Time-dependent increases in ouabain-sensitive Na+, K+ -ATPase activity in aortas from diabetic rats: The role of prostanoids and protein kinase C.

AIMS Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity contributes to the regulation of vascular contractility and it has been suggested that vascular Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity may be altered during the progression of diabetes; however the mechanisms involved in the altered Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity changes remain unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate ouabain-sensitive Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity and the mechanism(s) responsible for any alterations on this activity in aortas from 1- and 4-week streptozotocin-pretreated (50 mg kg(-1), i.v.) rats. MAIN METHODS Aortic rings were used to evaluate the relaxation induced by KCl (1-10mM) in the presence and absence of ouabain (0.1 mmol/L) as an index of ouabain-sensitive Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. Protein expression of COX-2 and p-PKC-betaII in aortas were also investigated. KEY FINDINGS Ouabain-sensitive Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity was unaltered following 1-week of streptozotocin administration, but was increased in the 4-week diabetic aorta (27%). Endothelium removal or nitric oxide synthase inhibition with l-NAME decreased ouabain-sensitive Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity only in control aortas. In denuded aortic rings, indomethacin, NS-398, ridogrel or Gö-6976 normalized ouabain-sensitive Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in 4-week diabetic rats. In addition, COX-2 (51%) and p-PKC-betaII (59%) protein expression were increased in 4-week diabetic aortas compared to controls. SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, diabetes led to a time-dependent increase in ouabain-sensitive Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity. The main mechanism involved in this activation is the release of TxA(2)/PGH(2) by COX-2 in smooth muscle cells, linked to activation of the PKC pathway.