Brain Cortex Gangliosides and (Na, K^-)Atpase System of the Stria Vascularis in Guinea Pig

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an investigalion into the possibility that gangliosido (brain cortex glycosphingolipids) are capable of being functionally incorporated into cell membranes and of interfering with enzymatic activity of the ATPase system on the stria mcularis and spiral ligament in the guinea pig. Labelled gangliosides (³H-GM₁) were incorporated into the cell memhranes of the tissues under examination. (Na. K^-)ATPase activity increased 10 minutes after intiravenous injection of gangliosides and prevented the decrease in (Na^-, K^-)ATPase system produced by etha-crynic acid. The action of gangliosides on the (Na. K^-)ATPase system is discussed.