Differential response of antioxidative systems of maize (Zea mays L.) roots cell walls to osmotic and heavy metal stress

An analysis of peroxidase and ascorbate oxidase activity, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of isolated maize root cell walls was performed in controls and plants stressed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or heavy metals, zinc or copper. Peroxidase activity (oxidative and peroxidative) was more pronounced in the ionic than in the covalent cell wall fraction. PEG induced an increase and Zn²⁺ a decrease of both ionically bound peroxidase activities. In the covalent fraction, Cu²⁺ decreased oxidative and increased peroxidative activity of peroxidase. Isoelectric focusing of ionically bound proteins and activity staining for peroxidase demonstrated increased intensities and appearance of new acidic isoforms, especially in Zn²⁺ and PEG treatments. Most pronounced basic isoforms (pI ~ 7.5) in controls, decreased in intensity or completely disappeared in stressed plants. Ascorbate oxidase activity was significantly increased by PEG and decreased by Zn²⁺ treatments, and highly correlated with peroxidase activity. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolics content increased in heavy metal‐treated and decreased in PEG‐treated plants. Analysis of individual phenolic components revealed p‐coumaric and ferulic acids, as the most abundant, as well as ferulic acid dimers, trimers and tetramers in the cell walls; their quantity increased under stress conditions. Results presented demonstrate the existence of diverse mechanisms of plant response to different stresses.     

Cell surface constituents of sarcoma 180 ascites tumor cells

The cell surface protein components of Sarcoma 180 ascites tumor cells have been investigated by a combination of plasma membrane isolation techniques and lactoperoxidase iodination. For plasma membrane isolation cells were homogenized in the presence or absence of Zn²⁺ and fractionated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation or a two-phase partition to give large membrane fragments or membrane envelopes. Membrane purification was monitored by phase contrast microscopy and chemical and enzyme marker assays. The membrane preparations were analyzed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate. Each preparation showed a common protein pattern of about 15 bands ranging in molecular weights from 33 000 to >300000. Two carbohydrate-containing bands were also present in all preparations. Membranes prepared with Zn²⁺ were much less fragmented and showed much greater amounts of three high molecular weight components than those prepared in the absence of Zn²⁺. This might suggest a role for these components in membrane stabilization.The tumor cells were also subjected to iodination with lactoperoxidase, followed by membrane isolation and acrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate in order to identify polypeptides accessible to the cell surface. The major radioactive band coincided with the major carbohydrate-containing band, presumably a surface glycoprotein. A second carbohydrate-containing band showed variable labeling behavior between different cell preparations. This material had a high molecular weight, as indicated by both acrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel permeation chromatography in dodecylsulfate. Several other components are labeled to a lesser extent in the intact cell.     

Metalloenzyme inhibitor from kidney beans: partial purification and characterization

Inhibitory activity directed against metalloenzymes has been highly purified from extracts of red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The inhibitor is a substance of small molecular weight and appears to be a chelator of Zn²⁺. One milligram of the preparation inhibited 23 milligrams carboxypeptidase A. The inhibitor also strongly inhibited carboxypeptidase B and alkaline phosphatase and could activate phosphoglucomutase that had previously been inactivated with Zn²⁺. The isoelectric point of the inhibitor is 4.7. The inhibitor activity was abolished by preincubation with Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, or Cu²⁺. The mechanism of inhibition of carboxypeptidases and alkaline phosphatase by the bean inhibitor is apparently due to the complexing and complete removal of Zn²⁺ from the enzymes.     

Zinc and lead uptake by mycelium and regenerating protoplasts of Verticillium marquandii

The ability of the filamentous fungus Verticillium marquandii for Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ uptake from aqueous solution was studied. The 24-h-old living mycelium bound Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ (206.2 and 324.5 mg/g dry weight, respectively) effectively, in contrast to a very low Zn²⁺ uptake by autoclaved mycelium (20.2 mg/g). The most effective results were noted when the metals were introduced as acetates and incubated with mycelium for 24 h in case of Zn²⁺ while Pb²⁺ achieved the maximum level of metal binding after as early as 3 h. The cell wall was the main site of effective Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ binding by V. marquandii mycelium (91.0–93.6% of metals were located in cell wall after 24 h of exposure). The metabolic inhibitors: antimycin A and sodium azide had a strong limitation effect on Zn²⁺ uptake by a 24-h-old living mycelium, whereas Pb²⁺ binding did not decrease to a large extent. The freshly obtained protoplasts accumulated Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on a low level in comparison with cells at different stages of cell wall regeneration. The use of regenerating protoplasts showed that resynthesis of cell wall was necessary for high binding of Zn²⁺, whereas Pb²⁺ uptake on the significant level took place during cell wall regeneration. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

重金属铜、锌、镉复合胁迫对麻疯树幼苗生理生化的影响

该研究以Cu~(2+)、Zn~(2+)、Cd~(2+)单一胁迫为对照,探讨不同浓度的Cu~(2+)、Zn~(2+)、Cd~(2+)复合胁迫对麻疯树幼苗生理生化指标的影响。结果表明:随着Cu~(2+)、Zn~(2+)、Cd~(2+)浓度的增加,麻疯树幼苗叶片中的蛋白质(Pro)、丙二醛(MDA)含量均逐渐增加,其叶片叶绿素含量随着Zn~(2+)胁迫浓度的增加呈现出先降后升的趋势,在中等浓度(100 mg·L-1)的Zn~(2+)胁迫时含量最低、随着Cu~(2+)胁迫浓度的增加叶绿素含量先升高后降低,在Cu~(2+)浓度为200 mg·L-1时含量最高,达到1 200 mg·g-1FW; Cd~(2+)胁迫对叶绿素含量和根系活力无明显影响。根系活力在Zn~(2+)浓度为100 mg·L~(-1)时最强,随着Cu~(2+)浓度的增加而减弱。低浓度的Cu~(2+)、Zn~(2+)、Cd~(2+)对过氧化物酶活性和可溶性糖含量都具有促进作用。Cu~(2+)、Zn~(2+)、Cd~(2+)复合胁迫时对可溶性蛋白、叶绿素和丙二醛含量均无明显影响,随着复合胁迫时浓度的增加,可溶性糖含量和根系活力先增后减。这表明麻疯树对三种重金属的胁迫具有一定的抗性,过高浓度的胁迫会影响麻疯树幼苗生理生化的一些指标,但是麻疯树可以通过自身的防御系统使伤害降到最小。此外,重金属复合胁迫可以在一定程度上减轻单一胁迫对麻疯树幼苗造成的毒害作用。     

Isolation of an intestinal metallothionein induced by parenteral zinc

An intestinal zinc-binding protein, induced by parenteral zinc administration, has been isolated and characterized. Based upon its elution behavior in two chromatographic systems, Zn²⁺/protein ratio of 5.0–5.6 gram atoms/mole, a Zn²⁺/SH ratio of about 3.0, paucity of both aromatic amino acids and absorbance at 280 nm, abundance of cysteic acid residues (28–31%), and low molecular weight (6,000–7,000 daltons), the protein meets the criteria for classification as a metallothionein and is more properly named zinc-thionein. Orally administered ⁶⁵Zn was found to bind to intestinal zinc-thionein and thus this intracellular protein may function as a component of the mechanism responsible for mammalian zinc homeostasis at the level of intestinal absorption.     

Phosphorylation of a low molecular weight polypeptide in beef heart Na plus, K plus-ATPase preparations.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel profiles of a NaI-treated beef heart Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase preparation revealed the presence of two protein kinase substrates of low molecular weight, whereas a more purified citrate beef heart Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase preparation contained one low molecular weight polypeptide substrate. This enzyme preparation was phosphorylated in the presence of protein kinase, and phosphorylation was inhibited by protein kinase inhibitor. The phosphorylated product was identified as a phosphoester. Half maximal stimulation of protein kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation occurred at approximately 9 × 10^?8m cyclic AMP. The low molecular weight (11,700) protein kinase substrate present in the heart preparations was eluted from polyacrylamide slab gels. The polypeptide fraction was reelectrophoresed and the polypeptide was removed from the gels, hydrolyzed, and analyzed for amino acid content. This polypeptide was different from other low molecular weight protein kinase substrates including troponin components, myosin light chains, and histones and is most likely of plasma membrane origin.     

