Isoforms of Na,K-ATPase inArtemia salina: II. Tissue distribution and kinetic characterization

Summary To characterize the molecular properties conveyed by the isoforms of the subunit of Na,K-ATPase, the two major transepithelial transporting organs in the brine shrimp (Artemia salina), the salt glands and intestines, were isolated in pure form. The isoforms were quantified by ATP-sensitive fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling. The salt gland enzyme exhibits only the 1 isoform, whereas the intestinal enzyme exhibits both the 1 and the 2 isoforms. After 32 hours of development, Na,K-ATPase activity [in mol P_i/mg protein/hr (1u)] in whole homogenates was 32±6 in the salt glands and 12±3 in the intestinal preparations (mean±sem). The apparent half-maximal activation constants (K _1/2) of the salt gland enzyme as compared to the intestinal enzyme were 3.7±0.6mm vs. 23.5±4mm (P<0.01) for Na⁺, 16.6±2.2mm vs. 8.29±1.5mm for K⁺ (P<0.01), and 0.87±0.8mm vs. 0.79±1.1mm for ATP (NS). The apparentK _i's for ouabain inhibition were 1.1×10^–4 m vs. 2×10^–5 m, respectively. Treatment of whole homogenates with deoxycholic acid (DOC) produced a maximal Na,K-ATPase activation of 46% in the salt gland as compared to 23% in the intestinal enzyme. Similar differences were found with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The two distinct forms of Na,K-ATPase isolated from the brine shrimp differed markedly in three kinetic parameters as well as in detergent sensitivity. The differences inK _1/2 for Na⁺ and K⁺ are more marked than those reported for the mammalian Na,K-ATPase isoforms. These differences may be attributed to the relative abundances of the subunit isoforms; other potential determinants (e.g. differences in membrane lipids), however, have not been investigated.During the tenure of an Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates Visiting Associate Professorship.     

Oxidative Resistance of Na/K-ATPase

1. Oxidative modification of Na/K-ATPase from brain and kidney has been studied. Brain enzyme has been found to be more sensitive than kidney enzyme to inhibition by both H₂O₂ and NaOCl.2. The inhibition of Na/K-ATPase correlates well with the decrease in a number of SH groups, suggesting that the latter belong mainly to ATPase protein and are essential for the enzyme activity. We suggest that the differences in the number, location, and accessibility of SH groups in Na/K-ATPase isozymes predict their oxidative stability.3. The hydrophilic natural antioxidant carnosine, the hydrophobic natural antioxidant -tocopherol, and the synthetic antioxidant ionol as well as the ferrous ion chelating agent deferoxamine were found to protect Na/K-ATPase from oxidation by different concentrations of H₂O₂. The data suggest that these antioxidants are effective due to their ability to neutralize or to prevent formation of hydroxyl radicals.     

Adenylylsulfate reductase in some new sulfate-reducing bacteria

Four recently described species of new genera of sulfate-reducing bacteria, Desulfobulbus propionicus, Desulfobacter postgatei, Desulfococcus multivorans and Desulfosarcina variabilis were examined with respect to adenylylsulfate reductase. All of the species examined contained the enzyme in sufficient concentrations to account for dissimilatory sulfate reduction.Adenylylsulfate reductase was enriched 17.1-fold from Desulfobulbus propionicus by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The molecular weight was 175,000 and the enzyme contained 1 mol of flavin, 8 mol of non heme iron and 8 mol of labile sulfide per mol enzyme. Either ferricyanide or cytochrome c could be used as electron acceptors; the pH optimum was 7.7 with ferricyanide and 8.8 with cytochrome c. K _m values for AMP and sulfite were 90 M and 1.3 M with ferricyanide and 91 M and 71 M with cytochrome c as electron acceptor. K _m values for ferricyanide and cytochrome c were 89 M and 21 M, respectively. The properties of the enzyme were compared with those of purified adenylylsulfate reductases from other microorganisms.Non-common abbreviation APS adenylylsulfate     

Thyroidal enhancement of rat myocardial Na,K-ATPase: Preferential expression of α2 activity and mRNA abundance

Summary In hypothyroid rat myocardium, the low-ouabain-sensitivity Na,K-ATPase activity had aK _i =10^–4 m and accounted for 95% of the enzyme activity, while the high-ouabain-sensitivity activity contributed 5% to the total activity, with aK _i =3×10⁷ m. mRNA₁ was 7.2- and 5.5-fold more abundant than mRNA₂ and mRNA, respectively, in hypothyroid ventricles while mRNA₃ was undetectable. Administration of T₃ increased total Na,K-ATPase activity 1.6-fold; the low-ouabain-sensitivity activity increased 1.5-fold while high-ouabain-sensitivity activity was stimulated 3.2-fold. T₃ increased the number of high-affinity ouabain-binding sites 2.9-fold with no change inK _d (2×10^–7 m). The abundances of mRNA₁, mRNA₂, and mRNA (per unit RNA) following T₃ treatment increased 3.6-, 10.6-, and 12.7-fold, respectively. The larger increments in subunit mRNA abundances than in Na,K-ATPase activity suggests the involvement of translational and/or post-translational regulatory steps in Na,K-ATPase biogenesis in response to T₃. It is concluded that T₃ enhances myocardial Na,K-ATPase subunit mRNA abundances and Na,K-ATPase activity, and that the expression of the high- and low-ouabain-sensitivity activities are probably a reflection of the abundances of the 2 and 1 isoforms, respectively. The physiological role played by the subunit remains uncertain.     

Stoichiometry and ion affinities of the Na−K−Cl cotransport system in the intestine of the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

Summary Na–K–Cl cotransport stoichiometry and affinities for Na, K and Cl were determined in flounder intestine. Measurement of simultaneous NaCl and RbCl influxes resulted in ratios of 2.2 for Cl/Na and 1.8 for Cl/Rb. The effect of Na and Rb on Rb influx showed first order kinetics withK _1/2 values of 5 and 4.5mm and Hill coefficients of 0.9 and 1.2, respectively. The effect of Cl on rubidium influx showed a sigmoidal relationship withK _1/2 of 20mm and a Hill coefficient of 2.0. The effects of variations in Na and Cl concentration on short-circuit current (I _sc) were also determined. TheK _1/2 for Na was 7mm with a Hill coefficient of 0.9 and theK _1/2 for Cl was 46mm with a Hill coefficient of 1.9. Based on the simultaneous influx measurements, a cotransport stoichiometry of 1Na1K2Cl is concluded. The Hill coefficients for Cl suggest a high degree of cooperativity between Cl binding sites. Measurements of the ratio of net Na and Cl transepithelial fluxes under short-circuit conditions (using a low Na Ringer solution to minimize the passive Na flux) indicate that the Cl/Na flux ratio is approximately 21. Therefore Na recycling from serosa to mucosa does not significantly contribute to theI _sc. Addition of serosal ouabain (100 m) inhibited Rb influx, indicating that Na–K–Cl cotransport is inhibited by ouabain. This finding suggests that a feedback mechanism exists between the Na–K-ATPase on the basolateral membrane and the apical Na–K–2Cl cotransporter.     

Phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of Na,K-ATPase from duck salt glands by cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits the enzyme activity

Although it was shown earlier that phosphorylation of Na,K-ATPase by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) occurs in intact cells, the purified enzyme in vitro is phosphorylated by PKA only after treatment by detergent. This is accompanied by an unfortunate side effect of the detergent that results in complete loss of Na,K-ATPase activity. To reveal the effect of Na,K-ATPase phosphorylation by PKA on the enzyme activity in vitro, the effects of different detergents and ligands on the stoichiometry of the phosphorylation and activity of Na,K-ATPase from duck salt glands (11-isoenzyme) were comparatively studied. Chaps was shown to cause the least inhibition of the enzyme. In the presence of 0.4% Chaps at 1 : 10 protein/detergent ratio in medium containing 100 mM KCl and 0.3 mM ATP, PKA phosphorylates serine residue(s) of the Na,K-ATPase with stoichiometry 0.6 mol P_i/mol of -subunit. Phosphorylation of Na,K-ATPase by PKA in the presence of the detergent inhibits the Na,K-ATPase. A correlation was found between the inclusion of P_i into the -subunit and the loss of activity of the Na,K-ATPase.     

Vanadate binding to the (Na + K)-ATPase

A particulate (Na + K)-ATPase preparation from dog kidney bound [⁴⁸V]-ortho-vanadate rapidly at 37°C through a divalent cation-dependent process. In the presence of 3 mM MgCl₂ theK _d was 96 nM; substituting MnCl₂ decreased theK _d to 12 nM but the maximal binding remained the same, 2.8 nmol per mg protein, consistent with 1 mol vanadate per functional enzyme complex. Adding KCl in the presence of MgCl₂ increased binding, with aK _0.5 for KCl near 0.5 mM; the increased binding was associated with a drop inK _d for vanadate to 11 nM but with no change in maximal binding. Adding NaCl in the presence of MgCl₂ decreased binding markedly, with anI ₅₀ for NaCl of 7 mM. However, in the presence of MnCl₂ neither KCl nor NaCl affected vanadate binding appreciably. Both the nonhydrolyzable, ,-imido analog of ATP and nitrophenyl phosphate, a substrate for the K-phosphatase reaction that this enzyme also catalyzes, decreased vanadate binding at concentrations consistent with their acting at the low-affinity substrate site of the enzyme; the presence of KCl increased the concentration of each required to decrease vanadate binding. Oligomycin decreased vanadate binding in the presence of MgCl₂, whereas dimethyl sulfoxide and ouabain increased it. With inside-out membrane vesicles from red blood cells vanadate inhibited both the K-phosphatase and (Na + K)-ATPase reactions; however, with the K-phosphatase reaction extravesicular K⁺ (corresponding to intracellular K⁺) both stimulated catalysis and augmented vanadate inhibition, whereas with the (Na + K)-ATPase reaction intravesicular K⁺ (corresponding to extracellular K⁺) both stimulated catalysis and augmented vanadate binding.     

Indene bioconversion by a toluene inducible dioxygenase of Rhodococcus sp. I24

Rhodococcus sp. I24 can oxygenate indene via at least three independent enzyme activities: (i) a naphthalene inducible monooxygenase (ii) a naphthalene inducible dioxygenase, and (iii) a toluene inducible dioxygenase (TID). Pulsed field gel analysis revealed that the I24 strain harbors two megaplasmids of 340 and 50 kb. Rhodococcus sp. KY1, a derivative of the I24 strain, lacks the 340 kb element as well as the TID activity. Southern blotting and sequence analysis of an indigogenic, I24-derived cosmid suggested that an operon encoding a TID resides on the 340 kb element. Expression of the tid operon was induced by toluene but not by naphthalene. In contrast, naphthalene did induce expression of the nid operon, encoding the naphthalene dioxygenase in I24. Cell free protein extracts of Escherichia coli cells expressing tidABCD were used in HPLC-based enzyme assays to characterize the indene bioconversion of TID in vitro. In addition to 1-indenol, indene was transformed to cis-indandiol with an enantiomeric excess of 45.2% of cis-(1S,2R)-indandiol over cis-(1R,2S)-indandiol, as revealed by chiral HPLC analysis. The K_m of TID for indene was 380 M. The enzyme also dioxygenated naphthalene to cis-dihydronaphthalenediol with an activity of 78% compared to the formation of cis-indandiol from indene. The K_m of TID for naphthalene was 28 M. TID converted only trace amounts of toluene to 1,2-dihydro-3-methylcatechol after prolonged incubation time. The results indicate the role of the tid operon in the bioconversion of indene to 1-indenol and cis-(1S,2R)-indandiol by Rhodococcus sp. I24.     

Developmental changes in the activity and substrate specificities of mouse brain monoamine oxidase

Developmental changes in monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in the mouse brain were investigated with the substrates -phenylethylamine (PEA), tryptamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In the newborn brain, MAO activity towards PEA was found to be much lower than the adult and to be inhibited by clorgyline in a double-sigmoidal fashion. The inhibition curve shifted to a single-sigmoidal pattern with age. MAO activity towards 5-HT as substrate was inhibited by 90% and in a single-sigmoidal manner by clorgyline throughout the postnatal life. Lineweaver-Burk plots with PEA as substrate presented two linear lines (apparentK _m: 28.6 and 4.1 M) for the newborn and one line (apparentK _m: 11.4 M) for the adult, respectively. The plot with highK _m value for the newborn brain disappeared in a clorgyline-treated preparation. These findings suggest that age-dependent alterations in the ratio of MAO-A/MAO-B activity affect the substrate specificity of the enzyme.     

Distribution and properties of novel deglycating enzymes for fructosyl peptide in fungi

Our fungal culture collection was screened for fructosyl peptide oxidase, an enzyme that could be used for the determination of glycated hemoglobin in diabetic subjects with hyperglycemia. Fructosyl peptide oxidases were found in strains of eight genera: Achaetomiella, Achaetomium, Chaetomium, Coniochaeta, Eupenicillium, Gelasinospora, Microascus and Thielavia. By their substrate specificity toward N-fructosyl valyl-histidine (-keto-amine) and N-fructosyl lysine (-keto-amine), fructosyl peptide oxidases could be categorized into two groups: (1) enzymes that oxidize both -keto-amine and -keto-amine, and (2) enzymes that preferably oxidize -keto-amine. A fructosyl peptide oxidase from Achaetomiella virescens ATCC 32393, active toward both N-fructosyl valyl-histidine and N-fructosyl lysine, was purified to homogeneity and characterized. The enzyme was monomeric (M_r=50,000), was most active at 40 °C and pH 8.0, and had a covalently bound flavin as a prosthetic group. Apparent K_m values for N-fructosyl valyl-histidine and N-fructosyl lysine were 2.30 and 1.69 mM, respectively. N-fructosyl valyl-histidine was consumed and the same molar amount of valyl-histidine was produced by the fructosyl peptide oxidase reaction. This enzyme could be useful for the measurement of hemoglobin A_1C, the N-terminal valine residue of the -subunit of which is glycated.Abbreviations HbA_1C Hemoglobin A_1C - FPOX Fructosyl peptide oxidase - FAOX Fructosyl amino acid oxidase - Fru-ValHis N-fructosyl valyl-histidine - Fru-Val N-fructosyl valine - Fru-Lys N-fructosyl lysine - Fru-Gly Fructosyl glycine - TOOS N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl)-3-methylaniline, sodium salt     

