Human corneal endothelial cell expression of Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase isoforms.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the expression of alpha subunits and different isozymes of Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) in human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs).

METHODS

Immunoblot and RNA analysis of Na+,K+-ATPase alpha subunit expression were performed in preparations from HCECs that had been immortalized by transformation with simian virus 40. Na+,K+-ATPase activity was determined by constructing dose-response curves for the ouabain inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity in human corneal endothelial cells.

RESULTS

Both messenger RNA analysis and immunoblot studies indicated that HCECs express ATPase catalytic alpha1 and alpha3, but not alpha2 and alpha4, subunits. A limited amount of alpha3 subunit was expressed in HCECs compared with the alpha1 subunit. Biochemical analyses of Na+,K+-ATPase activity revealed 2 independently active Na+,K+-ATPase isoenzymes, a low-affinity site with a kinetic parameter for ouabain inhibition constant (Ki) in the micromolar range and a high-affinity site with a constant Ki in the nanomolar range. These 2 sites may be associated with alpha1 and alpha3 isoforms, respectively, expressed in HCECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Human corneal endothelial cells express alpha1 and alpha3 isoforms of Na+,K+-ATPase, and both polypeptides are catalytically competent in these cells. Defining the components of Na+,K+-ATPase in HCECs is an important step toward elucidating the mechanisms that regulate corneal endothelial ionic pump function as well as the pathogenesis of corneal diseases associated with corneal edema.