Glossary of Physiology Terms

Electrogenic pump

Electrogenic pumps are primary active transporters that hydrolyze ATP and use the energy released from ATP hydrolysis to transport ions across biological membranes leading to the translocation of net charge across the membrane.

For example, the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase (sodium pump) is an electrogenic pump because during every transport cycle, it transports 3 Na⁺ ions out of the cell and 2 K⁺ ions into the cell. This leads to the movement of one net positive charge out of the cell making this process electrogenic.

Electrogenic

Ouabain

Ouabain binds to and inhibits the transport activity of the Na⁺/K⁺/ATPase (i.e., sodium pump).

Ouabain is plant derived and belongs to the class of drugs referred to as cardiac glycosides. Similar to other cardiac glycosides, ouabain increase heart muscle contractility. However, ouabain is used only experimentally and not in humans (as for example digoxin is for the treatment of congestive heart failure).

There is some evidence that ouabain may be produced endogenously in humans.

Vanadate

Ouabain (Wikipedia)

Vanadate

An inhibitor of the Na⁺/K⁺/ATPase (i.e., sodium pump). The form commonly used for this purpose is sodium orthovanadate.

Ouabain