Characterization of the stimulation of neuronal Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity by low concentrations of ouabain.

Low concentrations (< 10(?7) M) of ouabain stimulate the activity of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in whole homogenates of rat brain. The magnitude of this stimulation varies from 5 to 70%. The concentrations of ouabain which induces maximal stimulation is also highly variable and ranges between 10(?9) to 10(?7) M. The ouabain stimulation disappears following 1:50 dilution and 2 h preincubation or freezing and thawing of the membranes or their treatment with deoxycholate. "Aging" of a preparation of ATPase also results in loss of its ability to be stimulated by ouabain but ouabain inhibition is preserved. No stimulation of enzyme activity by ouabain is observed in rat brain microsomal fraction. The ?-adrenergic blocker propranolol does not inhibit the ouabain induced stimulation of ATPase activity. It is suggested that the stimulation of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity by low concentrations of cardiac glycosides if a result of either the displacement of an endogenous ouabain-like compound from the enzyme or an indirect effect by changing membrane surrounding environment of the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase.