Alpha 2 isoform of the Na,K-adenosine triphosphatase is reduced in temporal cortex of bipolar individuals.
BACKGROUND
The pathophysiology of bipolar illness has been associated with changes in transmembrane ion flux and redistribution of biologically active ions. The recent identification of multiple isoforms of Na,K-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) alpha and beta subunits raises the possibility of altered pump isoform expression.


METHODS
We determined Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit expression in postmortem temporal cortex gray matter from individuals suffering from bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and matched normal controls. Quantification of isoform expression was accomplished via densitometric scanning of Western blots utilizing isoform-specific antibodies.


RESULTS
Bipolar individuals exhibited a significant reduction in the abundance of the alpha 2 isoform of Na,K-ATPase compared to normal controls. Schizophrenic and schizo-affective brains were not significantly different from normal controls.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that previously observed abnormalities in regulation and distribution of ions in bipolar illness may be related to specific alpha 2 dysregulation.
Rose
A M
AM
Department of Pathology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky 40292, USA.
Mellett
B J
BJ
Valdes
R
R
Kleinman
J E
JE
Herman
M M
MM
Li
R
R
el-Mallakh
R S
RS
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000201:enzymology*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000201:enzymology; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000201:enzymology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase