Relevance of Na,K-ATPase to local extracellular potassium homeostasis and modulation of synaptic transmission.
The ion gradients generated by the Na,K-ATPase are essential for Na+-coupled transport systems, osmoregulation and restoration of ion concentrations in excitable tissues. Indirectly, the sodium pump controls intracellular Ca2+ concentration through the Na/Ca exchanger. In the nervous system various neurotransmitters can modulate Na,K-ATPase activity. The great diversity of Na,K-ATPase subunit isoforms, their complex spatial and temporal regulation of expression and their cellular localisation imply a functional role of the sodium pump in different regulatory pathways. Among these, potassium homeostasis and modulation of synaptic transmission are discussed here.
Gloor
S M
SM
Biochemistry II, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Center, Zurich. sgloor@bc.biol.ethz.ch
D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000502:physiology; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; D011188:Potassium