A digoxin derivative that potently reduces intraocular pressure: efficacy and mechanism of action in different animal models.

Glaucoma is a blinding disease. Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the mainstay of treatment, but current drugs show side effects or become progressively ineffective, highlighting the need for novel compounds. We have synthesized a family of perhydro-1,4-oxazepine derivatives of digoxin, the selective inhibitor of Na,K-ATPase. The cyclobutyl derivative (DcB) displays strong selectivity for the human α2 isoform and potently reduces IOP in rabbits. These observations appeared consistent with a hypothesis that in ciliary epithelium DcB inhibits the α2 isoform of Na,K-ATPase, which is expressed strongly in nonpigmented cells, reducing aqueous humor (AH) inflow. This paper extends assessment of efficacy and mechanism of action of DcB using an ocular hypertensive nonhuman primate model (OHT-NHP) (Macaca fascicularis). In OHT-NHP, DcB potently lowers IOP, in both acute (24 h) and extended (7-10 days) settings, accompanied by increased aqueous humor flow rate (AFR). By contrast, ocular normotensive animals (ONT-NHP) are poorly responsive to DcB, if at all. The mechanism of action of DcB has been analyzed using isolated porcine ciliary epithelium and perfused enucleated eyes to study AH inflow and AH outflow facility, respectively. 1) DcB significantly stimulates AH inflow although prior addition of 8-Br-cAMP, which raises AH inflow, precludes additional effects of DcB. 2) DcB significantly increases AH outflow facility via the trabecular meshwork (TM). Taken together, the data indicate that the original hypothesis on the mechanism of action must be revised. In the OHT-NHP, and presumably other species, DcB lowers IOP by increasing AH outflow facility rather than by decreasing AH inflow.NEW & NOTEWORTHY When applied topically, a cyclobutyl derivative of digoxin (DcB) potently reduces intraocular pressure in an ocular hypertensive nonhuman primate model (Macaca fascicularis), associated with increased aqueous humor (AH) flow rate (AFR). The mechanism of action of DcB involves increased AH outflow facility as detected in enucleated perfused porcine eyes and, in parallel, increased (AH) inflow as detected in isolated porcine ciliary epithelium. DcB might have potential as a drug for the treatment of open-angle human glaucoma.

The Na+,K+-ATPase in complex with beryllium fluoride mimics an ATPase phosphorylated state.

The Na+,K+-ATPase generates electrochemical gradients of Na+ and K+ across the plasma membrane via a functional cycle that includes various phosphoenzyme intermediates. However, the structure and function of these intermediates and how metal fluorides mimick them require further investigation. Here, we describe a 4.0 Å resolution crystal structure and functional properties of the pig kidney Na+,K+-ATPase stabilized by the inhibitor beryllium fluoride (denoted E2-BeFx). E2-BeFx is expected to mimic properties of the E2P phosphoenzyme, yet with unknown characteristics of ion and ligand binding. The structure resembles the E2P form obtained by phosphorylation from inorganic phosphate (Pi) and stabilized by cardiotonic steroids, including a low-affinity Mg2+ site near ion binding site II. Our anomalous Fourier analysis of the crystals soaked in Rb+ (a K+ congener) followed by a low-resolution rigid-body refinement (6.9-7.5 Å) revealed preocclusion transitions leading to activation of the dephosphorylation reaction. We show that the Mg2+ location indicates a site of initial K+ recognition and acceptance upon binding to the outward-open E2P state after Na+ release. Furthermore, using binding and activity studies, we find that the BeFx-inhibited enzyme is also able to bind ADP/ATP and Na+. These results relate the E2-BeFx complex to a transient K+- and ADP-sensitive E∗P intermediate of the functional cycle of the Na+,K+-ATPase, prior to E2P.

Inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase by cardiac glycosides suppresses expression of the IDO1 immune checkpoint in cancer cells by reducing STAT1 activation.

Despite extensive basic and clinical research on immune checkpoint regulatory pathways, little is known about the effects of the ionic tumor microenvironment on immune checkpoint expression and function. Here we describe a mechanistic link between Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) inhibition and activity of the immune checkpoint protein indoleamine-pyrrole 2',3'-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). We found that IDO1 was necessary and sufficient for production of kynurenine, a downstream tryptophan metabolite, in cancer cells. We developed a spectrophotometric assay to screen a library of 31 model ion transport-targeting compounds for potential effects on IDO1 function in A549 lung and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This revealed that the cardiac glycosides ouabain and digoxin inhibited kynurenine production at concentrations that did not affect cell survival. NKA inhibition by ouabain and digoxin resulted in increased intracellular Na+ levels and downregulation of IDO1 mRNA and protein levels, which was consistent with the reduction in kynurenine levels. Knockdown of ATP1A1, the ɑ1 subunit of the NKA and target of cardiac glycosides, increased Na+ levels to a lesser extent than cardiac glycoside treatment and did not affect IDO1 expression. However, ATP1A1 knockdown significantly enhanced the effect of cardiac glycosides on IDO1 expression and kynurenine production. Mechanistically, we show that cardiac glycoside treatment resulted in curtailing the length of phosphorylation-mediated stabilization of STAT1, a transcriptional regulator of IDO1 expression, an effect enhanced by ATP1A1 knockdown. Our findings reveal cross talk between ionic modulation via cardiac glycosides and immune checkpoint protein expression in cancer cells with broad mechanistic and clinical implications.

Quo vadis Cardiac Glycoside Research?

Cardiac glycosides (CGs), toxins well-known for numerous human and cattle poisoning, are natural compounds, the biosynthesis of which occurs in various plants and animals as a self-protective mechanism to prevent grazing and predation. Interestingly, some insect species can take advantage of the CG's toxicity and by absorbing them, they are also protected from predation. The mechanism of action of CG's toxicity is inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase (the sodium-potassium pump, NKA), which disrupts the ionic homeostasis leading to elevated Ca2+ concentration resulting in cell death. Thus, NKA serves as a molecular target for CGs (although it is not the only one) and even though CGs are toxic for humans and some animals, they can also be used as remedies for various diseases, such as cardiovascular ones, and possibly cancer. Although the anticancer mechanism of CGs has not been fully elucidated, yet, it is thought to be connected with the second role of NKA being a receptor that can induce several cell signaling cascades and even serve as a growth factor and, thus, inhibit cancer cell proliferation at low nontoxic concentrations. These growth inhibitory effects are often observed only in cancer cells, thereby, offering a possibility for CGs to be repositioned for cancer treatment serving not only as chemotherapeutic agents but also as immunogenic cell death triggers. Therefore, here, we report on CG's chemical structures, production optimization, and biological activity with possible use in cancer therapy, as well as, discuss their antiviral potential which was discovered quite recently. Special attention has been devoted to digitoxin, digoxin, and ouabain.

A new method for detecting Na+ , K+ -ATPase activity by ICP-MS: Quantitative analysis on the inhibitory effect of rhein on Na+ , K+ -ATPase activity by ICP-MS in HCT116 cells.

Rhein is an active component from Chinese herbal medicine. It can cause diarrhea by inhibiting Na+ , K+ -ATPase activity on intestinal epithelial cells, thus decreasing the re-absorption of Na+ from intestinal tract to blood. However, when this Na+ , K+ -ATPase inhibition was quantitated by a colorimetric method that measures ATPase-catalyzed release of inorganic phosphorus, the data obtained were inconsistent and showed great variation. We developed a novel method using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantitate the amount of intracellular Rb+ . This method largely mimics the 86 RbCl tracer flux assay, but it uses non-radioactive RbCl as a flux substrate. The results demonstrated that this method has better precision and accuracy than the conventional colorimetric method. More importantly, this method is free from radioactive substances, which is expected to make it safer and more convenient than the radioactive 86 RbCl tracer flux method. In conclusion, the ICP-MS method for Na+ , K+ -ATPase activity determination is novel and accurate. It can also provide a reference for studying the transport of other metal ions across membranes under biological conditions.

Does Src Kinase Mediated Vasoconstriction Impair Penumbral Reperfusion?

Despite successful recanalization, a significant number of patients with ischemic stroke experience impaired local brain tissue reperfusion with adverse clinical outcome. The cause and mechanism of this multifactorial complication are yet to be understood. At the current moment, major attention is given to dysfunction in blood-brain barrier and capillary blood flow but contribution of exaggerated constriction of cerebral arterioles has also been suggested. In the brain, arterioles significantly contribute to vascular resistance and thus control of perfusion. Accordingly, pathological changes in arteriolar wall function can, therefore, limit sufficient reperfusion in ischemic stroke, but this has not yet received sufficient attention. Although an increased vascular tone after reperfusion has been demonstrated in several studies, the mechanism behind it remains to be characterized. Importantly, the majority of conventional mechanisms controlling vascular contraction failed to explain elevated cerebrovascular tone after reperfusion. We propose here that the Na,K-ATPase-dependent Src kinase activation are the key mechanisms responsible for elevation of cerebrovascular tone after reperfusion. The Na,K-ATPase, which is essential to control intracellular ion homeostasis, also executes numerous signaling functions. Under hypoxic conditions, the Na,K-ATPase is endocytosed from the membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells. This initiates the Src kinase signaling pathway that sensitizes the contractile machinery to intracellular Ca2+ resulting in hypercontractility of vascular smooth muscle cells and, thus, elevated cerebrovascular tone that can contribute to impaired reperfusion after stroke. This mechanism integrates with cerebral edema that was suggested to underlie impaired reperfusion and is further supported by several studies, which are discussed in this article. However, final demonstration of the molecular mechanism behind Src kinase-associated arteriolar hypercontractility in stroke remains to be done.

Ouabain worsens diastolic sarcomere length in myocytes from a cardiomyopathy mouse model.

Diastolic dysfunction is a major feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Data from patient tissue and animal models associate increased Ca2+ sensitivity of myofilaments with altered Na+ and Ca2+ ion homeostasis in cardiomyocytes with diastolic dysfunction. In this study, we tested the acute effects of ouabain on ventricular myocytes of an HCM mouse model. The effects of ouabain on contractility and Ca2+ transients were tested in intact adult mouse ventricular myocytes (AMVMs) of Mybpc3-targeted knock-in (KI) and wild-type (WT) mice. Concentration-response assessment of contractile function revealed low sensitivity of AMVMs to ouabain (10 µM) compared to literature data on human cardiomyocytes (100 nM). Three hundred µM ouabain increased contraction amplitude (WT ~1.8-fold; KI ~1.5-fold) and diastolic intracellular Ca2+ in both WT and KI (+12-18%), but further decreased diastolic sarcomere length in KI cardiomyocytes (-5%). Western Blot analysis of whole heart protein extracts revealed 50% lower amounts of Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) in KI than in WT. Ouabain worsened the diastolic phenotype of KI cardiomyocytes at concentrations which did not impair WT diastolic function. Ouabain led to an elevation of intracellular Ca2+, which was poorly tolerated in KI showing already high cytosolic Ca2+ at baseline due to increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Lower amounts of NKA in KI could amplify the need to exchange excessive intracellular Na+ for Ca2+ and thereby explain the general tendency to higher diastolic Ca2+ in KI.

Mechanism of Na-K-ATPase Inhibition by PGE2 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

