (Ball, W. J.; et al. J. Immunol. 1999, 163, 2291-2298). Uniquely, 1B3 has a higher affinity for digitoxin than digoxin, the immunizing hapten, and a strong requirement for at least one sugar residue linked to the aglycone (-genin). By means of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), the results of competition binding studies for 56 cardiotonic and hormonal steroids were employed to develop three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models for ligand binding to 1B3 and to three additional human sequence mAbs, as well as the murine antidigoxin mAb 40-50 (Mudgett-Hunter, M.; et al. Mol. Immunol. 1985, 22, 447-488). All five 3D-QSAR models yielded cross-validated q(2) values greater than 0.5, which indicates that they have significant predictive ability. The CoMFA StDevCoeff contour plots, as well as the competition results, indicate that 1B3 binds ligands in a manner distinct from the other four mAbs. The CoMFA contour plots for 40-50 were also compared with the known X-ray crystallographic structure of the 40-50-ouabain complex (Jeffrey, P. D.; et al. J. Mol. Biol. 1995, 248, 344-360) in order to identify correlations between residues in the mAb binding site and specific contour plot regions. These 3D-QSAR models and their respective contour plots should be useful tools to further understand the molecular nature of antibody-antigen interactions and to aid in the redesign or enhancement of therapeutic antibodies.

Biological implication of conformational flexibility in ouabain: observations with two ouabain phosphate isomers

Ouabain is a highly polar and unusually potent sodium pump inhibitor that possesses uncommon conformational flexibility in its steroid A-ring moiety. The biological significance of ring flection in the cardiotonic steroids has not been described. Accordingly, we prepared ouabain 1,5,19- and 1,11,19-phosphates. The former stabilizes the steroid A-ring chair conformation and the latter locks the A-ring in the half-boat conformation and decreases flection of the ABC-ring moiety. Using a dog kidney cell line (MDCK) in a pH microphysiometer (Cytosensor), ouabain and its 1,5,19-phosphate at 10(-5) M reduced the rate of extracellular acidification by 15-20%. During inhibitor washout, the rate of recovery from the 1,5,19-phosphate analogue was approximately 3 times faster than ouabain. The 1,11,19-phosphate at 10(-4) M elicited a weak ( approximately 7%) response, and the effects reversed approximately 44-fold faster than ouabain. Studies with purified Na(+),K(+)-ATPase showed that ouabain and its 1,5,19-phosphate analogue were of similar efficacy (EC(50) = 1.1 and 5.2 x 10(-7) M, respectively) and >100-fold more potent than the 1,11,19-phosphate analogue. Studies of the binding kinetics showed that the 1,5,19-phosphate analogue bound 3-fold and dissociated 16-fold faster from the purified Na(+),K(+)-ATPase than ouabain. Both analogues were competitive inhibitors of 3H-ouabain binding. Taken together, these results suggest that the marked conformational flexibility of the A-ring in ouabain ordinarily slows the initial binding of this steroid to the sodium pump. However, once ouabain is bound, flection of the steroidal A- and BC-rings is critical for the maintenance of high-affinity binding. Our results indicate that the ouabain-binding site is comprised of structurally mobile elements and highlight the roles that synchronization between receptor and ligand dynamics play as determinants of biological activity in this system.

Structure-activity relationships for the hypertensinogenic activity of ouabain: role of the sugar and lactone ring

Elevated levels of an endogenous ouabain circulate in many patients with essential hypertension. However, in contrast to ouabain, digoxin does not induce hypertension. This study investigated the hypothesis that within a single cardiac glycoside, the structural elements that induce hypertension differ from those responsible for high potency as a sodium pump inhibitor. Normal male Sprague-Dawley rats received infusions of vehicle (VEH), rhamnose (RHA), ouabain (OUA), ouabagenin (OGN), dihydro-ouabain (DHO), iso-ouabain (ISO), and a lactone ring opened analog (ORO) at 30 microgram. kg(-1). 24 h(-1) for 5 weeks via subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Cuff pressures were taken weekly. At the end of the study, trunk blood was harvested, extracted by C18 column, and subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography. Fractions were analyzed for OUA, OGN, and DHO by immunoassay. In OUA-, OGN-, and DHO-infused rats, 1 main peak of immunoreactivity corresponding to the infused agent was found. No evidence of in vivo conversion to OUA or DHO was found for any analog except ORO. At 5 weeks, systolic blood pressures in VEH, RHA, OUA, OGN, DHO, ISO, and ORO were 132+/-2.5, 133+/-1.5, 159+/-2.6,* 154+/-4,* 167+/-4,* 171+/-2.2,* and 169+/-2.4* mm Hg, respectively (*P<0.01 versus VEH and RHA, P<0.05 versus OUA). The hypertensinogenic activity was greater than OUA in 3 analogs (DHO, ISO, and ORO) in which the lactone was saturated, conformationally restrained by linkage with the oxygen at C14, or opened, respectively. These compounds were weak inhibitors of dog kidney Na,K-ATPase. Thus, RHA and the unsaturated lactone ring are crucial to the high potency of OUA as an inhibitor of the sodium pump but appear to be unrelated to its ability to induce hypertension. The conclusion that this form of hypertension is mediated primarily by the steroid nucleus suggests also that OUA may have a mechanism of action independent of the sodium pump.

Endogenous Na,K pump ligands are differentially regulated during acute NaCl loading of Dahl rats

BACKGROUND

Two mammalian digitalis-like factors, an ouabain-like compound (OLC) and marinobufagenin (MBG), exhibit specificity to alpha-3 and alpha-1 Na(+),K(+)-ATPase isoforms, respectively. We compared regulation of MBG and OLC by acute NaCl loading in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant (DR) rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An intraperitoneal NaCl load (0.8 g/kg) was given to adult male rats (24 DS and 24 DR). Diuresis, natriuresis, renal excretion, and tissue levels of MBG and OLC were measured. Inhibition of renal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase by MBG and ouabain was compared in DS, DR, and Wistar rats. DS (versus DR) exhibited a smaller peak (2 hours) natriuretic response (1.34+/-0.10 versus 2.08+/-0.14 mmol. kg(-)(1). h(-)(1); P:<0.01), despite a greater plasma Na(+) (153+/-2 versus 145+/-1 mmol/L; P:<0.01). In DS and DR, pituitary, adrenal, and plasma OLC exhibited transient 2-fold to 3-fold increases, followed by a decrease to baseline levels. Plasma and adrenal MBG doubled in both strains within 1 hour of NaCl loading and remained elevated. Eight-hour MBG excretion in DS was 4-fold greater than in DR (15. 8+/-0.8 versus 3.6+/-0.4 pmol; P:<0.01), whereas OLC excretion in DS was only 30% greater than in DR (16.1+/-1.1 and 11.9+/-0.8 pmol; P:<0.05). Kidney Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (alpha-1 isoform) from Wistar rats and DS exhibited greater sensitivity to MBG than to ouabain.

CONCLUSIONS

NaCl loading of DS causes transient increase in OLC but sustained increases in MBG tissue levels and excretion. We hypothesize that increased MBG production occurs in an attempt to compensate for genetically impaired pressure-natriuresis mechanisms.

Putative roles of ouabainlike compound in hypertension: revisited

It is clear that defective renal sodium handling plays an important role in the development of hypertension and that this abnormality could be caused by heterogeneous hereditary factors in the kidney. It is likely that sodium pump inhibitors with or without whole-body autoregulation gradually produce a rise in blood pressure in response to retained body sodium. Accumulated evidence has suggested that several sodium pump inhibitors similar to cardiotonic steroids are present in the human body. Ouabainlike compound (OLC) has been found to be increased with high sodium intake and hypervolemia, and in essential hypertension, mineralocorticoid hypertension, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Further, blocking the action of OLC with digibind or a novel anti-ouabain agent has been observed to lower blood pressure in several models of experimental and clinical hypertension. The blockade of OLC action may become the basis of novel rational antihypertensive agents and may help to solve the problems still present in the management of hypertensive patients.

