A Quantitative Immunocytochemical Study of Na+, K+-ATPase in Rat Hepatocytes After STZ-induced Diabetes and Dietary Fish Oil Supplementation

Abstract

Because diabetes causes alterations in hepatic membrane fatty acid content, these changes may affect the Na+, K+-ATPase. In this study we documented the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on hepatic Na+, K+-ATPase catalytic α1-subunit and evaluated whether these changes could be normalized by fish oil supplementation. Two groups of diabetic rats received fish oil or olive oil supplementation. Both groups had a respective control group. We studied the localization of catalytic α1-subunit on bile canalicular and basolateral membranes using immunocytochemical methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the Na+, K+-ATPase activity, membrane fluidity, and fatty acid composition on isolated hepatic membranes. A decrease in the α1-subunit was observed with diabetes in the bile canalicular membranes, without changes in basolateral membranes. This decrease was partially prevented by dietary fish oil. Diabetes induces significant changes as documented by enzymatic Na+, K+-ATPase activity, membrane fluidity, and fatty acid content, whereas little change in these parameters was observed after a fish oil diet. In conclusion, STZ-induced diabetes appears to modify bile canalicular membrane integrity and dietary fish oil partly prevents the diabetes-induced alterations.