Preferential reduction of Na + /K + ATPase α3 by 17β-estradiol influences contraction frequency in rat uteri

Mei Ling Tsai, Chia Ling Lee, Ming Jer Tang, Ming Yie Liu

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8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

One β1 and two α (α1 and α3) isoforms of Na + /K + -ATPase exist in rat uteri. Previous immunocytochemistry studies have suggested that the α3 isoform may be involved in calcium regulation indirectly. Estrogens are known to both modulate Na + /K + -ATPase activities in non-uterine tissues and suppress spontaneous uterine contractions in rats. Thus the purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between estrogens-modulated uterine contraction and the expression of Na + /K + -ATPase α3 isoform in rats. After 1-, 2-, and 4- day treatments with 17β-estradiol (E 2 , 5 μg/ml/kg, s.c., daily), the diameter of uterine horn was measured. The contraction force of uterine strips was measured by standard muscle bath apparatus. The protein abundance and enzyme activity of Na + /K + -ATPase in rat uteri were measured by Western blot analysis and ATPase assay, respectively. One day of E 2 decreased both contraction frequency and α3-protein expression without the change in uterine diameter, enzyme activity or other isoforms. Two days of E 2 reduced contraction frequency, the enzyme activity, as well as α3- and β1- protein abundance but increased α1-protein and uterine diameter. Four days of E 2 elicited similar effects as two days of E 2 , but did not affect α1-protein abundance. In conclusion, E 2 elicits differential effects on isoform expression. After 1-day treatment with 17β-estradiol, the decrease in the expression of α3 and β1 without a change in Na + /K + -ATPase activity suggests that some isoform other than β1 exist in rat uteri. The positive correlation between the reduction of α3-and the decrease of contraction frequency suggests the involvement of α3 isoform in uterine oscillation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalChinese Journal of Physiology
Volume43
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2000 Mar 31

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physiology
  • Physiology (medical)

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