THE INFLUENCE OF ENERGY DRINKS ON THE ACTIVITY OF Na+,K+-ATPase IN THE BRAIN OF RATS

Abstract

Introduction. Energy drinks are widespread among young people, as energy stimulants, they are used to increase work productivity. However, they are dangerous for the nervous and cardiovascular systems. One of the important indicators characterizing the speed of energy exchange in the brain is the rate of formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and changes in the activity of the enzyme Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, which contributes to the uneven distribution of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions on different sides of the membrane, due to which it is formed concentration gradient of ions necessary for the transmission of a nerve impulse during excitation.

The aim of the study – to investigatethe changes in the level of ATP and the activity of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase in the homogenate of the brain of rats under the conditions of consumption of energy supplements

Research Methods. The effect of the energy drink was studied on sexually mature male rats, weighing 180–200 g. The animals were fed a standard vivarium diet under appropriate conditions of lighting, temperature and humidity. Experimental animals were divided into five groups: group 1 – intact animals that received water; group 2 – animals that received an energy drink for a month, the material was collected on the first day after the end of energy drink consumption; group 3 – animals that received an energy drink for a month, material was collected on the 10^th day after the end of energy drink consumption; group 4 – animals that received an energy drink for a month, material was collected on the 20^th day after the end of energy drink consumption; group 5 – animals that received an energy drink for a month, the material was collected on the 30^th day after the end of energy drink consumption. The content of adenosine triphosphate and the determination of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity were carried out by the spectrophotometric method. The level of magnesium was determined by the atomic adsorption method using the "S-115PK" device.

Results and Discussion. The consumption of energy tonics by rats leads to a decrease in the activity of
Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and a simultaneous increase in the level of ATP. After withdrawal of energy, there is a tendency to a sharp increase in ATP content and an increase in the activity of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase.

Conclusions. The obtained results allow us to state that as a result of the consumption of energy drinks, changes in energy metabolism are observed, in particular, in the content of adenosine triphosphate and changes in the activity of the energy metabolism enzyme Mg⁺ activating Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase.