Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Procedures Using the Modified Bergström Technique
Published on: September 10, 2014
Prolonged submaximal exercise induces isoform-specific Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA and protein responses in human skeletal
K T Murphy1, A C Petersen, C Goodman
1Muscle, Ions, and Exercise Group, School of Human Movement, Recreation and Performance, Victoria University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
This study investigated effects of prolonged submaximal exercise on Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA and protein expression, maximal activity, and content in human skeletal muscle. We also investigated the effects on mRNA expression of the transcription initiator gene, RNA polymerase II (RNAP II), and key genes involved in protein translation, eukaryotic initiation factor-4E (eIF-4E) and 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Eleven subjects (6 men, 5 women) cycled at 75.5% (SD 4.8%) peak O2 uptake and continued until fatigue. A vastus lateralis muscle biopsy was taken at rest, fatigue, and 3 and 24 h postexercise. We analyzed muscle for Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, beta1, beta2, and beta3, as well for RNAP II, eIF-4E, and 4E-BP1 mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR and Na+-K+-ATPase isoform protein abundance using immunoblotting. Muscle homogenate maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity was determined by 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase activity and Na+-K+-ATPase content by [3H]ouabain binding. Cycling to fatigue [54.5 (SD 20.6) min] immediately increased alpha3 (P = 0.044) and beta2 mRNA (P = 0.042) by 2.2- and 1.9-fold, respectively, whereas alpha1 mRNA was elevated by 2.0-fold at 24 h postexercise (P = 0.036). A significant time main effect was found for alpha3 protein abundance (P = 0.046). Exercise transiently depressed maximal Na+-K+-ATPase activity (P = 0.004), but Na+-K+-ATPase content was unaltered throughout recovery. Exercise immediately increased RNAP II mRNA by 2.6-fold (P = 0.011) but had no effect on eIF-4E and 4E-BP1 mRNA. Thus a single bout of prolonged submaximal exercise induced isoform-specific Na+-K+-ATPase responses, increasing alpha1, alpha3, and beta2 mRNA but only alpha3 protein expression. Exercise also increased mRNA expression of RNAP II, a gene initiating transcription, but not of eIF-4E and 4E-BP1, key genes initiating protein translation.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
ATP Synthase: Mechanism
Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Muscle Stimulation Frequency
Wave summation
At low firing rates, motor neurons induce individual twitch contractions in muscle fibers. These twitches...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...

