[Observation on both Na(+)-K+ Atpase activity and expression of Na(+)-K+ AtPase alpha1 mRNA in lung tissues of rats acute poisoned with nickel carbonyl].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the change of Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity and the expressions of Na(+)-K+ ATPase alpha1 mRNA in lung tissues of rats poisoned by nickel carbonyl and to discuss the mechanism of lung injury.

METHODS

One hundred seventy healthy rats (85 male and 85 female) were exposed by inhalation of 20,135 and 250 mg/m3 nickel carbonyl for 30 min. Rats poisoned by chlorine gas with a concentration 250 mg/m3 served as positive group and healthy SD rats served as no-treatment negative group. The rats were euthanized on 1, 2, 3 and 7 d after the administration of nickel carbonyl or chlorine gas. In various treatment groups, Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity was studied by colorimetric method and the expressions of Na(+)-K+ ATPase alpha1 mRNA were determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity and expressions of Na(+)-K+ ATPase alpha1 mRNA in lung tissues decreased in all treatment groups and chlorine gas-poisoned group, especially it was obvious decreased on the 2ed and 3rd day (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nickel carbonyl could induce lung damage and decrease Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity and expressions of Na(+)-K+ ATPase alpha1 mRNA in lung.