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Adenosine triphosphatase distribution in mammary tissue.
The Histochemical Journal
|March 1, 1978
Summary
The sodium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase) is primarily on the inner cell membrane of mammary gland cells. This enzyme is not found on the outer surface of secretory or duct cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- The Na+/K+-stimulated ATPase (sodium pump) is crucial for maintaining cellular ion balance.
- Previous studies suggested its localization on the lateral and basal surfaces of mammary epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histochemically localize the ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+-stimulated ATPase in lactating mammary tissue.
- To investigate the specific cellular compartments where the sodium pump is present.
Main Methods:
- Perfusion fixation of lactating mammary tissue from various mammals.
- Histochemical staining using specific inhibitors of Na+/K+-stimulated ATPase.
Main Results:
- The Na+/K+-stimulated ATPase was predominantly found on the cytoplasmic side of the plasmalemma in myoepithelial and alveolar secretory cells.
- Enzyme localization was also observed in ductal epithelial cells.
- The enzyme was notably absent from the apical plasmalemma of secretory and duct cells.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that sodium pumps are located on the lateral and basal surfaces of lactating mammary secretory and duct cells.
- This specific localization is critical for ion transport and cellular function in the mammary gland.