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Adenosine triphosphatase activities in brain, kidney and liver of mice treated with toxaphene
Abstract:
The sensitivity of Na+-K+ and Mg++ Adenosine Triphosphatases (ATPases) in mouse tissues to toxaphene, a highly chlorinated camphene, was determined both in vivo and in vitro. The brain and kidney Na+-K+ ATPase activities were significantly inhibited in vitro by toxaphene. Interestingly, the inhibition was not significantly increased with an increase in the concentration of toxaphene. The oligomycin-sensitive (mitochondrial Mg++ ATPase activities in mouse brain, kidney and liver fractions were significantly inhibited by toxaphene in a concentration-dependent fashion. The oligomycin-insensitive Mg++ ATPase in all tissues examined was also inhibited but less sensitive to toxaphene than mitochondrial Mg++ ATPase. In contrast to in vitro response, the brain ATPases were not altered in mice fed toxaphene by oral intubation for three days. The renal and hepatic ATPase activities were significantly decreased in toxaphene treated mice with the oligomycin-insensitive Mg++ ATPase activity being only slightly altered.
Insights
Toxaphene inhibits key mouse ATPases in vitro, particularly mitochondrial enzymes. However, in vivo exposure showed less impact on brain ATPases but decreased renal and hepatic ATPase activities.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Adenosine Triphosphatases (ATPases) are crucial enzymes for cellular energy metabolism.
- Toxaphene, a persistent organochlorine pesticide, poses environmental and health risks.
- Understanding ATPase sensitivity to toxaphene is vital for assessing its toxicological impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of toxaphene on Na+-K+ and Mg++ ATPase activities in mouse tissues.
- To determine the concentration-dependent effects of toxaphene on different ATPase isoforms.
- To compare the sensitivity of brain, kidney, and liver ATPases to toxaphene exposure.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted using mouse tissue fractions.
- Na+-K+ ATPase and Mg++ ATPase activities (oligomycin-sensitive and -insensitive) were measured.
- Mice were exposed to toxaphene via oral intubation for three days for in vivo studies.
Main Results:
- In vitro, toxaphene significantly inhibited brain and kidney Na+-K+ ATPase, with no further inhibition at higher concentrations.
- Mitochondrial Mg++ ATPase activity in brain, kidney, and liver was inhibited by toxaphene in a concentration-dependent manner.
- In vivo, brain ATPases remained unaltered, while renal and hepatic ATPase activities decreased, particularly the oligomycin-insensitive Mg++ ATPase.
Conclusions:
- Toxaphene exhibits differential effects on ATPases in vitro and in vivo.
- Mitochondrial Mg++ ATPases are more sensitive to toxaphene inhibition than Na+-K+ ATPases in vitro.
- In vivo, toxaphene primarily affects renal and hepatic ATPases, suggesting tissue-specific toxicity mechanisms.