Effects of endurance training status and sex differences on Na ,K -pump mRNA expression, content and maximal activity in human skeletal muscle

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the effects of endurance training status and sex differences on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-pump mRNA expression, content and activity. Methods: Forty-five endurance-trained males (ETM), 11 recreationally active males (RAM), and nine recreationally active females (RAF) underwent a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy. Muscle was analysed for Na+,K+-pump α1, α2, α3, β1, β2 and β3 isoform mRNA expression (real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), content ([3H]-ouabain- binding site) and maximal activity (3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase, 3-O-MFPase). Results: ETM demonstrated lower α1, α3, β2 and β3 mRNA expression by 74%, 62%, 70% and 82%, respectively, th..