The primary means of intestinal absorption of nutrients by villus cells is via Na-dependent nutrient co-transporters located in the brush border membrane (BBM). These secondary active co-transport processes require a favorable transcellular Na gradient that is provided by Na-K-ATPase. In chronic enteritis, malabsorption of essential nutrients is partially due to inhibition of villus Na-K-ATPase activity mediated by specific immune inflammatory mediators that are known to be elevated in the inflamed mucosa. However, how Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a specific mediator of nutrient malabsorption in the villus BBM, may mediate the inhibition of Na-K-ATPase is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of PGE2 on Na-K-ATPase in villus cells and define its mechanism of action. In vitro, in IEC-18 cells, PGE2 treatment significantly reduced Na-K-ATPase activity, accompanied by a significant increase in the intracellular levels of cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP). The treatment with cAMP analog 8-Bromo-cAMP mimicked the PGE2-mediated effect on Na-K-ATPase activity, while Rp-cAMP (PKA inhibitor) pretreatment reversed the same. The mechanism of inhibition of PGE2 was secondary to a transcriptional reduction in the Na-K-ATPase α1 and ß1 subunit genes, which was reversed by the Rp-cAMP pretreatment. Thus, the PGE2-mediated activation of the PKA pathway mediates the transcriptional inhibition of Na-K-ATPase activity in vitro.

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.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Saline Extract and Lectin-Rich Fraction from Microgramma vacciniifolia Rhizome in Mice.

Previous studies have characterized a saline extract from Microgramma vacciniifolia rhizome and its lectin (MvRL)-rich fraction with low acute toxicity. In the present study, we evaluated these preparations for acute toxicity (1,000 mg/kg) and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities (100-400 mg/kg for the extract and 25-50 mg/kg for the fraction). No signs of toxicity were observed. Both the extract and fraction increased the latency period for nociception in the hot plate assay, decreased writhing induced by acetic acid, and promoted analgesic effects in phases 1 and 2 of the formalin test. The antinociceptive mechanism was attributed to interactions with opioid receptors and K+ ATPase channels. The extract and fraction decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema in 46.15 % and 77.22 %, respectively, at the highest doses evaluated. Furthermore, the fraction was shown to act on the bradykinin pathway. The ability to decrease leukocyte migration after treatment was also verified in the peritonitis and air pouch models. In exudates collected from air pouches, decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and increased interleukin (IL)-10 levels were noted. Both the extract and fraction also effectively inhibited the development of granulomatous tissue. In conclusion, the substances investigated in this study can be used for the development of novel therapeutic options for pain and inflammatory processes.

Resveratrol is an inhibitor of sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate transport in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Metastasis is a major cause of death in patients with breast cancer. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the antitumour effects of resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenol. Resveratrol inhibits metastatic processes, such as the migration and invasion of cancer cells. In several cancer types, the importance of inorganic phosphate (Pi) for tumor progression has been demonstrated. The metastatic process in breast cancer is associated with Na+ -dependent Pi transporters. In this study, we demonstrate, for the first time, that resveratrol inhibits the Na+ -dependent Pi transporter. Results from kinetic analysis shows that resveratrol inhibits Na+ -dependent Pi transport non-competitively. Resveratrol also inhibits adhesion/migration in MDA-MB-231 cells, likely related to inhibition of the Na+ -dependent Pi transporter.

Increased colonic K+ excretion through inhibition of the H,K-ATPase type 2 helps reduce plasma K+ level in a murine model of nephronic reduction.

Hyperkalemia is frequently observed in patients at the end-stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and has possible harmful consequences on cardiac function. Many strategies are currently used to manage hyperkalemia, one consisting of increasing fecal K+ excretion through the administration of cation-exchange resins. In this study, we explored another more specific method of increasing intestinal K+ secretion by inhibiting the H,K-ATPase type 2 (HKA2), which is the main colonic K+ reabsorptive pathway. We hypothetised that the absence of this pump could impede the increase of plasma K+ levels following nephronic reduction (N5/6) by favoring fecal K+ secretion. In N5/6 WT and HKA2KO mice under normal K+ intake, the plasma K+ level remained within the normal range, however, a load of K+ induced strong hyperkalemia in N5/6 WT mice (9.1 ± 0.5 mM), which was significantly less pronounced in N5/6 HKA2KO mice (7.9 ± 0.4 mM, p < 0.01). This was correlated to a higher capacity of HKA2KO mice to excrete K+ in their feces. The absence of HKA2 also increased fecal Na+ excretion by inhibiting its colonic ENaC-dependent absorption. We also showed that angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor like enalapril, used to treat hypertension during CKD, induced a less severe hyperkalemia in N5/6 HKA2KO than in N5/6 WT mice. This study therefore provides the proof of concept that the targeted inhibition of HKA2 could be a specific therapeutic maneuver to reduce plasma K+ levels in CKD patients.

Binding of cardiotonic steroids to Na+,K+-ATPase in the E2P state.

The sodium pump (Na+, K+-ATPase, NKA) is vital for animal cells, as it actively maintains Na+ and K+ electrochemical gradients across the cell membrane. It is a target of cardiotonic steroids (CTSs) such as ouabain and digoxin. As CTSs are almost unique strong inhibitors specific to NKA, a wide range of derivatives has been developed for potential therapeutic use. Several crystal structures have been published for NKA-CTS complexes, but they fail to explain the largely different inhibitory properties of the various CTSs. For instance, although CTSs are thought to inhibit ATPase activity by binding to NKA in the E2P state, we do not know if large conformational changes accompany binding, as no crystal structure is available for the E2P state free of CTS. Here, we describe crystal structures of the BeF3- complex of NKA representing the E2P ground state and then eight crystal structures of seven CTSs, including rostafuroxin and istaroxime, two new members under clinical trials, in complex with NKA in the E2P state. The conformations of NKA are virtually identical in all complexes with and without CTSs, showing that CTSs bind to a preformed cavity in NKA. By comparing the inhibitory potency of the CTSs measured under four different conditions, we elucidate how different structural features of the CTSs result in different inhibitory properties. The crystal structures also explain K+-antagonism and suggest a route to isoform specific CTSs.

Mechanism of Diuresis and Natriuresis by Cannabinoids: Evidence for Inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase in Mouse Kidney Thick Ascending Limb Tubules.

The endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), stimulates cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and is enriched in the kidney, especially the renal medulla. AEA infused into the renal outer medulla of mice stimulates urine flow rate and salt excretion. Here we show that these effects are blocked by the CBR type 1 (CB1) inverse agonist, rimonabant. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of CB1 in thick ascending limb (TAL) tubules. Western immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of CB1 (52 kDa) in the cortex and outer medulla of mouse kidney. The effect of direct [CP55940 (CP) or AEA] or indirect [fatty acyl amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, PF3845 (PF)] cannabinoidimetics on Na+ transport in isolated mouse TAL tubules was studied using the Na+-sensitive dye, SBFI-AM. Switching from 0 Na+ solution to control Ringer's solution (CR) rapidly increased TAL cell [Na+]i Addition of CP to CR produced a further elevation, similar in magnitude to that of ouabain, a Na+-K+-ATPase inhibitor. This [Na+]i-elevating effect of CP was time-dependent, required the presence of Na+ in the bathing solution, and was insensitive to Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter inhibition. Addition of PF to CR elevated [Na+]i in FAAH wild-type but not FAAH knockout (KO) TALs, whereas the additions of CP and AEA to PF-treated FAAH KO TALs increased [Na+]i An interaction between cannabinoidimetics and ouabain (Ou) was observed. Ou produced less increase in [Na+]i after cannabinoidimetic treatment, whereas cannabinoidimetics had less effect after Ou treatment. It is concluded that cannabinoidimetics, including CP and AEA, inhibit Na+ transport in TALs by inhibiting Na+ exit via Na+-K+-ATPase. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cannabinoids including endocannabinoids induce renal urine and salt excretion and are proposed to play a physiological role in the regulation of blood pressure. Our data suggest that the mechanism of the cannabinoids involves inhibition of the sodium pump, Na+-K+-ATPase, in thick ascending limb cells and, likely, other proximal and distal tubular segments of the kidney nephron.

Neuroinflammation evoked by brain injury in a rat model of lacunar infarct.

