Sodium-Potassium Activated Adenosinetriphosphatase and Cation Transport in Normal and Leukemic HumanLeukocytes

An Na-K activated ATPase system is present in normal and leukemic leukocytes, and its qualitative and quantitative properties seem to indicate its close relation to the active Na-K transport system of these cells. Its activity was highest in acute leukemic and chronic lymphatic leukemic leukocytes, lowest in normal leukocytes, and was correlated directly with the morphologic immaturity of leukemic granulocytes. Inhibition of Na-K ATPase activity by ouabain resulted in a decrease in the intracellular K/Na ratio without demonstrable effects on intracellular pH. The relationships between Na-K ATPase activity, intracellular cation concentration and leukocyte energy metabolism are discussed.