Quantitative immunoelectron microscopic localization of Na, K-ATPase alpha-subunit in the epithelial cells of rat vestibular apparatus

Hear Res. 1992 Jun;60(1):64-72. doi: 10.1016/0378-5955(92)90059-v.

Abstract

Na, K-ATPase was quantitatively localized in the epithelial cells of rat vestibular apparatus such as macula utriculi, macula sacculi and crista ampullaris. Immunogold localization method was carried out at the saturation level of antibody using an affinity purified antibody against the alpha-subunit of rat kidney Na, K-ATPase. Numerous gold particles were found on the basolateral membrane of the dark cells, a small number of gold particles were found on the basolateral membrane of the transitional epithelium cells and hair cells, but the luminal surface membranes of the hair cells, transitional epithelium cells, planum semilunatum cells and dark cells were rarely labeled by gold particles. Significance of the abundant localization of Na, K-ATPase on the basolateral surface of the dark cells in the production of endolymph was discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Cell Membrane / enzymology
  • Epithelium / enzymology
  • Epithelium / ultrastructure
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / immunology
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / metabolism*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / enzymology*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase