Localization of the physiological prion and Na+–K+ ATPase activity in tissues of rats prion-replicating system

Abstract

Immunohistochemical studies of prion-replicating tissues, in six months rats, showed presence of the physiological prion in small intestine, particularly in cells of the jejunum villi own plate – lymphocytes and monocytes. In spleen, physiological prion localization was found in red pulp lymphocytes, located near the capsule and tra­becules. In cells of white pulp the physiological prion was not found. Instead, most of it was located in microgluecytes of medulla oblongata. The Na+–K+ ATPase activity and the concentration of sodium and potassium ions in rat prion-replicating organs were determined. Enzyme activity was highest in the medulla oblongata, and the concentration of ions – in spleen. A direct positive correlation between the amount of physiological prion and the activity of Na+–K+ ATPase was established.

Keywords

• prion-replicating organs
• physiological prion
• na+–k+ атpase
• sodium and potassium ions