Identification of G-proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes: presence of distinct components in granule membranes

We have identified by immunoblotting and ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin and pertussis toxin the presence of Mr 43 and 46 KDa G_s, and 39 and 41 KDa G_i;.. subunits in rat parotid gland plasma membranes but not in granule membranes. A Mr 28 KDa polypeptide that served as substrate for ADP-ribosylation by both cholera toxin and pertussis toxin was present exclusively in granule membranes. Photoaffinity crosslinking of -³²P]GTP showed the presence of high molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 160,100 KDa) in granule membranes. Six low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 21–28 KDa) were differentially distributed in both plasma membranes and granule membranes. The present study identifies various GTP-binding proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes, and demonstrates the presence of distinct molecular weight GTP-binding proteins in granule membranes. These granule-associated GTP-binding proteins may be involved in secretory processes.