title: NO Metabolites Levels in Human Red Blood Cells are Affected by Palytoxin, an Inhibitor of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase Pump.
abstract: Palytoxin (PTX), a marine toxin, represents an increasing hazard for human health. Despite its high toxicity for biological systems, the mechanisms triggered by PTX, are not well understood. The high affinity of PTX for erythrocyte Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase pump is largely known, and it indicates PTX as a sensitive tool to characterize the signal transducer role for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase pump. Previously, it has been reported that in red blood cells (RBC), probably via a signal transduction generated by the formation of a PTX-Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase complex, PTX alters band 3 functions and glucose metabolism. The present study addresses the question of which other signaling pathways are regulated by Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in RBC. Here it has been evidenced that PTX following its interaction with Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase pump, alters RBC morphology and this event is correlated to decreases by 30% in nitrites and nitrates levels, known as markers of plasma membrane eNOS activity. Orthovanadate (OV), an antagonist of PTX binding to Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase pump, was able to reverse the effects elicited by PTX. Finally, current investigation firstly suggests that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase pump, following its interaction with PTX, triggers a signal transduction involved in NO metabolism regulation.
authors.affiliation: Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, Catholic University, School of Medicine, L.go F. Vito n.1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carelli-Alinovi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Messina, V. le Ferdinando Stagnod'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Ester
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tellone
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Messina, V. le Ferdinando Stagnod'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Messina, V. le Ferdinando Stagnod'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ficarra
authors.affiliation: Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, Catholic University, School of Medicine, L.go F. Vito n.1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pirolli
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Messina, V. le Ferdinando Stagnod'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galtieri
authors.affiliation: Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, Catholic University, School of Medicine, L.go F. Vito n.1, 00168 Rome, Italy ; Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare (ICRM), National Research Council (CNR), L.go F. Vito n.1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Giardina
authors.affiliation: Human, Social and Health Department, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, V. S. Angelo, Loc. Folcara, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Misiti
keywords: Metabolism; Na+/K+-ATPase pump; Nitric oxide; Palytoxin; Red blood cells.