Glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition by lithium and beryllium suggests the presence of two magnesium binding sites.

Lithium inhibits (Li(+)) glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) by competition for magnesium (Mg(2+)), but not ATP or substrate. Here, we show that the group II metal ion beryllium (Be(2+)) is a potent inhibitor of GSK-3 and competes for both Mg(2+) and ATP. Be(2+) also inhibits the related protein kinase cdc2 at similar potency, but not MAP kinase 2. To compare the actions of Li(+) and Be(2+) on GSK-3, we have devised a novel dual inhibition analysis. When Be(2+) and ADP are present together each interferes with the action of the other, indicating that both agents inhibit GSK-3 at the ATP binding site. In contrast, Li(+) exerts no interference with ADP inhibition or vice versa. We find, however, that Li(+) and Be(2+) do interfere with each other. These results suggest that Be(2+) competes for two distinct Mg(2+) binding sites: one is Li(+)-sensitive and the other, which is Li(+)-insensitive, binds the Mg:ATP complex.     

Potassium ion-stimulated and sodium ion-dependent adenosine diphosphate–adenosine triphosphate exchange activity in a kidney microsomal fraction

1. K(+) did not affect the Mg(2+)-dependent transphosphorylation but markedly increased the Na(+)-stimulated ADP-ATP exchange rate mediated by a microsomal fraction from guinea-pig kidney. 2. Rb(+), Cs(+), NH(4) (+) and Li(+) were equally effective in stimulating the Na(+)-dependent ADP-ATP exchange activity. 3. Treatment of the microsomal fraction with N-ethylmaleimide or increased concentrations of Mg(2+) prevented stimulation of the Na(+)-dependent exchange reaction by K(+). 4. Ouabain (2.5mum) inhibited ATP hydrolysis by 33% but did not decrease the K(+)-stimulated Na(+)-dependent ADP-ATP exchange rate. 5. A possible mechanism for stimulation of exchange activity by K(+) is discussed.     

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase of sea cucumber smooth muscle: regulation by K(+) and ATP

Although several Ca(2+)-ATPase isoforms have been described in vertebrates, little is known about Ca(2+)-transport in the muscle of invertebrates. In the microsomal fraction obtained from the sea cucumber (Ludwigothurea grisea) longitudinal body wall smooth muscle, we identified a Ca(2+)-transport ATPase that is able to transport Ca(2+) at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. This enzyme has a high affinity for both Ca(2+) and ATP, an optimum pH around 7.0, and - different from the vertebrate sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases isoforms so far described - is activated 3- to 5-fold by K(+) but not by Li(+), at all temperatures, Ca(2+) and ATP concentrations tested. Calcium accumulation by the sea cucumber microsomes is inhibited by Mg/ATP concentrations >1 mM and the accumulated Ca(2+) is released to the medium when the ATP concentration is raised from 0.1 to 4.0 mM.     

Competition between Li+ and Mg2+ for ATP and ADP in aqueous solution: a multinuclear NMR study

We used 7Li NMR spin-lattice relaxation times and 31P NMR chemical shifts to study the binding of Li+ and Mg2+ to the phosphate moieties of ATP and ADP. To examine the binding of Li+ and Mg2+ to the base and ribose moieties, we used 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts. The 7Li NMR relaxation times of Li+/Mg2+ mixtures of ATP or ADP increased with increasing concentrations of Mg2+, suggesting competition between the two ions for adenine nucleotides. No significant binding of Li+ and Mg2+ to the base and ribose moieties occurred. At the pH and ionic strength used, 2:1 and 1:1 species of the Li(+)-ATP and Li+-ADP complexes were present, with the 2:1 species predominating. In contrast, 1:1 species predominated for the Mg(2+)-ADP and Mg(2+)-ATP complexes. We calculated the Li(+)-nucleotide binding constants in the presence and absence of Mg2+ and found them to be somewhat greater in the presence of Mg2+. Although competition between Li+ and Mg2+ for ATP and ADP phosphate binding sites in solution is consistent with the 31P chemical shift data, the possibility that the Li+ and Mg2+ form mixed complexes with the phosphate groups of ATP or ADP cannot be ruled out.     

Cation-stimulated Adenosine Triphosphatase Activity and Cation Transport in Corn Roots

ATPase activity of the plasma membrane fraction from primary roots of corn (Zea mays L. WF9 x M14) was activated by Mg(2+) and further stimulated by monovalent cations (K(+) > Rb(+) > Cs(+) > Na(+) > Li(+)). K(+)-stimulated activity required Mg(2+) and was substrate-specific. Maximum ATPase activity in the presence of Mg(2+) and K(+) was at pH 6.5 and 40 C. Calcium and lanthanum (<0.5 mm) were inhibitors of ATPase, but only in the presence of Mg(2+). Oligomycin was not an inhibitor of the plasma membrane ATPase, whereas N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide was. Activity showed a simple Michaelis-Menten saturation with increasing ATP.Mg. The major effect of K(+) in stimulating ATPase activity was on maximum velocity. The kinetic data of K(+) stimulation were complex, but similar to the kinetics of short term K(+) influx in corn roots. Both K(+)-ATPase and K(+) influx kinetics met all criteria for negative cooperativity. The results provided further support for the concept that cation transport in plants is energized by ATP, and mediated by a cation-ATPase on the plasma membrane.     

Adenine nucleotides and magnesium ions in relation to control of mammalian cerebral-cortex hexokinase

1. The kinetics of inhibition of brain soluble cytoplasmic hexokinase by ADP were examined in relation to variations in the concentrations of Mg(2+) and ATP. The type of inhibition observed was dependent on the Mg(2+)/ATP ratio. 2. ADP at Mg(2+)/ATP ratios 2:1 exhibited inhibition of the ;mixed' type; at Mg(2+)/ATP ratios 1:1 the inhibition appeared to be competitive with regard to ATP. 3. Inhibition by free ATP was observed when the Mg(2+)/ATP ratio was less than 1:1. The inhibition was also of the ;mixed' type with respect to MgATP(2-). 4. The inhibitions due to ADP and to free ATP were not additive. The results suggested that there may be up to four sites in the soluble enzyme: for glucose, glucose 6-phosphate, ADP and MgATP(2-). 5. The ;free' non-particulate intracellular Mg(2+) concentration was measured and concluded to be about 1.5mm. 6. The concentrations in vivo of Mg(2+) and ATP likely to be accessible to a cytoplasmic enzyme are suggested to be below those that yield maximum hexokinase rates in vitro. The enzymic rates were measured at relevant suboptimum concentrations of Mg(2+) and ATP in the presence of ADP. Calculations that included non-competitive inhibition due to glucose 6-phosphate (56-65% at 0.25mm) resulted in net rates very similar to the measured rates for overall glycolysis. This system may therefore provide a basis for effective control of cerebral hexokinase.     

Studies on the microsomal sodium-plus-potassium ion-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase system in rat ventral prostate

A Mg(2+)+Na(+)+K(+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) preparation was isolated from rat ventral prostate by flotation of microsomal membranes in high-density sucrose solutions. The reaction medium for optimum Na(+)+K(+)-stimulated ATPase activity was found to be: Na(+), 115mm; K(+), 7-10mm; Mg(2+), 3mm; ATP, 3mm; tris buffer, pH7.4 at 38 degrees , 20mm. The average DeltaP(i) (Mg(2+)+Na(+)+K(+) minus Mg(2+)+Na(+)) was 9mumoles/mg. of protein/hr., representing a 30% increase over the Mg(2+)+Na(+)-stimulated ATPase activity. At high concentrations, K(+) was inhibitory to the enzyme activity. Half-maximal inhibition of Na(+)+K(+)-stimulated ATPase activity was elicited by ouabain at 0.1mm. The preparation exhibited phosphatase activity towards ribonucleoside triphosphates other than ATP. However, stimulation of P(i) release by Na(+)+K(+) was observed only with ATP as substrate. The apparent K(m) for ATP for Na(+)+K(+)-stimulated activity was about 0.3x10(-3)m. Ca(2+) inhibited only the Na(+)+K(+)-stimulated ATPase activity. Mg(2+) could be replaced by Ca(2+) but then no Na(+)+K(+) stimulation of ATPase activity was noticed. The addition of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (17beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-3-one) in vitro at 0.1-10mum under a variety of experimental conditions did not significantly increase the Na(+)+K(+)-stimulated ATPase activity. The enzyme preparations from prostates of orchidectomized rats, however, exhibited a drastic decrease in the specific activity of Na(+)+K(+)-stimulated ATPase; these changes were prevented in the orchidectomized rats by injection of testosterone propionate.     

Kinetic properties of a magnesium ion- and calcium ion-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase from the outer-membrane fraction of rat spleen mitochondria

1. Isolated outer membranes from rat spleen mitochondria can be stored in liquid N(2) for several weeks without significant loss of ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) activity. 2. The ATPase reaction has a broad pH optimum centering on neutral pH, with little significant activity above pH9.0 or below pH5.5. 3. A sigmoidal response of the ATPase activity to temperature is observed between 0 and 55 degrees C, with complete inactivation at 60 degrees C. The Arrhenius plot shows that the activation energy above the transition temperature (22 degrees C) (E(a)=144kJ/mol) is one-third of that calculated for below the transition temperature (E'(a)=408kJ/mol). 4. The outer-membrane ATPase (K(m) for MgATP=50mum) is inactive unless Mg(2+) is added, whereas the inner-membrane ATPase (K(m) for ATP=11mum) is active without added Mg(2+) unless the mitochondria have been depleted of all endogenous Mg(2+) (by using ionophore A23187). 5. The substrate for the outer-membrane ATPase is a bivalent metal ion-nucleoside triphosphate complex in which Mg(2+) (K(m)=50mum) can be replaced effectively by Ca(2+) (K(m)=6.7mum) or Mn(2+), and ATP by ITP. Cu(2+), Co(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Ni(2+), Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) support very little ATP hydrolysis. 6. Univalent metal ions (Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+) and NH(4) (+), but not Li(+)) stimulate the MgATPase activity (<10%) at low concentrations (50mm), but, except for K(+), are slightly inhibitory (20-30%) at higher concentrations (500mm). 7. The Mg(2+)-stimulated ATPase activity is significantly inhibited by Cu(2+) (K(i)=90mum), Ni(2+) (K(i)=510mum), Zn(2+) (K(i)=680mum) and Co(2+) (K(i)=1020mum), but not by Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Ba(2+) or Sr(2+). 8. The outer-membrane ATPase is insensitive to the inhibitors oligomycin, NN'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, NaN(3), ouabain and thiol-specific reagents. A significant inhibition is observed at high concentrations of AgNO(3) (0.5mm) and NaF (10mm). 9. The activity towards MgATP is competitively inhibited by the product MgADP (K(i)=0.7mm) but not by the second product P(i) or by 5'-AMP.     

Model study of ATP and ADP buffering, transport of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), and regulation of ion pumps in ventricular myocyte.

We extended the model of the ventricular myocyte by Winslow et al. (Circ. Res 1999, 84:571-586) by incorporating equations for Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) buffering and transport by ATP and ADP and equations for MgATP regulation of ion transporters (Na(+)-K(+) pump, sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) pumps). The results indicate that, under normal conditions, Ca(2+) binding by low-affinity ATP and diffusion of CaATP may affect the amplitude and time course of intracellular Ca(2+) signals. The model also suggests that a fall in ATP/ADP ratio significantly reduces sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) content, increases diastolic Ca(2+), lowers systolic Ca(2+), increases Ca(2+) influx through L-type channels, and decreases the efficiency of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in extruding Ca(2+) during periodic voltage-clamp stimulation. The analysis suggests that the most important reason for these changes during metabolic inhibition is the down-regulation of the sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase pump by reduced diastolic MgATP levels. High Ca(2+) concentrations developed near the membrane might have a greater influence on Mg(2+), ATP, and ADP concentrations than that of the lower Ca(2+) concentrations in the bulk myoplasm. The model predictions are in general agreement with experimental observations measured under normal and pathological conditions.     

Competition between lithium and magnesium ions for the G-protein transducin in the guanosine 5'-diphosphate bound conformation

Li(+) is the most effective drug used to treat bipolar disorder; however, its exact mechanism of action has yet to be elucidated. One hypothesis is that Li(+) competes with Mg2+ for the Mg2+ binding sites on guanine-nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins). Using 7Li T1 relaxation measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy with the Mg2+ fluorophore furaptra, we detected Li(+)/Mg(2+) competition in three preparations: the purified G-protein transducin (Gt), stripped rod outer segment membranes (SROS), and SROS with purified Gt reattached (ROS-T). When purified ROS-T, SROS or transducin were titrated with Li+ in the presence of fixed amounts of Mg(2+), the apparent Li(+) binding constant decreased due to Li(+)/Mg(2+) competition. Whereas for SROS the competition mechanism was monophasic, for G(t), the competition was biphasic, suggesting that in G(t), Li(+)/Mg(2+) competition occurred with different affinities for Mg(2+) in two types of Mg(2+) binding sites. Moreover, as [Li(+)] increased, the fluorescence excitation spectra of both ROS-T and G(t) were blue shifted, indicating an increase in free [Mg(2+)] compatible with Li(+) displacement of Mg(2+) from two low affinity Mg(2+) binding sites of G(t). G(t) release from ROS-T membrane was also inhibited by Li(+) addition. In summary, we found evidence of Li(+)/Mg(2+) competition in G(t)-containing preparations.     

The effects of calcium and magnesium ions on the adenosine triphosphatase and inosine triphosphatase activities of myosin A

1. The effects of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) on the enzymic activity of myosin were studied with myosin preparations treated by the ion-exchange resin Chelex-100. A reaction mixture containing 0.05m-potassium chloride was chosen in which the effects of univalent ions such as K(+), Na(+) and Cl(-) do not change significantly with small variations in their concentrations. 2. The relationship between the rate of hydrolysis of ATP or ITP and the concentration of Ca(2+) suggests that a relatively weak binding of Ca(2+) either to myosin or to the substrate nucleotide is responsible for the activation of the enzymic activity. According to the experiments with an ultrafiltration technique, the binding of Ca(2+) to myosin proceeds in at least two steps, the first occurring at one site on every 500000 atomic mass units of myosin with an apparent association constant, K(app.), 1.3x10(6)m(-1), and the second seeming to be so weak that its binding parameters cannot be determined by the method used. The first type of Ca(2+) binding is not observable with N-ethylmaleimide-modified myosin, yet this modified myosin shows activation by Ca(2+) of its adenosine triphosphatase and inosine triphosphatase. 3. The inhibition by Mg(2+) can be related to a binding reaction of Mg(2+) with myosin having K(app.) approximately 10(6)m(-1). Mg(2+) replaces the Ca(2+) bound tightly to myosin. The K(app.) for Mg(2+)-myosin binding calculated by assuming a competition between Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) for the same site is 2.1x10(5)-3.0x10(5)m(-1). When myosin is modified with a thiol reagent (p-mercuribenzoate) at a certain ratio to myosin, the inhibition by Mg(2+) becomes unobservable. 4. The behaviour of the hydrolytic activity of myosin on ATP or ITP in the presence of both Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) is consistent with the explanation that the inhibition by Mg(2+) is due to the tight binding of Mg(2+) to myosin, whereas the activation by Ca(2+) is caused either by a weak binding of Ca(2+) to myosin or by CaATP(2-) or by both.     

Effects of lower alcohols on potassium transport and microsomal adenosine-triphosphatase activity of rat cerebral cortex

1. Slices of rat cerebral cortex, incubated anaerobically at 37 degrees , lost K(+) from an initial concentration of 102m-equiv./kg. to a concentration of 57m-equiv./kg. after 10min. On subsequent aerobic incubation they regained K(+) rapidly at a rate that varied with the K(+) concentration of the medium. 2. Lower aliphatic alcohols, present at equal thermodynamic activity, produced approximately equal degrees of inhibition of K(+) uptake during the aerobic incubation. This inhibition was reduced by an increase in K(+) content of the medium. Ethanol did not affect the rate of K(+) loss during anaerobic incubation. 3. Li(+), in concentrations of 1-10mm, also inhibited K(+) uptake by brain-cortex slices, the degree of inhibition varying with the Li(+) concentration. Ouabain also inhibited K(+) uptake. 4. The same series of alcohols, at equal thermodynamic activity, produced comparable degrees of inhibition of Na(+),K(+),Mg(2+)-stimulated adenosine-triphosphatase activity in brain microsomes. 5. It is suggested that inhibition of cation transport is an important, but not a primary, mechanism in the production of central nervous depression by alcohols and other substances.     

The role of bound potassium ions in the hydrolysis of low concentrations of adenosine triphosphate by preparations of membrane fragments from ox brain cerebral cortex

1. The intrinsic Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) contents of a preparation of membrane fragments from ox brain were determined by emission flame photometry. 2. Centrifugal washing of the preparation with imidazole-buffered EDTA solutions decreased the bound Na(+) from 90+/-20 to 24+/-12, the bound K(+) from 27+/-3 to 7+/-2, the bound Mg(2+) from 20+/-2 to 3+/-1 and the bound calcium from 8+/-1 to <1nmol/mg of protein. 3. The activities of the Na(+)+K(+)+Mg(2+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase and the Na(+)-dependent reaction forming bound phosphate were compared in the unwashed and washed preparations at an ATP concentration of 2.5mum (ATP/protein ratio 12.5pmol/mug). 4. The Na(+)-dependent hydrolysis of ATP as well as the plateau concentration of bound phosphate and the rate of dephosphorylation were decreased in the washed preparation. The time-course of formation and decline of bound phosphate was fully restored by the addition of 2.5mum-magnesium chloride and 2mum-potassium chloride. Addition of 2.5mum-magnesium chloride alone fully restored the plateau concentration of bound phosphate, but the rate of dephosphorylation was only slightly increased. Na(+)-dependent ATP hydrolysis was partly restored with 2.5mum-magnesium chloride; addition of K(+) in the range 2-10mum-potassium chloride then further restored hydrolysis but not to the control rate. 5. Pretreatment of the washed preparation at 0 degrees C with 0.5nmol of K(+)/mg of protein so that the final added K(+) in the reaction mixture was 0.1mum restored the Na(+)-dependent hydrolysis of ATP and the time-course of the reaction forming bound phosphate. 6. The binding of [(42)K]potassium chloride by the washed membrane preparation was examined. Binding in a solution containing 10nmol of K(+)/mg of protein was linear over a period of 20min and was inhibited by Na(+). Half-maximal inhibition of (42)K(+)-binding required a 100-fold excess of sodium chloride. 7. It was concluded (a) that a significant fraction of the apparent Na(+)-dependent hydrolysis of ATP observed in the unwashed preparation is due to activation by bound K(+) and Mg(2+) of the Na(+)+K(+)+Mg(2+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase system and (b) that the enzyme system is able to bind K(+) from a solution of 0.5mum-potassium chloride.     

Effects of Li+ transport and intracellular binding on Li+/Mg2+ competition in bovine chromaffin cells

Li(+) transport, intracellular immobilisation and Li(+)/Mg(2+) competition were studied in Li(+)-loaded bovine chromaffin cells. Li(+) influx rate constants, k(i), obtained by atomic absorption (AA) spectrophotometry, in control (without and with ouabain) and depolarising (without and with nitrendipine) conditions, showed that L-type voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels have an important role in Li(+) uptake under depolarising conditions. The Li(+) influx apparent rate constant, k(iapp), determined under control conditions by (7)Li NMR spectroscopy with the cells immobilised and perfused, was much lower than the AA-determined value for the cells in suspension. Loading of cell suspensions with 15 mmol l(-1) LiCl led, within 90 min, to a AA-measured total intracellular Li(+) concentration, [Li(+)](iT)=11.39+/-0.56 mmol (l cells)(-1), very close to the steady state value. The intracellular Li(+) T(1)/T(2) ratio of (7)Li NMR relaxation times of the Li(+)-loaded cells reflected a high degree of Li(+) immobilisation in bovine chromaffin cells, similar to neuroblastoma, but larger than for lymphoblastoma and erythrocyte cells. A 52% increase in the intracellular free Mg(2+) concentration, Delta[Mg(2+)](f)=0.27+/-0.05 mmol (l cells)(-1) was measured for chromaffin cells loaded with the Mg(2+)-specific fluorescent probe furaptra, after 90-min loading with 15 mmol l(-1) LiCl, using fluorescence spectroscopy, indicating significant displacement of Mg(2+) by Li(+) from its intracellular binding sites. Comparison with other cell types showed that the extent of intracellular Li(+)/Mg(2+) competition at the same Li(+) loading level depends on intracellular Li(+) transport and immobilisation in a cell-specific manner, being maximal for neuroblastoma cells.     

Inhibition of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase by CrATP. LaATP but not CrATP stabilizes the Ca(2+)-occluded state

The bidentate complex of ATP with Cr(3+), CrATP, is a nucleotide analog that is known to inhibit the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, so that these enzymes accumulate in a conformation with the transported ion (Ca(2+) and Na(+), respectively) occluded from the medium. Here, it is shown that CrATP is also an effective and irreversible inhibitor of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase. The complex inhibited with similar efficiency the Ca(2+)-dependent ATPase and the phosphatase activities as well as the enzyme phosphorylation by ATP. The inhibition proceeded slowly (T(1/2)=30 min at 37 degrees C) with a K(i)=28+/-9 microM. The inclusion of ATP, ADP or AMPPNP in the inhibition medium effectively protected the enzyme against the inhibition, whereas ITP, which is not a PMCA substrate, did not. The rate of inhibition was strongly dependent on the presence of Mg(2+) but unaltered when Ca(2+) was replaced by EGTA. In spite of the similarities with the inhibition of other P-ATPases, no apparent Ca(2+) occlusion was detected concurrent with the inhibition by CrATP. In contrast, inhibition by the complex of La(3+) with ATP, LaATP, induced the accumulation of phosphoenzyme with a simultaneous occlusion of Ca(2+) at a ratio close to 1.5 mol/mol of phosphoenzyme. The results suggest that the transport of Ca(2+) promoted by the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase goes through an enzymatic phospho-intermediate that maintains Ca(2+) ions occluded from the media. This intermediate is stabilized by LaATP but not by CrATP.     

