Cytochemical and immunocytochemical localization of Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit isoenzymes in the rat heart.

In order to understand the functional significance of Na,K-ATPase subunits as well as their isoenzymes, a precise subcellular localization of these in the myocyte is a crucial prerequisite. Cytochemical, immunofluorescence, preembedding immunogold and horse radish peroxidase-diaminobenzidine methods, demonstrated alpha 1 isoenzyme immunoreactivity on the sarcolemma, T-tubules and the subsarcolemmal cisterns of the adult cardiac myocytes. Cytochemically, ouabain resistant Na,K-ATPase precipitate was localized only in the subsarcolemmal cisterns and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum. For alpha 2 isoenzyme, immuno-reactivity was demonstrated on the sarcolemma as well as in all areas of the myocytes in particularly a close proximation to the sarcoplasmic reticulum and microsomes. For alpha 3 isoenzyme, only a weak insignificant signal was noted on the sarcolemma, intercalated disc and sarcoplasm. It is suggested that cytochemical ouabain resistant precipitate present in subsarcolemmal cisterns and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum represent alpha 1 isoenzyme of Na,K-ATPase. A differential as well as unique localization of alpha subunit isoenzymes of Na,K-ATPase in specific structures of cardiac myocytes may suggest importance in physiological function at these sites.