Sodium-Potassium ATPase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase)

The sodium-potassium ATPase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) is an electrogenic transmembrane enzyme essential for maintaining sodium and potassium ion gradients across the cell membrane. These gradients are critical for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cellular volume regulation. The enzyme is a heteromultimer composed of alpha and beta subunits, with regulatory FXYD proteins. For every ATP molecule hydrolyzed, three sodium ions are exported and two potassium ions are imported, contributing to the resting membrane potential and driving secondary active transport. Dysfunction can lead to various pathological conditions.

Other names

Sodium–potassium pumpSodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase

Inhibition of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase leading to increased intracellular sodium and subsequent effects on calcium levels and cardiac contractility (e.g., by cardiac glycosides).