The connection between ionophore-mediated Ca2+-movements and intermediary metabolism in human red cells. I. Relationships between Ca2+-loading,ATP-consumption and glycolytic flux

Human red cells (RBC) were loaded with moderate amounts of Ca²⁺ by the ionophore A23187. Quantitative relationships between Ca²⁺-loading, ATP consumption and glycolytic flux were established. 1. Ca²⁺-loading is accompanied by ATP depletion. A maximum ATP consumption of approximately 10 mmoles/l RBC/h was estimated. 2. There is a positive correlation between lactate formation and Ca²⁺-loading. This is linear from 1.4 to about 4 mmoles lactate/l RBC/h. 3. Ca²⁺-induced glycolytic stimulation seems not to be mediated by adenine nucleotides. A wide range of energy charges and very different adenine nucleotide patterns were associated with the same stimulation of lactate production. 4. The turnover of the (Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺)-ATPase and its share in the Ca²⁺-stimulated ATP consuming processes were estimated with inhibitors. 1 mM La³⁺ inhibited both Ca²⁺-outward transport and ATP consumption by 80%. The remaining 20% of the ATP consumption was accounted for by the (Na⁺-K⁺)-ATPase. 5. A Ca²⁺ extrusion to ATP consumption molar ratio of 2:1 was found. However, when ATP consumption was due to the breakdown of previously accumulated glycolytic intermediates, the ratio dropped to about 1.     

The connection between ionophore-mediated Ca-movements and intermediary metabolism in human red cells. I. Relationships between Ca-loading, ATP-consumption and glycolytic flux

Human red cells (RBC) were loaded with moderate amounts of Ca²⁺ by the ionophore A23187. Quantitative relationships between Ca²⁺-loading, ATP consumption and glycolytic flux were established. 1. Ca²⁺-loading is accompanied by ATP depletion. A maximum ATP consumption of approximately 10 mmoles/l RBC/h was estimated. 2. There is a positive correlation between lactate formation and Ca²⁺-loading. This is linear from 1.4 to about 4 mmoles lactate/l RBC/h. 3. Ca²⁺-induced glycolytic stimulation seems not to be mediated by adenine nucleotides. A wide range of energy charges and very different adenine nucleotide patterns were associated with the same stimulation of lactate production. 4. The turnover of the (Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺)-ATPase and its share in the Ca²⁺-stimulated ATP consuming processes were estimated with inhibitors. 1 mM La³⁺ inhibited both Ca²⁺-outward transport and ATP consumption by 80%. The remaining 20% of the ATP consumption was accounted for by the (Na⁺-K⁺)-ATPase. 5. A Ca²⁺ extrusion to ATP consumption molar ratio of 2:1 was found. However, when ATP consumption was due to the breakdown of previously accumulated glycolytic intermediates, the ratio dropped to about 1.     

ATPase and phosphatase activities from human red cell membranes: I. The effects of N-ethylmaleimide

Summary (i) In human red cell membranes the sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide of Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and phosphatase activities is at least ten times larger than the sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide of (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase and K⁺-activated phosphatase activities. All activities are partially protected against N-ethylmaleimide by ATP but not by inorganic phosphate or byp-nitrophenylphosphate. (ii) Protection by ATP of (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase is impeded by either Na⁺ or K⁺ whereas only K⁺ impedes protection by ATP of K⁺-activated phosphatase. On the other hand, Na⁺ or K⁺ slightly protects Ca²⁺-dependent activities against N-ethylmaleimide, this effect being independent of ATP. (iii) The sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide of Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and phosphatase activities is markedly enhanced by low concentrations of Ca²⁺. This effect is half-maximal at less than 1 m Ca²⁺ and does not require ATP, which suggests that sites with high affinity for Ca²⁺ exist in the Ca²⁺-ATPase in the absence of ATP. (iv) Under all conditions tested the response to N-ethylmaleimide of the ATPase and phosphatase activites stimulated by K⁺ or Na⁺ in the presence of Ca²⁺ parallels that of the Ca²⁺-dependent activities, suggesting that the Ca²⁺-ATPase system possesses sites at which monovalent cations bind to increase its activity.     

Gel electrophoretic and density gradient analysis of the (K + Ca)-ATPase and the (Na + K)-ATPase activities of cardiac membrane vesicles

The two major ATPase activities of intact and leaky cardiac membrane vesicles (microsomes) were characterized with respect to ionic activation requirements. The predominant ATPase activity of intact vesicles was (K⁺ + Ca²⁺)-ATPase, an enzymic activity localized to sarcoplasmic reticulum, whereas the predominant ATPase activity of leaky, sodium dodecyl sulfate-pretreated vesicles was (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase, an enzymic activity localized to sarcolemma. The (K⁺ + Ca²⁺)-ATPase activity was stimulated 4- to 5-fold by 100 mM K⁺ in the presence of 50 μM Ca²⁺. Phosphorylation of the (K⁺ + Ca²⁺)-ATPase of intact vesicles with [γ-³²P]ATP was Ca²⁺ dependent, and monovalent cations including K⁺ increased the level of [³²P]phosphoprotein by up to 50% when phosphorylation was measured at 5°C. After the intact vesicles were treated with SDS (0.30 mg/ml), (K⁺ + Ca²⁺)-ATPase was inactivated, as was Ca²⁺-dependent ³²P incorporation. The monovalent cation-stimulated ATPase activity of the particulate residue (SDS-extracted membrane vesicles) displayed the usual characteristics of ouabain-sensitive (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase and the activity was increased 9- to 14-fold over the small amount of patent (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity of intact membrane vesicles. ³²P incorporation by the (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase of SDS-extracted vesicles was Na⁺ dependent, and Na⁺-stimulated incorporation was increased 7- to 9-fold over that of intact vesicles.Slab gel polyacrylamide electrophoresis of both intact and SDS-extracted crude vesicle preparations revealed at least 40 distinct Coomassie Blue-positive protein bands and provided evidence for a possible heterogeneous membrane origin of the vesicles. Periodic acid-Schiff staining of the gels revealed at least two major glycoproteins. Simultaneous electrophoresis of the ³²P-intermediates of the (K⁺ + Ca²⁺)-ATPase and the (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase in the same gels did not resolve the two enzymes clearly. With sucrose gradient centrifugation of intact membrane vesicles, it was possible to physically resolve the two ATPase activities. Latent (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity (unmasked by exposing the various fractions to SDS) was found in the higher regions of the gradient, whereas (K⁺ + Ca²⁺)-ATPase activity was primarily in the denser regions. A reasonable interpretation of the data is that cardiac microsomes consist of membrane vesicles derived both from sarcolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum. (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase is localized to intact vesicles of sarcolemma but is mainly latent, whereas (K⁺ + Ca²⁺)-ATPase is mostly patent and is localized to vesicles of sarcoplasmic reticulum.     

Characterization of an ATP diphosphohydrolase activity (APYRASE,EC 3.6.1.5) in rat blood platelets

In the present report we describe an apyrase (ATP diphosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.5) in rat blood platelets. The enzyme hydrolyses almost identically quite different nucleoside di- and triphosphates. The calcium dependence and pH requirement were the same for the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP and the apparent Km values were similar for both Ca²⁺-ATP and Ca²⁺-ADP as substrates. Ca²⁺-ATP and Ca²⁺-ADP hydrolysis could not be attributed to the combined action of different enzymes because adenylate kinase, inorganic pyrophosphatase and nonspecific phosphatases were not detected under our assay conditions. The Ca²⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ADPase activity was insensitive to ATPase, adenylate kinase and alkaline phosphatase classical inhibitors, thus excluding these enzymes as contaminants. The results demonstrate that rat blood platelets contain an ATP diphosphohydrolase involved in the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP which are vasoactive and platelet active adenine nucleotides.     

Characterization of Mg2+- and (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity in adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum

The presence of an energy-dependent calcium uptake system in adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum (D. E. Bruns, J. M. McDonald, and L. Jarett, 1976, J. Biol. Chem.251, 7191–7197) suggested that this organelle might possess a calcium-stimulated transport ATPase. This report describes two types of ATPase activity in isolated microsomal vesicles: a nonspecific, divalent cation-stimulated ATPase (Mg²⁺-ATPase) of high specific activity, and a specific, calcium-dependent ATPase (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺-ATPase) of relatively low activity. Mg²⁺-ATPase activity was present in preparations of mitochondria and plasma membranes as well as microsomes, whereas the (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase activity appeared to be localized in the endoplasmic reticulum component of the microsomal fraction. Characterization of microsomal Mg²⁺-ATPase activity revealed apparent K_m values of 115 μm for ATP, 333 μm for magnesium, and 200 μm for calcium. Maximum Mg²⁺-ATPase activity was obtained with no added calcium and 1 mm magnesium. Potassium was found to inhibit Mg²⁺-ATPase activity at concentrations greater than 100 mm. The energy of activation was calculated from Arrhenius plots to be 8.6 kcal/mol. Maximum activity of microsomal (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase was 13.7 nmol ³²P/mg/min, which represented only 7% of the total ATPase activity. The enzyme was partially purified by treatment of the microsomes with 0.09% deoxycholic acid in 0.15 m KCl which increased the specific activity to 37.7 nmol ³²P/mg/min. Characterization of (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase activity in this preparation revealed a biphasic dependence on ATP with a Hill coefficient of 0.80. The apparent K_m^s for magnesium and calcium were 125 and 0.6–1.2 μm, respectively. (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase activity was stimulated by potassium with an apparent K_m of 10 mm and maximum activity reached at 100 mm potassium. The energy of activation was 21.5 kcal/mol. The kinetics and ionic requirements of (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase are similar to those of the (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum. These results suggest that the (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase of adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum functions as a calcium transport enzyme.     

A high-affinity calcium-stimulated ATPase activity in the hen oviduct shell gland

The hen oviduct shell gland is a highly active calcium-transporting epithelial tissue which is responsible for the mineralization of the egg shell. We have identified a calcium-stimulated ATPase present at high specific activity in membrane preparations from shell gland mucosal shavings. In the presence of optimal MgCl₂ (5 mm) and a Ca²⁺ buffer, ATP hydrolysis was stimulated by addition of low concentrations of free Ca²⁺ (K_0.5 ~0.4 μm); but not by similar concentrations of Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, or La²⁺. This stimulation was specific for ATP; there was little or no effect of Ca²⁺ on hydrolysis of ADP, AMP, GTP, ITP, or p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Calcium-stimulated ATPase activity was inhibited by chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, and quercetin, as well as by sulfhydryl-blocking agents, but not by oligomycin or ouabain. No significant effect of calmodulin was observed. Finally, low concentrations of free Ca²⁺ (10 to 100 μm) in the presence or absence of Mg²⁺ stimulated transfer of ³²P from [γ-³²P]ATP to a 105,000 molecular weight shell gland membrane protein. This phosphoprotein was sensitive to hydrolysis by heating or by hydroxylamine treatment at acidic pH, and its formation was not inhibited by addition of K⁺. The specific activity of Ca²⁺-ATPase in total membrane preparations from laying hen shell gland ranged from 80 to 150 nmol/min/ mg protein, similar to or greater than levels found in purified plasma membrane fractions from a variety of tissues. No significant activity was found in membrane preparations from the magnum or isthmus regions of the oviduct, which are not involved in egg shell calcification. The characteristics of the Ca²⁺-ATPase, its high specific activity, and its preferential localization in the shell gland region of the oviduct suggest a role for an ATP-dependent calcium transport system in egg shell mineralization.     

In vitro effects of toxaphene on mitochondrial calcium ATPase and calcium uptake in selected rat tissues

$\text{In vitro}$ effects of toxaphene on Ca²⁺-ATPase activity and ⁴⁵Ca²⁺-uptake were studied in mitochondrial fractions of heart, kidney and liver tissues of rat. Mitochondrial fractions were prepared by the conventional centrifugation method. Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was determined by measuring the inorganic phosphate liberated during ATP hydrolysis. Toxaphene inhibited Ca²⁺-ATPase in a concentration dependent manner in all the three tissues. Substrate activation kinetics, with heart, kidney and liver tissue fractions, revealed that toxaphene inhibited Ca²⁺-ATPase activity non-competetively by decreasing the maximum velocity of the enzyme without affecting the enzyme-substrate affinity. Toxaphene also inhibited mitochondrial ⁴⁵Ca²⁺-uptake in the three selected tissues in a concentration dependent manner. These results indicate that toxaphene is an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca²⁺-ATPase and calcium transport in heart, kidney and liver tissues of rat.     

Interaction of Ca2+ with (Na+ + K+)-ATPase: Properties of the Ca2+-stimulated phosphatase activity

Ca²⁺ inhibited the Mg²⁺-dependent and K⁺-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity of a highly purified preparation of dog kidney (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase. In the absence of K⁺, however, a Mg²⁺-dependent and Ca²⁺-stimulated phosphatase was observed, the maximal velocity of which, at pH 7.2, was about 20% of that of the K⁺-stimulated phosphatase. The Ca²⁺-stimulated phosphatase, like the K⁺-stimulated activity, was inhibited by either ouabain or Na⁺ or ATP. Ouabain sensitivity was decreased with increase in Ca²⁺, but the K_0.5 values of the inhibitory effects of Na⁺ and ATP were independent of Ca²⁺ concentration. Optimal pH was 7.0 for Ca²⁺-stimulated activity, and 7.8–8.2 for the K⁺-stimulated activity. The ratio of the two activities was the same in several enzyme preparations in different states of purity. The data indicate that (a) Ca²⁺-stimulated phosphatase is catalyzed by (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase; (b) there is a site of Ca²⁺ action different from the site at which Ca²⁺ inhibits in competition with Mg²⁺; and (c) Ca²⁺ stimulation can not be explained easily by the action of Ca²⁺ at either the Na⁺ site or the K⁺ site.     

Renaissance of cytochemical localization of membrane ATPases in the myocardium

ATPases of cardiac cells are known to be among the most important enzymes to maintain the fluxes of vital cations by hydrolysis of the terminal high-energy phosphate of ATP. Biochemically the activities of Ca²⁺-pump ATPase, Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ecto ATPase, Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase are determined in homogenates and isolated membranes as well as in myofibrillar and mitochondrial fractions of various purities. Such techniques permit estimation of enzyme activitiesin vitro under optimal conditions without precise enzyme topography. On the other hand, cytochemical methods demonstrate enzyme activityin situ, but not under optimal conditions. Until recently several cytochemical methods have been employed for each enzyme in order to protect its specific activity and precise localization but the results are difficult to interpret. To obtain more consistent data from biochemical and cytochemical point of view, we modified cytochemical methods in which unified conditions for each ATPase were used. The fixative solution (1% paraformaldehyde –0.2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M Tris Base buffer, pH 7.4), the same cationic concentrations of basic components in the incubation medium (0.1 M Tris Base, 2mM Pb(NO₂)₃, 5 mM MgSO₄, 5 mM ATP) and selective stimulators or inhibitors were employed. The results reveal improved localization of Ca²⁺-pump ATPase, Na⁺–K⁺ ATPase and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ecto ATPase in the cardiac membrane.     

The connection between ionophore-mediated Ca2+-movements and intermediary metabolism in human red cells. II. Site and mode of glycolytic activation during Ca2+-loading

Human red cells (RBC) respond to moderate Ca²⁺-loading with increased ATP consumption and stimulation of glycolytic flux. 1. Ca²⁺-induced metabolite transitions at different pH-values showed a clearcut crossover at the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase/3-phosphoglycerate kinase ($\text{GAPDH}\text{PGK}\text{)-steps}$. 2. The behavior of glycolytic metabolites in iodoacetate-treated, GAPDH-inhibited, and in phosphoenolpyruvate-loaded RBC ruled out activation of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase. 3. Glycolytic stimulation is linked to Ca²⁺-extrusion rate and not to the loaded Ca²⁺. 4. Adenine nucleotides and inorganic phosphate could be ruled out as the connecting link between glycolytic activation and Ca²⁺-extrusion. 5. NADH oxidation was observed at all pH-values studied when the RBC were incubated either at low or high extracellular potassium. NADH is product-inhibitor of GAPDH. The concentration (34 μM) of thermodynamically free NADH calculated from the $\text{GAPDH}\text{PGK}$ equilibrium reactants was in the inhibitory range: any decrease in NADH is therefore followed by activation of GAPDH. $\text{NAD}\text{NADH}$ ratio seems to be the connecting link between ATP consuming ion transport and ATP generation by glycolysis.     

Manipulation of cellular energy reveals the relationship between ultraweak luminescence and cellular energy during senescence of strawberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fragaria</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">ananassa</Emphasis>) fruits

The goal of this study was to investigate the ultraweak luminescence (UWL) of strawberry fruits in relation to mitochondrial functions and energy production during strawberry senescence. Fully ripe strawberry fruits and mitochondria isolated from those fruits were treated with either adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or the respiratory chain uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). The activities of H⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase, the content of ATP, the free radical O₂^? as well as the UWL intensity were measured. Our results showed that activities of H⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase as well as the ATP content gradually decreased during fruit senescence in all three groups. Compared with the control, DNP treatment exacerbated, while ATP treatment reduced the decrease of H⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity, the energy charge and UWL intensity. UWL intensity was positively correlated with mitochondrial function and ATP content. Our results strongly suggest that mitochondria are a major source of UWL of strawberry fruits, and that the cellular energy ATP plays important roles in senescence of strawberry fruits, and in UWL formation. Our study provides convincing evidence of the interrelationship between cellular energy and UWL, which helps researchers to better understand the process of senescence in strawberry fruits.     

A comparative study of the rat heart sarcolemmal Ca2+-dependent ATPase and myosin ATPase

In order to gain some information regarding Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase, the enzyme was purified from cardiac sarcolemma and its properties were compared with Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of myosin purified from rat heart. Both Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and myosin ATPase were stimulated by Ca²⁺ but the maximal activation of Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase required 4 mM Ca²⁺ whereas that of myosin ATPase required 10 mM Ca²⁺. These ATPases were also activated by other divalent cations in the order of Ca²⁺ > Mn²⁺ > Sr²⁺ > Br²⁺ > Mg²⁺; however, there was a marked difference in the pattern of their activation by these cations. Unlike the myosin ATPase, the ATP hydrolysis by Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase was not activated by actin. The pH optima of Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and myosin ATPase were 9.5 and 6.5 respectively. Na⁺ markedly inhibited Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase but had no effect on the myosin ATPase activity. N-ethylmaleimide inhibited Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase more than myosin ATPase whereas the inhibitory effect of vanadate was more on myosin ATPase than Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase. Both Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase and myosin ATPase were stimulated by K-EDTA and NH₄-EDTA. When myofibrils were treated with trypsin and passed through columns similar to those used for purifying Ca²⁺-ATPase from sarcolemma, an enzyme with ATPase activity was obtained. This myofibrillar ATPase was maximally activated at 3–4 mM Ca²⁺ and 3 to 4 mM ATP like sarcolemmal Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase. K⁺ stimulated both ATPase activities in the absence of Ca²⁺ and inhibited in the presence of Ca²⁺. Both enzymes were inhibited by Na⁺, Mg²⁺, La³⁺, and azide similarly. However, Ca²⁺ ATPase from myofibrils showed three peptide bands in SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis whereas Ca²⁺ ATPase from sarcolemma contained only two bands. Sarcolemmal Ca²⁺-ATPase had two affinity sites for ATP (0.012 mM and 0.23 mM) while myofibrillar Ca²⁺-ATPase had only one affinity site (0.34 mM). Myofibrillar Ca²⁺-ATPase was more sensitive to maleic anhydride and iodoacetamide than sarcolemmal Ca²⁺-ATPase. These observations suggest that Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase may be a myosin like protein in the heart sarcolemma and is unlikely to be a tryptic fragment of myosin present in the myofibrils.     

Dissociation between Ca2+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities in plasma membranes of rat duodenum

The presence of Ca²⁺-ATPase activities with high-affinity sites for Ca²⁺ in brush border as well as basolateral plasma membranes of rat duodenal epithelium has been reported previously (Ghijsen, W.E.J.M. and van Os, C.H. (1979) Nature 279, 802–803). Since both plasma membranes contain alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), which also can be stimulated by Ca²⁺, the substrate specificity of Ca²⁺-induced ATP-hydrolysis has been studied to determine whether or not alkaline phosphatase and Ca²⁺-ATPase are two distinct enzymes. In basolateral fragments, the rate of Ca²⁺-dependent ATP-hydrolysis was greater than that of ADP, AMP and $\text{p-}\text{nitrophenylphosphate}$ at Ca²⁺ concentrations below 25 μM. At 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ the rates of ATP, ADP, AMP and $\text{p-}\text{nitrophenylphosphate}$ hydrolysis were not significantly different. In brush border fragments the rates of ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis were identical at low Ca²⁺, but at 0.2 mM Ca²⁺, Ca²⁺-induced hydrolysis of ADP and AMP was greater than either ATP or $\text{p-}\text{nitrophenylphosphate}$. Alkaline phosphatase in brush border and basolateral membranes was inhibited by 75% after addition of 2.5 mM theophylline. Ca²⁺-stimulated ATP hydrolysis at 1 μM Ca²⁺ was not sensitive to theophylline in basolateral fragments while the same activity in brush border fragments was totally inhibited. At 0.2 mM Ca²⁺, Ca²⁺-induced ATP hydrolysis in both basolateral and brush border membranes was sensitive to theophylline. Oligomycin and azide had no effect on Ca²⁺-stimulated ATP hydrolysis, either at low or at high Ca²⁺ concentrations. Chlorpromazine fully inhibited Ca²⁺-stimulated ATP hydrolysis in basolateral fragments at 5 μM Ca²⁺, while it had no effect in brush border fragments. From these results we conclude that, (i) Ca²⁺-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase are two distinct enzymes, (ii) high-affinity Ca²⁺-ATPase is exclusively located in basolateral plasma membranes, (iii) alkaline phosphatase activity, present on both sides of duodenal epithelium, is stimulated slightly by low Ca²⁺ concentrations, but this Ca²⁺-induced activity is inhibited by theophylline and shows no specificity with respect to ATP, ADP or AMP.     

On the red blood cell Ca2+-pump: An estimate of stoichiometry

Summary Efflux of Ca²⁺ from reversibly hemolyzed human red blood cell ghosts was determined by a Ca²⁺ selective electrode, by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and by the use of⁴⁵Ca. Hydrolysis of ATP was determined by measurement of inorganic phosphate (P_i). At 25°C, ghosts loaded with CaCl₂, MgCl₂, Na₂ATP, and Tris buffer (pH 7.4) extruded Ca²⁺, with mean rates ranging from 58.8±3.5 (sd) to 74.7±8.2 (sd) moles·liter ghosts^–1·min^– depending on the method of Ca²⁺ determination. The ratio of Ca²⁺ transported to P_i released in the presence of ouabain without correction for background ATP splitting was 0.83, 0.83, and 0.80, respectively, for the three methods of Ca²⁺ determination. Correction for the ATPase activity not associated with Ca²⁺ transport resulted in a ratio of 0.91:1. In other experiments, the use of La³⁺ to inhibit the Ca²⁺-pump allowed an estimate of the ATPase activity associated with Ca²⁺ extrusion. In the presence of various concentrations of La³⁺, the ratio of Ca²⁺ pumped to P_i liberated was 0.86 or 1.02, depending on the method of Ca²⁺ determination. It is concluded that the stoichiometry of the Ca²⁺-pump of the RBC plasma membrane is one Ca²⁺ pumped per ATP hydrolyzed.     

Characterization of native and reconstituted plasma membrane H+-ATPase from the plasma membrane ofBeta vulgaris