Disturbances on delta aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) enzyme activity by Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Na+, K+ and Li+: analysis based on coordination geometry and acid-base Lewis capacity

ALA-D (EC 4.2.1.24) is the first cytosolic enzyme in the haem metabolic pathway. Some metals compete with its major cofactor Zn(2+), modifying both enzyme structure and function. Our purpose was to contribute to the understanding of the biochemical role of metals such as Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Na(+), K(+) and Li(+) on ALA-D, using chicken embryos as experimental model. Mg(2+) and Zn(2+) showed enzyme activation in yolk sac membrane (YSM) (113% at 10(-5) M Mg(2+) and from 10(-4) M Zn(2+)), and slight inactivation in liver. Cd(2+) and Cu(2+) caused a non allosteric inhibition in both tissues (100% from 10(-4) M). Surprisingly Pb(2+) was not such a strong inhibitor. Interference of cations during the Schiff base formation in enzymatic catalysis process is explained considering their Lewis acid-base capacity, coordination geometry and electron configuration of valence. Interactions among monovalent cations and biochemical substances are governed chiefly by its electrostatic potential. 0.1 M K(+) and 0.4 M Na(+) produced 30% of enzymatic inhibition by the interference on interactions among the functional subunits. Li(+) activated the YSM enzyme (130% at 10(-5) M) due to a more specific interaction. This study may contribute to elucidate for the first time the possible structural differences between the YSM and liver enzymes from chicken embryo.     

Role of the choline exchanger in Na(+)-independent Mg(2+) efflux from rat erythrocytes

Two types of Na(+)-independent Mg(2+) efflux exist in erythrocytes: (1) Mg(2+) efflux in sucrose medium and (2) Mg(2+) efflux in high Cl(-) media such as KCl-, LiCl- or choline Cl-medium. The mechanism of Na(+)-independent Mg(2+) efflux in choline Cl medium was investigated in this study. Non-selective transport by the following transport mechanisms has been excluded: K(+),Cl(-)- and Na(+),K(+),Cl(-)-symport, Na(+)/H(+)-, Na(+)/Mg(2+)-, Na(+)/Ca(2+)- and K(+)(Na(+))/H(+) antiport, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel and Mg(2+) leak flux. We suggest that, in choline Cl medium, Na(+)-independent Mg(2+) efflux can be performed by non-selective transport via the choline exchanger. This was supported through inhibition of Mg(2+) efflux by hemicholinum-3 (HC-3), dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DoTMA) and cinchona alkaloids, which are inhibitors of the choline exchanger. Increasing concentrations of HC-3 inhibited the efflux of choline and efflux of Mg(2+) to the same degree. The K(d) value for inhibition of [(14)C]choline efflux and for inhibition of Mg(2+) efflux by HC-3 were the same within the experimental error. Inhibition of choline efflux and of Mg(2+) efflux in choline medium occurred as follows: quinine>cinchonine>HC-3>DoTMA. Mg(2+) efflux was reduced to the same degree by these inhibitors as was the [(14)C]choline efflux.     

Comparison of bone and osteosarcoma adenylate cyclase. Effects of Mg2+, Ca2+, ATP4? and HATP3? in the assay mixture

The effects of Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) on bone and osteosarcoma adenylate cyclase were investigated. The concentrations of the cations and other ionic species in the assay mixture were calculated by solving the simultaneous equations describing the relevant ionic interactions (multiple equilibria). We re-examined the effects of HATP(3-) and ATP(4-) on enzyme activity and found that (i) the concentration of the minor ATP species is less than 1% of that of MgATP(2-), and their ratio to MgATP(2-) is constant if Mg(2+) and H(+) concentrations are unchanged; (ii) Mg(2+) addition decreased the ratio of the minor species to MgATP(2-) and increased the enzyme activity, but no meaningful kinetic model could attribute this effect of HATP(3-) or ATP(4-). On the other hand, kinetic analysis of Mg(2+) effects showed: (i) stimulation via two metal sites, separate from the catalytic (MgATP(2-)) site, with apparent K(m) values of approximately 1 and 8mm; (ii) that the low affinity increased towards the higher one when the enzyme activity rose as a result of increased substrate or guanine nucleotide concentrations, this effect being less pronounced in tumour; (iii) conversely, that two apparent affinities for MgATP(2-) merged into one at high Mg(2+) concentration; (iv) kinetically, that this relationship is of the mixed con-competitive type, which is consistent with a role for Mg(2+) as a requisite activator, and binding occurring in non-ordered sequence. Analysis of the Ca(2+) effects showed: (i) competition with Mg(2+) at the metal site (K(i) 20mum for bone and 40mum for tumour); (ii) that relative to the substrate the inhibition was uncompetitive, i.e. velocity decreased and affinity increased proportionally, which is consistent with Ca(2+) binding after substrate binding. These findings support the existence of interacting enzyme complexes, losing co-operativity at increased enzyme activity. They also indicate a potential physiological role for Ca(2+) in enzyme regulation and point to quantitative differences between bone and tumour with regard to these properties.     

