Myocardial Na,K-ATPase and digoxin therapy in human heart failure.
The specific binding of digitalis glycosides to the Na,K-ATPase is used as a tool for Na,K-ATPase quantification with high accuracy and precision. In myocardial biopsies from patients with heart failure, total Na,K-ATPase concentration is decreased, and the decrease in Na,K-ATPase concentration correlates with a decrease in heart function. During digitalization, a fraction of remaining pumps are occupied by digoxin. No evidence for an endogenous digitalis-like factor of any clinical importance was obtained. It is recommended that digoxin be administered to heart failure patients who still have dyspnea after institution of mortality-reducing therapy.
Kjeldsen
Keld
K
Medical Department B, The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. kjeldsen@rh.dk
Bundgaard
Henning
H
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000201:enzymology*; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004077:Digoxin; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase