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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

Na+, K+, ATPase, sodium pump, pregnancy-related tissues

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Na+/K+ ATPase, or sodium pump, is an integral protein that is essential in maintaining proper intracellular concentrations of Na+ and K+. The sodium pump exists in three isoforms which are present in varying numbers and relative distribution in different tissues. As the pump moves the ions in and out of the cell, it creates a cell membrane potential. When this potential decreases, muscle contracts. It is proposed that this may be a factor in the initiation or the sustaining of labor status. This study is concerned mainly with determining a possible correlation between sodium pump concentrations in pregnancy-related tissues and labor status.

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