Chronic hypertension induced by ouabain but not digoxin in the rat: antihypertensive effect of digoxin and digitoxin

Elevated circulating levels of an endogenous ouabain (EO) have been associated with essential hypertension. To investigate structure-activity relationships relevant to blood pressure, we infused either ouabain, ouabagenin, digoxin or digitoxin at 30 microg/kg/day in normal Sprague Dawley rats. After five weeks, the ouabain and ouabagenin infused rats were hypertensive, whereas blood pressures declined below their vehicle controls in rats infused with digoxin or digitoxin. In a second study, mean blood pressures were 118.5+/-1.7 mmHg in rats infused with ouabain (15 microg/kg/day) on day 35 vs. 98.3+/-1.8 and 100.3+/-1.1 mmHg in the digoxin (30 microg/kg/day) and vehicle infused groups (both p<0.005 vs. ouabain), respectively. Plasma and kidney levels of ouabain immunoreactivity were increased 4-8 fold in ouabain infused rats while blood pressure and plasma levels of ouabain returned to normal one week following discontinuation of the steroid infusion. In rats with ouabain-dependent hypertension, secondary infusions of digoxin or digitoxin (30 microg/kg/day) normalized blood pressure even though circulating ouabain remained elevated. In digoxin infused rats, neither blood pressure nor kidney digoxin immunoreactivity was raised whereas plasma digoxin was increased. Collectively, the results show that the hemodynamic effects of these sodium pump inhibitors differ dramatically during prolonged administration and that tissue rather than circulating levels of these agents appear to better explain their effects on blood pressure. These studies suggest that sodium pump inhibition is not the exclusive mediator of the hemodynamic effects of these cardiac glycosides and demonstrate the presence of structure-specific mechanisms that regulate their tissue levels and effects on long-term blood pressure.

17beta-O-Aminoalkyloximes of 5beta-androstane-3beta,14beta-diol with digitalis-like activity: synthesis, cardiotonic activity, structure-activity relationships, and molecular modeling of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase receptor

A series of digitalis-like compounds with a 17-aminoalkoxyiminoalkyl or -alkenyl substituent was synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and for inotropic activity. The highest inhibition was found with compounds having the substituent in configuration 17beta and the amino group at a distance of 6 or 7 bonds from C(17) of the digitoxigenin skeleton. The presence of the oxime function strengthens the interaction with the receptor, more if alpha,beta-unsaturated, thus mimicking the electronic situation of the unsaturated lactone in natural digitalis compounds. The most active compounds showed Na(+),K(+)-ATPase inhibitory potencies (IC(50)) 17-25 times higher than the standards digitoxigenin and digoxin and 3-11 times higher inotropic potencies (EC(50)) in isolated guinea pig left atria. These features are supported by a molecular model suggesting the possible interactions of the groups described above with particular amino acid residues in the H1-H2 domains of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. Some interactions are the classical ones already described in the literature; a new, very strong interaction of the basic group with the Cys138 was found and adds new possibilities to design compounds interacting with this region of the receptor. The most interesting compounds were also studied in vivo in the anesthetized guinea pig for evaluating their inotropic effect versus the lethal dose. Compounds 9 and 12 showed a slightly higher safety ratio than digoxin and deserve further evaluation.

Prevention of nerve conduction deficit in diabetic rats by polyunsaturated fatty acids

The influence of diets containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6) on sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was determined in diabetic rats. NCV was lower in diabetic rats fed diets supplemented with olive oil or sunflower seed oil than in nondiabetic rats; rats supplemented with GLA during a 5-wk diabetic period, however, did not exhibit significantly lower NCV. The mean proportion of the phospholipid fatty acid linoleic acid (18:2n-6) was higher in the sciatic nerves of diabetic rats than in the nondiabetic groups irrespective of dietary lipid treatment. Additionally, the proportion of linoleic acid was higher in the diabetic rats fed sunflower oil than in all other groups. Dietary GLA supplementation did not significantly influence the fatty acid composition of nerve membrane phospholipids and there was no obvious correlation between the fatty acid composition of nerve membrane phospholipids and NCV. The content of fructose and glucose in sciatic nerves was higher, whereas that of myo-inositol was lower, in diabetic rats than in nondiabetic rats; however, this was not significantly influenced by dietary GLA. GLA administration did not significantly influence Na(+)-K(+)-exchanging ATPase or ouabain binding activity in sciatic nerve preparations, both of which remained nonsignificantly different in the diabetic and nondiabetic groups. The results suggest that dietary GLA can prevent the deficit in NCV induced by diabetes and that this effect is independent of the nerve phospholipid fatty acid profile, sugar and polyol content, Na(+)-K(+)-exchanging ATPase activity, and ouabain binding. GLA may prevent the deficit in NCV indirectly, possibly by its role as a precursor of vasodilatory prostaglandins. These results confirm that GLA is the active component of evening primrose oil.

Two biologically active isomers of dihydroouabain isolated from a commercial preparation

Ouabain is a plant-derived cardiac glycoside that inhibits the catalytic activity of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (sodium pump; NKA). Dihydroouabain, a derivative of ouabain with a reduced lactone ring, is commonly used as a sodium pump antagonist. It has been assumed that commercially available dihydroouabain is homogeneous. We now report that preparations of dihydroouabain contain two components each with a different potency for inhibition of sodium pump activity. We used reverse-phase HPLC chromatography, UV spectrophotometry, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and two independent bioassays to characterize these compounds. The two dihydroouabain fractions (Dho-A and Dho-B) resolved by 3 min chromatographically, had UV absorbance maxima at 196 nm, and comprised 37% and 63% of the stock dihydroouabain, respectively. The molar potency of each component for inhibition of NKA from porcine cerebral cortex differed by 4. 4-fold (Dho-A, IC(50) = 7.13 +/- 0.8 microM; Dho-B, IC(50) = 1.63 +/- 0.12 microM). The relative potencies were 9% and 40% of those of ouabain, respectively. A similar pattern for phosphorylation of NKA was observed. Mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and fragmentation patterns are consistent with Dho-A and Dho-B being isomers of identical molecular mass (587 Da) and each with six hydroxyl groups, a deoxyhexose sugar moiety and a lactone ring. Furthermore, NMR spectroscopy revealed structural differences between Dho-A and Dho-B by displaying noticeably different chemical shifts at only two groups of proton resonances assigned to H-21 and H-22. The ESI-MS and NMR results confirm the presence of the isomerism at C20 of the lactone ring. Our results demonstrate the existence of two molecular forms of dihydroouabain, each with a different biological potency. These findings underscore the importance of characterizing the purity of dihydroouabain commercial preparations. It also provides possible molecular models for investigating the metabolism of endogenous ouabain-like factors recently reported in mammals.

Monoclonal antibodies that distinguish between two related digitalis glycosides, ouabain and digoxin