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term, severe disability worldwide. Immediately after the stroke, endogenous inflammatory processes are upregulated, leading to the local neuroinflammation and the potentiation of brain tissue destruction. The innate immune response is triggered as early as 24 h post-brain ischemia, followed by adaptive immunity activation. Together these immune cells produce many inflammatory mediators, i.e., cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines. Our study examines the immune response components in the early stage of deep brain lacunar infarct in the rat brain, highly relevant to the clinical scenario. The lesion was induced by stereotactic injection of ouabain into the adult rat striatum. Ouabain is a Na/K ATPase pump inhibitor that causes excitotoxicity and brings metabolic and structural changes in the cells leading to focal brain injury. We have shown a surge of neurodegenerative changes in the peri-infarct area in the first days after brain injury. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed early microglial activation and the gradual infiltration of immune cells with a significant increase of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the ipsilateral hemisphere. In our studies, we identified the higher level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., interleukin-1α, interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ, but a lower level of anti-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-ß2 in the injured brain than in normal rats. Concomitantly focal brain injury showed a significant increase in the level of chemokines, i.e., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and CC motif chemokine ligand 5 compared to control. Our findings provide new insights into an early inflammatory reaction in our model of the deep-brain lacunar infarct. The results of this study may highlight future stroke immunotherapies for targeting the acute immune response accompanied by the insult.

Na+-K+-ATPase functions in the developing hippocampus: regional differences in CA1 and CA3 neuronal excitability and role in epileptiform network bursting.

The Na+-K+-ATPase (Na+-K+ pump) is essential for setting resting membrane potential and restoring transmembrane Na+ and K+ gradients after neuronal firing, yet its roles in developing neurons are not well understood. This study examined the contribution of the Na+-K+ pump to resting membrane potential and membrane excitability of developing CA1 and CA3 neurons and its role in maintaining synchronous network bursting. Experiments were conducted in postnatal day (P)9 to P13 rat hippocampal slices using whole cell patch-clamp and extracellular field-potential recordings. Blockade of the Na+-K+ pump with strophanthidin caused marked depolarization (23.1 mV) in CA3 neurons but only a modest depolarization (3.3 mV) in CA1 neurons. Regarding other membrane properties, strophanthidin differentially altered the voltage-current responses, input resistance, action-potential threshold and amplitude, rheobase, and input-output relationship in CA3 vs. CA1 neurons. At the network level, strophanthidin stopped synchronous epileptiform bursting in CA3 induced by 0 Mg2+ and 4-aminopyridine. Furthermore, dual whole cell recordings revealed that strophanthidin disrupted the synchrony of CA3 neuronal firing. Finally, strophanthidin reduced spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) bursts (i.e., synchronous transmitter release) and transformed them into individual sEPSC events (i.e., nonsynchronous transmitter release). These data suggest that the Na+-K+ pump plays a more profound role in membrane excitability in developing CA3 neurons than in CA1 neurons and that the pump is essential for the maintenance of synchronous network bursting in CA3. Compromised Na+-K+ pump function leads to cessation of ongoing synchronous network activity, by desynchronizing neuronal firing and neurotransmitter release in the CA3 synaptic network. These findings have implications for the regulation of network excitability and seizure generation in the developing brain.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Despite the extensive literature showing the importance of the Na+-K+ pump in various neuronal functions, its roles in the developing brain are not well understood. This study reveals that the Na+-K+ pump differentially regulates the excitability of CA3 and CA1 neurons in the developing hippocampus, and the pump activity is crucial for maintaining network activity. Compromised Na+-K+ pump activity desynchronizes neuronal firing and transmitter release, leading to cessation of ongoing epileptiform network bursting.

ATP-mediated increase in H+ flux from retinal Müller cells: a role for Na+/H+ exchange.