The binding of gold(I) to metallothionein

The binding of gold(I) to metallothionein, MT, has been unambiguously established by the reaction of Na₂AuTM with purified horse kidney MT. Zinc was displaced more readily than cadmium although the latter could be displaced using large Au/Cd ratios. The metal exchange reactions were complete within 2 hr of mixing. Further evidence that such reactions might be physiologically significant were obtained by studying in vitro metal displacements in the liver cytosol of in vivo metal treated rats: When Na₂AuTM was added to the cytosol of rats administered CdCl₂ in vivo, zinc, copper and cadmium were displaced in 2/1/1 ratios from the metallothionein fraction. The zinc and cadmium displacement provide direct evidence that the gold was binding to MT. Addition of Cd⁺² to liver cytosol of gold-treated rats resulted in displacement of copper and zinc, but not gold, from the MT fractions. When liver MT is prepared from rats exposed to Au or Cd, the Cd/protein ratio increased during the preparation, but the Au/protein ratio decreased. The Mt-bound metals account for 95% of the cytosolic Cd but only 15%–30% of the cytosolic gold in these studies. Thus, the nonspecific binding of gold to MT in vivo should be considered as one aspect in its equilibration among protein binding sites, which include, inter alia, metallothionein. Gold was found to coelute with zinc and cadmium in the MT fraction of rat kidney cytosol, when both Cd and Na₂AuTM were administered to the rats. The possible significance of gold binding to MT in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis-chrysotherapy-is briefly discussed.     

Characterization of Zn2+-binding nuclear proteins present in the myocardium

Nonhistone nuclear proteins were isolated from 3–5 day old neonatal as well as 3 month-old adult myocardium. The nuclear proteins were separated and analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using a blot transfer technique equilibrated with⁶⁵Zn²⁺, at least four polypeptides exhibited Zn²⁺-binding activity over the spectrum of nonhistone nuclear proteins. A protein with a molecular weight of 68kDa pI7.8, which has been characterized for its involvement in nucleosome structure, consistently binds Zn²⁺ in both the neonatal and adult myocardium. This nuclear protein has now been further characterized by partial amino acid microsequencing. It was found that this novel polypeptide is distinct from the pore-complex lamina proteins. Three other polypeptides with M90kDa, pI7.8, M68kDa, pI6.5 and M35 kDa, pI7.5 exhibited increased Zn²⁺-binding activity in neonatal myocardium as compared to adult myocardium. Together with results from our previous studies, this study provides the first evidence implicating Zn⁺⁺-binding nuclear proteins in the processes of growth and differentiation of myocardial development. (Mol Cell Biochem121: 175–179, 1993)     

Interaction of platinum with metallothionein-like ligands in the rat kidney after administration of cis-dichlorodiammine platinum II

After the administration of the anticancer drug cis-dichlorodiammine platinum II (cisplatin) to male rats, the Pt in the soluble fraction of the kidney is isolated, by gel filtration, in association with a high molecular weight component and a low molecular weight fraction. At 24 h, Pt is also recovered in a metallothionein-like fraction which elutes from Sephadex G-50 with a lower apparent molecular weight than endogenous (Cu, Zn)-thionein or Cd-thionein isolated from the kidneys of Cd2+-treated rats. None of these low molecular weight metal-binding fractions binds to Octyl Sepharose CL-4B. On DE-52 ion exchange chromatography, Cd-thionein is resolved into two isometallothioneins whereas the low molecular weight Pt-binding fraction is only partially purified and contains at least six components which elute at higher gradient concentrations than metallothionein. Pretreatment with Cd2+ which stimulates the synthesis of renal and hepatic metallothionein has no effect on the uptake and subcellular distribution of Pt in the liver and kidneys. Cisplatin treatment reduces the concentration of Cu and Zn in the renal metallothionein and other soluble protein fractions in the kidney. When administered to Cd2+-pretreated rats, cisplatin promotes the loss of Zn from the soluble protein fractions but causes the redistribution of Cd from the metallothionein to the high molecular weight fraction and fails to inhibit the Cd2+-induced accumulation of Cu in the kidneys and the binding of Cu to the soluble protein fractions. It is suggested that metallothionein probably does not have a significant role in the renal metabolism of Pt following the administration of cisplatin to rats.     

Dissociable and non-dissociable cytoplasmic protein-thyroid hormone interactions

Dog kidney cytosol contains a high molecular weight (50 000–70 000) and a low molecular weight (approx. 6000) thyronine-binding protein. Low molecular weight cytosol thyronine-binding protein has not been previously recognized in cytoplasm. Binding of thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine, T₄) by the low molecular weight protein has a half-time of association of more than 24 h and accounts for 32% of bound cytoplasmic tetraiodothyronine after 48 h of incubation. Binding of labeled tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine by this moiety is non-dissociable in the presence of 1 · 10^?5 M unlabeled tetra- or triiodothyronine. The low molecular weight protein exists in a dispersed and apparently aggregated form; the latter elutes in the void volume on Sephadex G-100 and its generation is minimized by 2 mM Ca²⁺. This binding protein elutes in a fraction which has a high A_260nm : A_280nm ratio, is pentose enriched (orcinol method) and which, because of these characteristics and low susceptibility to digestion by nuclease, is postulated to be a ribosylated cytoplasmic protein or polypeptide.Binding of tetra- and triiodothyronine by the high molecular weight protein has a half-time of association of 2 h and is saturable. Displacement of labeled triiodothyronine from this cytosol thyronine-binding protein is more readily effected with excess unlabeled tetra- than with triiodothyronine, indicating the absence of a triiodothyronine-specific cytosol thyronine-binding protein site. 3,3′,5′-Triiodothyronine (reverse triiodothyronine) is bound with low avidity. Uptake of high molecular weight protein by isolated kidney cell nuclei cannot be demonstrated.Binding of tetraiodothyronine by cytosol proteins is independent of pH in the pH range 6.8–8.9, but binding of triiodothyronine is minimized at pH 7.4 and enhanced at alkaline pH to the point of equivalency of tetra- and triiodothyronine binding at pH 8.9.At concentrations of tetraiodothyronine calculated to exist intracellularly, essentially all soluble fraction tetraiodothyronine is bound to cytosol thyronine-binding protein, restricting access of this iodothyronine to binding sites in nucleus and mitochondria. Cytosol removes labeled tetra- and triiodothyronine previously reacted in vitro with isolated cell nuclei; such removal is a linear function of cytosol protein concentration and is blocked by saturation of cytosol thyronine-binding protein with unlabeled iodothyronines. Only the high molecular weight protein accounts for unbinding by cytosol of nuclear hormone.     

Voltammetric studies of Zn and Fe complexes of EDTA: Evidence for the push mechanism

The `push' hypothesis for the antioxidant action of Zn²⁺ is based on its displacement of iron from a low molecular weight pro-oxidant complex. In this study, the chemical plausibility of that proposed function is investigated by cyclic voltammetry. As a model for a pro-oxidative low molecular weight iron complex the Fe^II/IIIEDTA couple was examined. This complex was selected for its well-defined electrochemical, iron stability constants, and similarity to other low molecular weight chelates in physiological fluids in terms of logical binding sites, i.e. amino, and carboxylate groups. Also investigated were iron complexes of nitrilotriacetic acid and DL-glutamic acid. Results demonstrate that approximately 90% of the cyclic voltammetric peak current for Fe^IIIEDTA reduction and the EC′ current for the mediated reduction of H₂O₂ by Fe^II/IIIEDTA (Fenton Reaction) are lost when Zn²⁺ is introduced to a 1:1 molar ratio relative to iron. All experiments were conducted in HEPES buffered solutions at pH 7.4. Iron (II/III) complexes of nitrilotriacetic acid and DL-glutamic acid followed the same trends. Cyclic voltammetric experiments indicate that Zn²⁺ displaces Fe^III from EDTA despite the much larger stability constant for the iron complex (10^25.1) versus zinc (10^16.50). The hydrolysis aided displacement of Fe^III from EDTA by Zn²⁺ is considered by the equilibria modeling program, HySS. With Fe^III hydrolysis products included, Zn²⁺ is able to achieve 90% displacement of iron from EDTA, a result consistent with cyclic voltammetric observations. Published online December 2004     

Bacillus subtilis aminopeptidase: purification, characterization and some enzymatic properties.

The extracellular aminopeptidase from Bacillus subtilis was purified 300-fold by a simple procedure which gave a high recovery of enzyme. The native enzyme was shown to be a monomer of molecular weight 46,500 and to contain 1 g-atom of Zn²⁺ per mole of protein. Amino acid analyses demonstrated the protein to be rich in acidic residues and Lys, to possess about 3 residues of Met, and to be devoid of Cys. When activated with 5 mm Co(NO₃)₂ for 90 min the activity of the native enzyme was increased; the amount of activation depended on the identity of the substrate. Cobalt activation involved the reversible binding of 1 g-atom of Co²⁺ per mole of protein, without displacing the native Zn²⁺; K_Co was 1.25 mm. Zinc ions competed with Co²⁺ during activation, a process characterized by a _KZn of 28 μm. Ions other than Co²⁺ did not appreciably activate the enzyme.     

24-Epibrassinolide maintains elevated redox state of AsA and GSH in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seedlings under zinc stress

Exogenous-applied 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) increased the seedling growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) in terms of seedling length, fresh weight and dry weight both in zinc (Zn²⁺)-stressed and unstressed conditions. Moreover, EBR lowered the Zn²⁺ uptake and bioaccumulation. Increased oxidation of ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) pools to dehydroascorbate and glutathione disulfide respectively was observed in Zn²⁺-stressed seedlings, a clear indication of oxidative stress. However, exogenous application of EBR to stressed seedlings inhibited the oxidation of ascorbate and glutathione, maintaining redox molecules in reduced form. Under Zn²⁺ stress, enzymatic activities of ascorbate–glutathione cycle such as ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase increased but the dehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase decreased. Zn²⁺ stress induced the gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and glutathione-s-transferase activities in radish seedlings were further enhanced with EBR application. Zn²⁺ toxicity decreased the thiol content but, EBR supplementation resulted in restoration of thiol pool. The results of present study clearly demonstrated that external application of EBR modulates the AsA and GSH redox status to combat the oxidative stress of Zn²⁺ in seedlings via the AsA–GSH cycle and glutathione metabolism as an antioxidant defense system.     

Solubilization and purification of the Ni-stimulated arginine-vasopressin binding site of rat brain membranes

Arginine vasopressin binding sites on rat brain membranes were solubilized and purified by affinity chromatography. Membrane protein solubilized with CHAPS bound arginine vasopressin (AVP) only in the presence of divalent cations. Specific binding to the solubilized tissue was maximally stimulated by Ni²⁺, and markedly stimulated by Co²⁺ (30% of maximal binding with Ni²⁺), Zn²⁺ (18%), and Fe²⁺ (11%), parallel to the effects of these ions on the binding of AVP to neural membranes. Binding to solubilized tissue was not stimulated by Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, or Ca²⁺. In the presence of Ni²⁺, binding of AVP to solubilized tissue was reversible, and the dissociation constant (10.5 nM), pH optimum, and time course were virtually identical to those of the membrane-bound AVP binding site. Purification of solubilized AVP-binding proteins by affinity chromatography on AVP-sepharose followed by gel electrophoresis yielded a major band of 55 kdalton molecular weight when purified in the presence of 5 mM Mg²⁺, or a major band of 62 kdaltons when purified in the presence of 1–5 mM Ni²⁺ or 10 M Zn²⁺. By means of a new binding assay involving conjugation of the 62 kdalton fraction to brain membranes, the extent of purification of AVP binding activity was 150-fold in the presence of Ni²⁺. We suggest that the 62 kdalton protein is a component of the Ni-stimulated AVP binding site.     

