Overlapping and diverse distribution of Na–K ATPase isozymes in neurons and glia

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Abstract
The Na–K ATPase is the plasma membrane enzyme that catalyzes the active uptake of K+ and extrusion of Na+, thereby establishing ion concentration gradients between the inside and outside of the cell. It consumes a large fraction of the energy used in the brain. The enzyme is present in both neurons and glia. Studies of ion flux and of the properties of membrane-associated ATPase activity have suggested that there is more than one functional type of Na–K ATPase in the central nervous system. Molecular cloning has demonstrated that there are three different genes encoding catalytic (α) subunits and at least two genes encoding glycoprotein (β) subunits; all are expressed in the brain. This brief review summarizes the current understanding of Na–K ATPase isozyme distribution and properties. Both neurons and glia can express different isoforms in a cell-specific manner.Key words: Na–K ATPase, monoclonal antibody, immunofluorescence, central nervous system, retina, in situ hybridization.

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