The exogenous digitalis glycosides, ouabain and digoxin, have been widely used in humans to treat congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Several reports have also pointed to the existence of endogenous ouabain- and digoxin-like compounds, but their precise roles in mammalian physiology and various disorders of the circulation are not clear. In an attempt to produce specific Abs for the purification and identification of endogenous ouabain-like compounds, somatic cell fusion was used to produce mAbs specific for ouabain. Our attempts to produce ouabain-specific mAbs were unsuccessful when ouabain was coupled to exogenous proteins such as bovine gamma-globulins, BSA, and human serum albumin. However, when ouabain was coupled to an Ab of A/J mice origin and the same strain of mouse was used for immunization with ouabain-Ab conjugate, three Abs (1-10, 5A12, and 7-1) specific for ouabain were obtained. In assays of fluorescence quenching and saturation equilibrium with tritiated ouabain, Ab 1-10 exhibited 200 nM affinity for ouabain. These three mAbs are distinguished from existing Abs to ouabain and digoxin by their specificity for ouabain and lack of cross-reactivity with digoxin. Specificity studies showed that the loss of cross-reactivity was correlated with the presence of a hydroxyl group at either position 12beta (digoxin) or 16beta (gitoxin) of the steroid ring. These Abs can be used to develop assays for detection and characterization of ouabain-like molecules in vivo.

Theoretical and experimental CD of conformationally flexible complex molecules-application to ouabain pentanaphthoate and analogs

Theoretical calculation of circular dichroic exciton-coupled spectra of ouabain 1,19,2',3',4'-pentanaphthoate and its analogs was executed by a combination of conformational analysis with molecular mechanics and quantum-chemical calculation. Most of the calculated CD spectra show good agreement with the corresponding experimental data, which suggests that the method may be generalized for applications to other conformationally flexible natural products. The CD calculation was then used to evaluate the plausibility of "fortuitous CD cancellation," which was observed in the microscale naphthoylation study of hypothalamic inhibitory factor, a presumed ouabain isomer from bovine hypothalamus.

Stimulation of ouabain binding to Na,K-ATPase in 40% dimethyl sulfoxide by a factor from Na,K-ATPase preparations

In 40% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) high-affinity ouabain (O) binding to Na,K-ATPase (E) is promoted by Mg2+ in the absence of inorganic phosphate (Pi) (Fontes et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1104, 215-225, 1995). Furthermore, in Me2SO the EO complex reacts very slowly with Pi and this ouabain binding can therefore be measured by the degree of inhibition of rapid phosphoenzyme formation. Here we found that, unexpectedly, the ouabain binding decreased with the enzyme concentration in the Me2SO assay medium. We extracted the enzyme preparation with Me2SO or chloroform/methanol and demonstrated that the extracted (depleted) enzyme bound ouabain poorly. Addition of such extracts to assays with low enzyme concentration or depleted enzyme fully restored the high-affinity ouabain binding. Dialysis experiments indicated that the active principle had a molecular mass between 3.5 and 12 kDa. It was highly resistant to proteolysis. It was suggested that the active principle could either be a low-molecular-weight, proteolysis-resistant-peptide (e.g., a proteolipid) or a factor with a nonproteinaceous nature. A polyclonal antibody raised against the C-terminal 10 amino acids of the rat kidney gamma-subunit was able to recognize this low-molecular-weight peptide present in the extracts. The previously depleted enzyme displayed lower amounts of the gamma-proteolipid in comparison to the native untreated enzyme, as demonstrated by immunoreaction with the antibody.

On the structure of endogenous ouabain

The ouabain-like sodium pump inhibitor in mammals (so-called "endogenous ouabain") has been considered a subtle structural isomer of ouabain. Its structural investigation, however, has long been hindered by the paucity of sample material. Our recent purification of endogenous ouabain (3 micrograms) from bovine hypothalamus allowed the measurement of its 1H-NMR. The obtained spectrum as well as reexamination of past microscale structural studies on endogenous ouabain led us to identify the purified material as ouabain in an unusual manner. It turned out that the structural analysis had been complicated by a facile ouabain-borate complexation in borosilicate glassware. In retrospect, it is not surprising that the polyhydroxylated ouabain molecule serves as a polydentate ligand to inorganic species. In its physiological environment, ouabain may exist as some unknown complex. The chemical species giving rise to the reported biological activities of hypothalamic inhibitory factor preparations remain to be clarified.