Small alterations in extracellular H+ can profoundly alter neurotransmitter release by neurons. We examined mechanisms by which extracellular ATP induces an extracellular H+ flux from Müller glial cells, which surround synaptic connections throughout the vertebrate retina. Müller glia were isolated from tiger salamander retinae and H+ fluxes examined using self-referencing H+-selective microelectrodes. Experiments were performed in 1 mM HEPES with no bicarbonate present. Replacement of extracellular sodium by choline decreased H+ efflux induced by 10 µM ATP by 75%. ATP-induced H+ efflux was also reduced by Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors. Amiloride reduced H+ efflux initiated by 10 µM ATP by 60%, while 10 µM cariporide decreased H+ flux by 37%, and 25 µM zoniporide reduced H+ flux by 32%. ATP-induced H+ fluxes were not significantly altered by the K+/H+ pump blockers SCH28080 or TAK438, and replacement of all extracellular chloride with gluconate was without effect on H+ fluxes. Recordings of ATP-induced H+ efflux from cells that were simultaneously whole cell voltage clamped revealed no effect of membrane potential from -70 mV to 0 mV. Restoration of extracellular potassium after cells were bathed in 0 mM potassium produced a transient alteration in ATP-dependent H+ efflux. The transient response to extracellular potassium occurred only when extracellular sodium was present and was abolished by 1 mM ouabain, suggesting that alterations in sodium gradients were mediated by Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Our data indicate that the majority of H+ efflux elicited by extracellular ATP from isolated Müller cells is mediated by Na+/H+ exchange.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Glial cells are known to regulate neuronal activity, but the exact mechanism(s) whereby these "support" cells modulate synaptic transmission remains unclear. Small changes in extracellular levels of acidity are known to be particularly powerful regulators of neurotransmitter release. Here, we show that extracellular ATP, known to be a potent activator of glial cells, induces H+ efflux from retinal Müller (glial) cells and that the bulk of the H+ efflux is mediated by Na+/H+ exchange.

Laurinterol from Laurencia johnstonii eliminates Naegleria fowleri triggering PCD by inhibition of ATPases.

Primary amoebic encephalitis (PAM) is a lethal disease caused by the opportunistic pathogen, Naegleria fowleri. This amoebic species is able to live freely in warm aquatic habitats and to infect children and young adults when they perform risk activities in these water bodies such as swimming or splashing. Besides the need to increase awareness of PAM which will allow an early diagnosis, the development of fully effective therapeutic agents is needed. Current treatment options are amphotericin B and miltefosine which are not fully effective and also present toxicity issues. In this study, the in vitro activity of various sesquiterpenes isolated from the red alga Laurencia johnstonii were tested against the trophozoite stage of a strain of Naegleria fowleri. Moreover, the induced effects (apoptotic cell death) of the most active compound, laurinterol (1), was evaluated by measuring DNA condensation, damages at the mitochondrial level, cell membrane disruption and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The obtained results demonstrated that laurinterol was able to eliminate the amoebae at concentrations of 13.42 ± 2.57 µM and also to induced programmed cell death (PCD) in the treated amoebae. Moreover, since ATP levels were highly affected and laurinterol has been previously reported as an inhibitor of the Na+/K+-ATPase sodium-potassium ion pump, comparison with known inhibitors of ATPases were carried out. Our results points out that laurinterol was able to inhibit ENA ATPase pump at concentrations 100 times lower than furosemide.

Transcriptomic Changes in Endothelial Cells Triggered by Na,K-ATPase Inhibition: A Search for Upstream Na+i/K+i Sensitive Genes.

Stimulus-dependent elevation of intracellular Ca2+ affects gene expression via well-documented calmodulin-mediated signaling pathways. Recently, we found that the addition of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ chelators increased, rather than decreased, the number of genes expressed, and that this is affected by the elevation of [Na+]i/[K+]i-ratio. This assumes the existence of a novel Na+i/K+i-mediated Ca2+i-independent mechanism of excitation-transcription coupling. To identify upstream Na+i/K+i-sensitive genes, we examined the kinetics of transcriptomic changes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) subjected to Na,K-ATPase inhibition by ouabain or K+-free medium. According to our data, microRNAs, transcription factors, and proteins involved in immune response and inflammation might be considered as key components of Na+i/K+i-mediated excitation-transcription coupling. Special attention was focused on the FOS gene and the possible mechanism of transcription regulation via G-quadruplexes, non-canonical secondary structures of nucleic acids, whose stability depends on [Na+]i/[K+]i-ratio. Verification of the [Na+]i/[K+]i-sensitive transcription regulation mechanism should be continued in forthcoming studies.