Ouabain augments Ca(2+) transients in arterial smooth muscle without raising cytosolic Na(+)

Ouabain and other cardiotonic steroids (CTS) inhibit Na(+) pumps and are widely believed to exert their cardiovascular effects by raising the cytosolic Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](cyt)) and Ca(2+). This view has not been rigorously reexamined despite evidence that low-dose CTS may act without elevating [Na(+)](cyt); also, it does not explain the presence of multiple, functionally distinct isoforms of the Na(+) pump in many cells. We investigated the effects of Na(+) pump inhibition on [Na(+)](cyt) (with Na(+) binding benzofuran isophthalate) and Ca(2+) transients (with fura 2) in primary cultured arterial myocytes. Low concentrations of ouabain (3-100 nM) or human ouabain-like compound or reduced extracellular K(+) augmented hormone-evoked mobilization of stored Ca(2+) but did not increase bulk [Na(+)](cyt). Augmentation depended directly on external Na(+), but not external Ca(2+), and was inhibited by 10 mM Mg(2+) or 10 microM La(3+). Evoked Ca(2+) transients in pressurized small resistance arteries were also augmented by nanomolar ouabain and inhibited by Mg(2+). These results suggest that Na(+) enters a tiny cytosolic space between the plasmalemma (PL) and the adjacent sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via an Mg(2+)- and La(3+)-blockable mechanism that is activated by SR store depletion. The Na(+) and Ca(2+) concentrations within this space may be controlled by clusters of high ouabain affinity (alpha3) Na(+) pumps and Na/Ca exchangers located in PL microdomains overlying the SR. Inhibition of the alpha3 pumps by low-dose ouabain should raise the local concentrations of Na(+) and Ca(2+) and augment hormone-evoked release of Ca(2+) from SR stores. Thus the clustering of small numbers of specific PL ion transporters adjacent to the SR can regulate global Ca(2+) signaling. This mechanism may affect vascular tone and blood flow and may also influence Ca(2+) signaling in many other types of cells.     

Plasma membrane adenosine triphosphatase of oat roots: activation and inhibition by mg and ATP

ATPase activity of plasma membrane vesicles isolated from oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Goodfield) roots was examined in the presence of various concentrations of MgCl(2) and ATP. A Mg(2+): ATP ratio of about 1 was required for maximal activity regardless of the concentrations used; the optimum concentration for both Mg(2+) and ATP was 9 mm. Based on the ATPase activity at different concentrations of complexed Mg.ATP and free ATP, it is concluded that Mg.ATP is the true substrate of this enzyme.Under certain experimental conditions, high concentrations of MgCl(2) and ATP inhibited the plasma membrane ATPase. On the basis of the relative amounts of free and complexed ATP and Mg(2+), it was found that the different moieties caused different amounts of inhibition. Free ATP inhibited the ATPase at concentrations in excess of 2 mm. Mg.ATP concentrations above 11 mm inhibited the enzyme. Free Mg(2+) caused only a slight inhibition of the ATPase.The Km for Mg.ATP was found to vary from 0.64 to 1.24 mm depending on the experimental conditions. This variation is thought to be due to variable amounts of Mg.ATP, which serves as an inhibitor as well as the substrate, and free ATP, which also inhibits the enzyme.