| 摘要 |
Antibodies that are agonists of sodium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase; NKA) activity are provided. In particular, antibodies that specifically bind epitopes on the beta-1 (&bgr;1) subunit of NKA are disclosed. These antibodies have the ability to increase the activity of the catalytic alpha subunit of NKA upon &bgr;1 subunit binding. Due to their activity, the antibodies also have the ability to trigger a positive inotropic effect in cardiac tissues (i.e., increase cardiac contraction). The present invention thus includes, but is not limited to, NKA &bgr;1 subunit peptide epitopes, antibodies that specifically bind the epitopes, methods of agonizing NKA activity through administration of the peptides or the antibodies, and methods of treating and/or preventing heart disease through administration of the peptides or the antibodies.
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