Ouabain exerts cytoprotection by diminishing the intracellular K+concentration increase caused by distinct stimuli in human leukemic cells

What is it about?

1. Since membrane potentials or ATP contents of dead cells are zero, those of injured cells by various stresses would approach to zero. 2. Various stresses (ex. drugs, UV or viruses) would inhibit K+ leak channel to increase the intracellular K+ concentration (depolarization) or decrease the intracellular ATP contents to have the cytotoxic effects on various cells. 3. Cardiac steroids or glycosides (ex. ouabain) would also have cytoprotective effects (ex. anti-cancer, anti-dementia or anti-virus effects) on various cells by lowering the intracellular K+ concentration or suppressing the ATP contents decrease through the Na pump inhibition. 4. Endogenous ouabain would be an anti-stressor.

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Why is it important?

1. Since membrane potentials or ATP contents of dead cells are zero, those of injured cells by various stresses would approach to zero. 2. Various stresses (ex. drugs, UV or viruses) would inhibit K+ leak channel to increase the intracellular K+ concentration (depolarization) or decrease the intracellular ATP contents to have the cytotoxic effects on various cells. 3. Cardiac steroids or glycosides (ex. ouabain) would also have cytoprotective effects (ex. anti-cancer, anti-dementia or anti-virus effects) on various cells by lowering the intracellular K+ concentration or suppressing the ATP contents decrease through the Na pump inhibition. 4. Endogenous ouabain would be an anti-stressor.

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