Changes in GM1 ganglioside content and localization in cholestatic rat liver.

(Glyco)sphingolipids (GSL) are believed to protect the cell against harmful environmental factors by increasing the rigidity of plasma membrane. Marked decrease of membrane fluidity in cholestatic hepatocytes was described but the role of GSL therein has not been investigated so far. In this study, localization in hepatocytes of a representative of GSL, the GM1 ganglioside, was compared between of rats with cholestasis induced by 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE) and vehicle propanediol treated or untreated animals.

Apical ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-insensitive ATPases in rat colonic epithelium.

Active resorption of potassium ions in the colon is mediated by ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-insensitive H,K-ATPases localized in the apical membrane of colonic enterocytes (colonocytes). The present study was performed to investigate distribution patterns of apical ATPases using catalytic histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Activity of the ATPases was localized both at the apical and basolateral regions of these cells.