In vitro scanning saturation mutagenesis of all the specificity determining residues in an antibody binding site

For the first time, each specificity determining residue (SDR) in the binding site of an antibody has been replaced with every other possible single amino acid substitution, and the resulting mutants analyzed for binding affinity and specificity. The studies were conducted on a variant of the 26-10 antidigoxin single chain Fv (scFv) using in vitro scanning saturation mutagenesis, a new process that allows the high throughput production and characterization of antibody mutants [Burks,E.A., Chen,G., Georgiou,G. and Iverson,B.L. (1997) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 94, 412-417]. Single amino acid mutants of 26-10 scFv were identified that modulated specificity in dramatic fashion. The overall plasticity of the antibody binding site with respect to amino acid replacement was also evaluated, revealing that 86% of all mutants retained measurable binding activity. Finally, by analyzing the physical properties of amino acid substitutions with respect to their effect on hapten binding, conclusions were drawn regarding the functional role played by the wild-type residue at each SDR position. The reported results highlight the value of in vitro scanning saturation mutagenesis for engineering antibody binding specificity, for evaluating the plasticity of proteins, and for comprehensive structure-function studies and analysis.

Theoretical calculation of circular dichroic exciton-split spectra in presence of three interacting 2-naphthoate chromophores

Ample experimental evidence shows that the principle of pairwise additivity holds in exciton coupled CD systems consisting of three or more interacting chromophores. This principle is one of the most important from a practical viewpoint. However, the rule has so far not been proven theoretically. In order to prove the additivity principle by calculation, three ouabagenin bisnaphthoates and 1,3,19-tris-naphthoates were chosen as models. Since this represents a challenging case where the 2-naphthoate chromophore can adopt s-cis or s-trans conformations and, moreover the C-19 side chain of ouabagenin is flexible, Monte Carlo conformational search was performed prior to the CD calculation. The pi-electron SCF-CI-DV MO calculation of CD was applied to all conformers within 3 kcal/mol range from the lowest energy. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical CD spectra was obtained for the ouabagenin bisnaphthoates and trisnaphthoate.

A non-ouabain Na/K ATPase inhibitor isolated from bovine hypothalamus. Its relation to hypothalamic ouabain

We have isolated from bovine hypothalamic and pituitary tissue the sodium pump inhibitor HHIF that is structurally different from ouabain. By mass spectrometric analysis this purified factor revealed a single unique molecular ion with an accurate mass of 412.277 and a mass spectra different from ouabain. It has been previously shown that HHIF inhibits the Ca2+-ATPase of the plasma membrane of synaptosomes. HHIF increases free calcium levels in cultured rat mesangial cells as well as mesangial cell contraction and proliferation. With the same purification procedure we have isolated in parallel HHIF and Ouabain from central nervous tissue. Ouabain elutes prior to HHIF in the final purification HPLC systems. This endogenous Ouabain has, in all the systems tested, the same chromatographic behavior that synthetic cold or [3H] Ouabain.

Endogenous sodium pump inhibitors and blood pressure regulation: an update on recent progress

Rapid progress has occurred recently in understanding the origin, chemistry, synthesis, control, and actions of endogenous materials that may be ligands for the cardiac glycoside binding site on the mammalian sodium pump (Na,K-ATPase). The present paper reviews this progress and examines in detail the evidence supporting ouabain-like and bufodienolide-like compounds as functioning in endogenous control of sodium pump activity, renal sodium excretion, blood pressure, and cardiovascular contractility. Other novel compounds identified in this search as potentially influencing natriuresis and blood pressure are also discussed.

Differential properties between an endogenous brain Na+, K(+)-ATPase inhibitor and ouabain

By means of a Sephadex G-50 column and anionic exchange HPLC a cerebral cortex soluble fraction (II-E) which highly inhibits neuronal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity has been previously obtained. Herein, II-E properties are compared with those of the cardenolide ouabain, the selective and specific Na+, K(+)-ATPase inhibitor. It was observed that alkali treatment destroyed II-E but not ouabain inhibitory activity. II-E presented a maximal absorbance at 265 nm both at pH 7 and pH 2 which diminished at pH 10. Ouabain showed a maximum at 220 nm which was not altered by alkalinization. II-E was not retained in a C-18 column, indicating its hydrophilic nature, whereas ouabain presented a 26-min retention time in reverse phase HPLC. Therefore, it is concluded that the inhibitory factor present in II-E is structurally different to ouabain.

Bovine adrenocortical cells in culture synthesize an ouabain-like compound

Ouabain or a closely related isomer, and 'ouabain-like compound' (OLC), has been identified in plasma, by Hamlyn et al., using several physico-chemical and biological methods. Using a radioimmunoassay, the same authors later characterized an identical compound in adrenal cortex tissue and culture medium from adrenocortical cells. Nevertheless, other groups, using different immunosera, were not able to detect OLC in adrenal cortex and adrenocortical cells medium. In this report, we confirm the presence of OLC in bovine adrenal cortex and in fasciculata cells culture medium. The compound that we obtained has the same chromatographic properties as ouabain on HPLC using two types of elution systems. It presents the same mass spectrum and is able to bind to erythrocytes membranes Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. In primary cultures of adrenocortical cells, its biosynthesis is increased after addition of pregnenolone or progesterone suggesting that these compounds may represent intermediate substrates in the biosynthetic pathway. Rhamnose readily enters the adrenocortical cell and increases slightly the biosynthesis of OLC. The present studies confirm that bovine adrenocortical cells in primary culture release an OLC with no differences with authentic ouabain using, HPLC, mass spectrometry and radioreceptor assay and suggest that OLC may be a product related to the adrenocortical steroidogenic pathway.

Comparison of mouse bioassay and sodium channel cytotoxicity assay for detecting paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish extracts

A neuroblastoma cell culture assay was used to analyze shellfish extracts for presence of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (saxitoxins). Results were compared with mouse bioassays performed as part of a screening program for shellfish toxins in New Zealand. Twenty-nine samples gave negative results in both assays. Fifty-seven samples gave positive results in at least one assay. The correlation between the assays for saxitoxin equivalent levels in shellfish was 0.867. In spiking studies on shellfish extracts, the neuroblastoma assay showed a good response to added saxitoxin. Although these results support use of the neuroblastoma assay as a screening procedure for shellfish toxicity, results close to regulatory limits should be confirmed by mouse bioassay.

Simultaneous isolation of endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactive factor, ouabain-like factor, and deglycosylated congeners from mammalian tissues

DLIF (digoxin-like immunoreactive factor) and OLF (ouabain-like factor) are endogenous steroid-like ligands (approximately 781 and 595 Da, respectively) with molecular and structural properties similar to the plant-derived cardiac glycosides, digoxin and ouabain. We developed a purification method with a sufficiently wide range of extraction solubility to separate compounds with polarities spanning those of ouabain and digoxin. This technique provides a rapid, reliable, and efficient method for simultaneously isolating DLIF, OLF, and several naturally existing deglycosylated congeners, including three deglycosylated species of DLIF (DLIF-genin, DLIF-mono, and DLIF-bis) and one deglycosylated species of OLF (OLF-genin). Separation is achieved using acid extraction, C-18 reverse-phase HPLC chromatography, and signal detection using two antibodies, one specific for digoxin and one for ouabain. The average extraction efficiency is 400 pmol digoxin equivalent (range 300-500) and 42 pmol ouabain equivalent (range 37-50) per gram of adrenal cortex for DLIF and OLF, respectively. The relative molar immunoreactivity of DLIF is 10(3)-fold less than that of digoxin, whereas that of OLF is unity compared to ouabain, suggesting that OLF is structurally more similar to ouabain than DLIF is to digoxin. Of interest is the presence of a compound reacting with both digoxin and ouabain antibodies. This unique immunoreactive species is liekly to have structural similarity to both digoxin and ouabain and thus may represent a metabolic link between DLIF and OLF.

