Aims: The Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) alpha2-isoform is preferentially located in the t-tubules of cardiomyocytes and is functionally coupled to the Na+/Ca(+-exchanger (NCX) and Ca2+ regulation through intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i). We hypothesized that downregulation of the NKA alpha2-isoform during congestive heart failure (CHF) disturbs the link between Na+ and Ca2+, and thus the control of cardiomyocyte contraction.
Methods and results: NKA isoform and t-tubule distributions were studied using immunocytochemistry, confocal and electron microscopy in a post-infarction rat model of CHF. Sham-operated rats served as controls. NKA and NCX currents (I NKA and I NCX) were measured and alpha2-isoform current (I NKA,alpha2) was separated from total I NKA using 0.3 microM ouabain. Detubulation of cardiomyocytes was performed to assess the presence of alpha2-isoforms in the t-tubules. In CHF, the t-tubule network had a disorganized appearance in both isolated cardiomyocytes and fixed tissue. This was associated with altered expression patterns of NKA alpha1- and alpha2-isoforms. I NKA,alpha2 density was reduced by 78% in CHF, in agreement with decreased protein expression (74%). When I NKA,alpha2 was blocked in Sham cardiomyocytes, contractile parameters converged with those observed in CHF. In Sham, abrupt activation of I NKA led to a decrease in I NCX, presumably due to local depletion of [Na+]i in the vicinity of NCX. This decrease was smaller when the alpha2-isoform was downregulated (CHF) or inhibited (ouabain), indicating that the alpha2-isoform is necessary to modulate local [Na+]i close to NCX.
Conclusion: Downregulation of the alpha2-isoform causes attenuated control of NCX activity in CHF, reducing its capability to extrude Ca2+ from cardiomyocytes.