[Expression of alpha and beta subunit isoforms of Na, K-ATPase in the guinea pig endolymphatic sac].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression and significance of alpha and beta subunit isoforms of Na, K-ATPase in the guinea pig endolymphatic sac.


METHODS
The distribution of alpha and beta subunit isoforms of Na, K-ATPase in endolymphatic sac of guinea pig was identified by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
The expression of Na, K-ATPase alpha and beta subunit isoforms varied among different cell regions of the endolymphatic sac. Epithelial cells of the endolymphatic sac were observed to contain the alpha 1, beta 1 and beta 2 subunit isoforms, and the expression of beta 2 was stronger than that of beta 1. Subepithelial cells contained alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunit isoforms and the expression of alpha 1 was stronger than that of alpha 2. No expression of alpha 3 subunit isoform was observed in endolymphatic sac.


CONCLUSIONS
Na, K-ATPase of endolymphatic sac consists of different alpha and beta subunit isoforms which, working in concert, serve to maintain homeostasis in inner ear.
Zhong
S
S
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China. zhongsx@263.net
Mou
Z
Z
Liu
Z
Z
Chen
J
J
D000818:Animals; D004712:Endolymphatic Sac / Q000201:enzymology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase