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The effect of Sam Hwa San on the Na-K-ATPase activity was evaluated in microsomal fraction prepared from rabbit cerebral cortex to determine whether Sam Hwa San affects Na-K-ATPase activity of nervous system. Sam Hwa San markedly inhibited the Na-K-ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner with an estimated I_{50} of 0.12%. Optimal pH for the Na-K-ATPase activity was at 7.5 in the presence or absence of Sam Hwa San. The degree of inhibition by the drug more increased at acidic and alkalic pHs than neutral pH. Kinetic studies of substrate and cationic activation of the enzyme indicate classic noncompetitive inhibition fashion for ATP, Na and K, showing significant reduction in Vmax without a change in Km. Dithiothreitol, a sulfhydryl reducing reagent, partially protects the inhibition of Na-K-ATPase activity by Sam Hwa San. Combination of Sam Hwa San and ouabain showed higher inhibition than cumulative inhibition. These results suggest that Sam Hwa San inhibits Na-K-ATPase activity in central nervous system by reacting with, at least a part, sulfhydryl group and ouabain binding site of the enzyme protein, but with different binding site from those of ATP, Na and K.
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