On the role of Na,K-ATPase: a challenge for the membrane-pump and association-induction hypotheses

Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR. 1998;30(1):81-7.

Abstract

The regulation of cellular ion levels has been an important issue of cell physiology since the beginning of the century. A special interest was focused on the monovalent ions which are involved in several cellular functions; in fact, the maintenance of high K+ level inside the cells is one of the most basic life-phenomena. Regarding the regulation of monovalent ions in general, two opposing ideas emerged: one being the membrane theory and the other the sorption theory(ies). Today most scientists are familiar only with the membrane theory which involves the pump and leak hypothesis and only a few consider the predictions of the association-induction hypothesis which may be classified as one of the sorption theories. In the regulation of monovalent ions the Na,K-ATPase is a key-molecule according to the membrane theory but not considered that important by the association-induction hypothesis. In this paper, we present two simple experiments which demonstrate the possible role of this molecule in the regulation of cellular Na+, K+ homeostasis and also disprove the pump and leak hypothesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Erythrocyte Membrane / metabolism*
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism*
  • Homeostasis
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Potassium / blood*
  • Rubidium / blood
  • Sheep
  • Sodium / blood*
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / blood*

Substances

  • Sodium
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase
  • Rubidium
  • Potassium