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Na, K ATPase activity during early postnatal development of the rat submandibular gland
Experientia
|May 15, 1987
Insights
The activity of the sodium-potassium pump (Na, K ATPase) in rat submandibular glands increases with age. This enzyme activity reaches adult levels by 21 days post-birth.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The submandibular gland plays a role in saliva secretion.
- Na, K ATPase is crucial for ion transport and cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in Na, K ATPase activity in the rat submandibular gland.
- To determine when Na, K ATPase activity reaches adult levels during postnatal development.
Main Methods:
- Membrane fractions were isolated from the submandibular glands of rats at different ages (1, 7, 14, and 21 days).
- The activity of ouabain-sensitive Na, K ATPase was measured in these membrane fractions.
Main Results:
- Na, K ATPase activity showed a progressive increase with age in the developing rat submandibular gland.
- Enzyme activity reached levels comparable to adult rats by 21 days of postnatal development.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal development is associated with a significant increase in Na, K ATPase activity in the rat submandibular gland.
- The maturation of Na, K ATPase function in this gland is completed by approximately 21 days of age.
Abstract:
The activity of the ouabain-sensitive Na, K ATPase was measured in membrane fractions of the submandibular gland of 1-, 7-, 14- and 21-day-old rats. This activity increased with age and reached adult levels by 21 days.