Properties of poultry litter humic acid fractions and their metal-complexes

Summary Molecularly homogenous fractions of humic acid extracted from poultry litter were characterized by elemental and functional group analysis, molecular weight determination, U.V. and infrared spectroscopy. The divalent and trivalent metal complexes prepared from different fractions of humic acid were characterized by infrared spectroscopy. The molecular weight of molecularly homogenous fractions of poultry litter humic acid ranged from 2545 to 40219. High amounts of functional groups in low molecular weight of humic acid fraction has been indicated by infrared spectra and by chemical analysis. The presence of chromophores C=C and C=O and auxochromes C−OH, C−NH were indicated by infrared and U.V. spectra of these humic acid fractions. Stable complex formation of Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ with −OH, −NH₂ and −COOH ligands of humic acid fractions involved electrovalent and coordinate-covalent bonds. Intensity of absorption bands of molecularly homogenous fractions of humic acid in I.R. spectra is differing depending upon the functional groups content of humic acid fractions. Journal paper No. 5. Department of Soil Science, R.A.U., T.C.A., Pusa-Dholi Campus, Dholi-843121, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India.     

Zinc Modulates the Interaction of Protein C and Activated Protein C with Endothelial Cell Protein C Receptor

Zinc is an essential trace element for human nutrition and is critical to the structure, stability, and function of many proteins. Zinc ions were shown to enhance activation of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation but down-regulate the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. The protein C pathway plays a key role in blood coagulation and inflammation. At present there is no information on whether zinc modulates the protein C pathway. In the present study we found that Zn²⁺ enhanced the binding of protein C/activated protein C (APC) to endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) on endothelial cells. Binding kinetics revealed that Zn²⁺ increased the binding affinities of protein C/APC to EPCR. Equilibrium dialysis with ⁶⁵Zn²⁺ revealed that Zn²⁺ bound to the Gla domain as well as sites outside of the Gla domain of protein C/APC. Intrinsic fluorescence measurements suggested that Zn²⁺ binding induces conformational changes in protein C/APC. Zn²⁺ binding to APC inhibited the amidolytic activity of APC, but the inhibition was reversed by Ca²⁺. Zn²⁺ increased the rate of APC generation on endothelial cells in the presence of physiological concentrations of Ca²⁺ but did not further enhance increased APC generation obtained in the presence of physiological concentrations of Mg²⁺ with Ca²⁺. Zn²⁺ had no effect on the anticoagulant activity of APC. Zn²⁺ enhanced APC-mediated activation of protease activated receptor 1 and p44/42 MAPK. Overall, our data show that Zn²⁺ binds to protein C/APC, which results in conformational changes in protein C/APC that favor their binding to EPCR.     

Properties of a Zn2+-glycerophosphocholine cholinephosphodiesterase from bovine brain membranes

A Zn²⁺-glycerophosphocholine cholinephosphodiesterase was purified with a specific activity of 4.6 μmole/min·mg protein from bovine brain membranes by procedures involving PI-PLC solubilization, concanavalin A affinity chromatography, CM-sephadex chromatography and Sephadex G-150 chromatography. Based on molecular weight determination gel chromatography and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the phosphodiesterase activity appears to be a dimeric protein (110 kDa) composed of two subunits with a molecular weight of approximately 54 kDa. The Km value for p-nitrophenylphosphocholine and the optimum pH were found to be 16 μM and pH 10.5, respectively. The phosphodiesterase was inhibited by Cu²⁺, but not the other divalent metal ions. The activity of the apoenzyme was remarkably activated by Co²⁺ or Zn²⁺, but not Mn²⁺ or Mg²⁺. In addition, the inactivation of the enzyme in glycine buffer was prevented by Mn²⁺ or Zn²⁺, but not Co²⁺ or Mg². In a separate experiment, comparing properties of the purified and membrane-bound phosphodiesterases, the forms of two enzymes were quite similar except in stability. Both enzymes were more stable at pH 7.4 than pH 5 or 10. However, the membrane-bound enzyme was more stable than the soluble enzyme at all three pHs. These data suggest that the activity of the phosphodiesterase may be stabilized in-vivo.