Summary Characteristics of the native and reconstituted H⁺-ATPase from the plasma membrane of red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) were examined. The partially purified, reconstituted H⁺-ATPase retained characteristics similar to those of the native plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase following reconstitution into proteoliposomes. ATPase activity and H⁺ transport of both enzymes were inhibited by vanadate, DCCD, DES and mersalyl. Slight inhibition of ATPase activity associated with native plasma membranes by oligomycin, azide, molybdate or NO ₃ ^– was eliminated during solubilization and reconstitution, indicating the loss of contaminating ATPase activities. Both native and reconstituted ATPase activities and H⁺ transport showed a pH optimum of 6.5, required a divalent cation (Co²⁺>Mg²⁺>Mn²⁺>Zn²⁺>Ca²⁺), and preferred ATP as substrate. The Mg:ATP kinetics of the two ATPase activities were similar, showing simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Saturation occurred between 3 and 5mM Mg: ATP, with aK _m of 0.33 and 0.46mM Mg: ATP for the native and reconstituted enzymes, respectively. The temperature optimum for the ATPase was shifted from 45 to 35°C following reconstitution. Both native and reconstituted H⁺-ATPases were stimulated by monovalent ions. Native plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase showed an order of cation preference of K⁺>NH ₄ ⁺ >Rb⁺>Na⁺>Cs⁺>Li⁺>choline⁺. This basic order was unchanged following reconstitution, with K⁺, NH ₄ ⁺ , Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ being the preferred cations. Both enzymes were also stimulated by anions although to a lesser degree. The order of anion preference differed between the two enzymes. Salt stimulation of ATPase activity was enhanced greatly following reconstitution. Stimulation by KCl was 26% for native ATPase activity, increasing to 228% for reconstituted ATPase activity. In terms of H⁺ transport, both enzymes required a cation such as K⁺ for maximal transport activity, but were stimulated preferentially by Cl^– even in the presence of valinomycin. This suggests that the stimulatory effect of anions on enzyme activity is not simply as a permeant anion, dissipating a positive interior membrane potential, but may involve a direct anion activation of the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase.     

Erythrocyte Membrane Digoxin-Sensitive (Na+–K+)-ATPase of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Humans

Erythrocyte plasma membranes of non-insulin dependent diabetic humans (NIDDM) and healthy humans were prepared by hypotonic lysis. The specific activity of (Na⁺–K⁺)-ATPase of NIDDM membranes, both in the absence and presence of digoxin were lower than the specific activity of normal enzymes (83.6 percent and 74.0 percent of the normal enzyme respectively). Addition of digoxin decreased the activity of this enzyme (38.0 percent in NIDDM and 30.0 percent in normal enzyme).Although the affinity of the pump for ATP was similar in both membranes of NIDDM and normal humans (K_m for ATP=19.9±0.24M ATP and 20.0±0.21 M ATP respectively), the V_max of NIDDM membranes was more than 20 percent lower than that of the normal enzyme. The specific activity of Mg²⁺-dependent Ca²⁺-pumping ATPase (Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺)-ATPase) of NIDDM membrane was lower than 80 percent of the specific activity of the normal enzymes. While the affinity of the pump for ATP was lower in the membranes of NIDDM (K_m for ATP=50.0±4.3 M ATP) in comparison to normal membranes (K_m for ATP=63.1±38M ATP), the V_max of NIDDM membranes was similar to the normal enzyme. Altogether, these findings suggest that both the (Na⁺–K⁺)-ATPase and Ca²⁺-pumping ATPase of NIDDM membranes are less functional than the enzymes in normal erythrocytes.     

Erythrocyte membrane (Ca2++Mg2+)-ATPase in human protein-energy malnutrition

Calmodulin-free ghost membranes were prepared from erythrocytes of kwashiorkor children and from healthy children in the same age bracket. In the absence of calmodulin, the specific activity of Mg²⁺-dependent Ca²⁺-pumping ATPase (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺-ATPase) of kwashiorkor membranes was more than 40 percent lower than the specific activity of the normal enzymes, whose maximum velocity was increased by at least four-fold by the modulator protein. In constrast, the maximum velocity of the enzymes of kwashiorkor membranes was enhanced by calmodulin by about 11/2 times the basal activity of the normal enzymes and by 2 times the basal activity of the kwashiorkor enzymes. The affinity of the pump for ATP was lower in the membranes of kwashiorkor children (K_m for ATP=30.6±2.8 M ATP) in comparison to normal membranes (K_m for ATP=21.7±2.0 M ATP). Similarly, calmodulin-affinity of the enzymes, was lower in kwashiorkor membranes than in the normal membranes irrespective of source of calmodulin. Calmodulin from haemolysates of kwashiorkor red cells activated the enzymes of normal and kwashiorkor membranes to the same degree as calmodulin partially purified from the haemolysate of healthy children. A determination of the dependence of the activity of the pump on calcium in the absence and presence of calmodulin reveals that the affinity of the kwashiorkor enzymes for Ca²⁺ is at least 70 percent lower than that of enzymes of normal membranes. Altogether, these findings suggest that the Ca²⁺-pumping ATPase of kwashiorkor membranes is less functional than the enzymes of healthy erythrocytes.