Endogenous ouabain, sodium balance and blood pressure: a review and a hypothesis

OBJECTIVE

To assess possible relationships between endogenous ouabain, sodium balance and blood pressure.

CONTENT

This review concerns the structure of endogenous ouabain, circulating levels of this steroid in various disorders of fluid and electrolyte balance, recent evidence for the association of endogenous ouabain with human hypertension, the influence of sodium and volume factors on ouabain-induced hypertension, and possible mechanisms for the hypertensinogenic activity of ouabain.

CONCLUSIONS

The human circulation contains a closely related isomer of ouabain of putative adrenocortical origin. Elevated circulating levels of this 'endogenous ouabain' are common but not universal in physiologic and pathologic states associated with positive sodium balance or high blood pressure, or both. In the absence of adrenal hyperfunction, elevating circulating levels of endogenous ouabain appear to be secondary to impaired renal clearance. Prolonged elevation of circulating ouabain in the rat induces sustained hypertension. This model exhibits normal plasma renin activity, increased levels of ouabain in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and kidney, and responds to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. In rats with normal kidney function, ouabain-induced hypertension is primarily sodium-insensitive although maneuvers that hinder renal sodium excretion augment the pressor effect of this steroid. Prolonged administration of ouabain into the brain ventricles augments sympathetic nervous system activity and induces sustained hypertension. These observations lead us to propose the following hypothesis. Among Caucasian patients with essential hypertension, a large fraction have elevated circulating levels of endogenous ouabain, possibly caused by an inherited or acquired renal defect in clearance of this steroid. In these patients, and in rats with ouabain-induced hypertension, increased local generation of, or increased target organ sensitivity to, angiotensin II, or both, may contribute critically to heightened vasoconstriction and a sustained increase in blood pressure. Investigations of the efferent pressor mechanisms and the renal handling of endogenous ouabain are novel approaches to the etiology and therapy of several common cardiovascular disorders.

Plasma marinobufagenin-like and ouabain-like immunoreactivity during saline volume expansion in anesthetized dogs

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated effects of acute plasma volume expansion on plasma levels and urinary output of two endogenous Na,K-ATPase inhibitors, marinobufagenin-like and ouabain-like immunoreactive substances.

METHODS

Plasma volume was expanded for 3 h via intravenous saline infusion in three groups of anesthetized dogs--nontreated (n = 5); pretreated with rabbit antidigoxin (n = 5); and pretreated with rabbit antimouse (control) antibody (n = 4).

RESULTS

Plasma marinobufagenin-like immunoreactivity increased to 11.87 +/- 3.16 nmol.l-1 (vs. 0.30 +/- 0.16 nmol.l-1) within 10 min of volume expansion, in parallel with a 15% increase in LVdP/dt, then decreased to 2.21 +/- 0.59 nmol.l-1, and in 90 min increased to 11.8 +/- 2.8 nmol.l-1, in parallel with the maximal natriuretic response. Plasma concentrations of ouabain-like immunoreactive material were increased after 90 min of saline infusion (0.019 +/- 0.004 nmol.l-1 vs. 0.139 +/- 0.056 nmol.l-1). Pretreatment of the animals with antidigoxin antibody blocked the positive inotropic and reduced natriuretic response to volume expansion, and decreased the urinary release of marinobufagenin-like, but not ouabain-like, material.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show the presence of marinobufagenin-like immunoreactive substance in dog plasma and suggest that mammalian EDLF may have a bufodienolide nature. Endogenous marinobufagenin-like immunoreactive substance, which is likely to cross-react with antidigoxin antibody, is involved in the natriuretic and positive inotropic responses to plasma volume expansion.