Kinetic behavior of penicillin acylase immobilized on acrylic carrier

The usefulness of Lilly's kinetic equation to describe penicillin G hydrolysis performed by immobilized penicillin acylase onto the acrylic carrier has been shown. Based on the experimental results characteristic kinetic constants have been estimated. The effect of noncompetitive inhibition of 6-amino penicillanic acid has not been found. Five components of reaction resistance have been defined. These components were also estimated for the reaction of the native enzyme as well as the Boehringer preparation.List of Symbols C _E g/m³ enzyme concentration - C _P,C _Q mol/m³ product concentrations - C _S mol/m³ substrate concentration - C _SO mol/m³ initial substrate concentration - K _A mol/m³ constant which defines the affinity of a substrate to the enzyme - K _iS mol/m³ substrate inhibitory constant - K _iP mol/m³ PhAA inhibitory constant - K _iQ mol/m³ 6-APA inhibitory constant - k ₃ mol/g/min constant rate of dissociation of the active complex - R(1) concentrational component of reaction resistance - R(2) resistance component derived from substrate affinity - R(3) resistance component due to the inhibition of the enzyme by substrate - R(4) resistance component due to the inhibition of the enzyme by PhAA - R(5) resistance component due to inhibition of the enzyme by 6-APA - r = dC_s/dt mol/m³ min rate of reaction - t min reaction time - (i) relative resistance of reaction     

Electrogenic 2 Na+/1 H+ exchange in crustanceans

Summary Hepatopancreatic brush border membrane vesicles of the freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii and the marine lobster,Homarus americanus exhibited²²Na uptake which was Cl-independent, amiloride sensitive, and stimulated by a transmembrane H gradient (H _i >H _o ). Sodium influx by vesicles of both species were sigmoidal functions of [Na] _o , yielding Hill coefficients that were not significantly different (P>0.5) than 2.0. Estimations of half-saturation constants (K _Na) were 82.2mm (prawn) and 280.1mm (lobster), suggesting a possible adaptation of this transporter to environmental salinity.Trans-stimulation andcis-inhibition experiments involving variable [H] suggested that the exchangers in both species possessed single internal cation binding sites (pK 6.5–6.7) and two external cation binding sites (prawn, pK 4.0 and 5.7; lobster pK 3.5 and 6.1). Similarcis inhibition studies using amiloride as a competitive inhibitor of Na uptake supported the occurrence of dual external sites (prawn,K _i 50 and 1520 m; lobsterK _i 9 and 340 m). Electrogenic Na/H exchange by vesicles from both crustaceans was demonstrated using equilibrium shift experiments where a transmembrane potential was used as the only driving force for the transport event. Transport stoichiometries of the antiporters were determined using Static Head analysis where driving forces for cation transfer were balanced using a 101 Na gradient, a 1001 H gradient, and a stoichiometry of 2.0. These electrogenic 2 Na/1 H exchangers appear thermodynamically capable of generating sufficient gastric acidification for organismic digestive activities.     

Reactor design for the enzymatic isomerization of glucose to fructose

A comprehensive methodology is presented for the design of reactors using immobilized enzymes as catalysts. The design is based on material balances and rate equations for enzyme action and decay and considers the effect of mass transfer limitations on the expression of enzyme activity. The enzymatic isomerization of glucose into fructose with a commercial immobilized glucose isomerase was selected as a case study. Results obtained are consistent with data obtained from existing high-fructose syrup plants. The methodology may be extended to other cases, provided sound expressions for enzyme action and decay are available and a simple flow pattern within the reactor might be assumed.List of Symbols C kat/kg specific activity of the catalyst - D m²/s substrate diffusivity within the catalyst particle - Dr m reactor diameter - d d operating time of each reactor - E kat initial enzyme activity - E _i kat initial enzyme activity in each reactor - F m³/s process flowrate - F _i m³/s reactor feed flowrate at a given time - F ₀ m³/s initial feed flowrate to each reactor - H number of enzyme half-lives used in the reactors - K mole/m³ equilibrium constant - K _S mole/m³ Michaelis constant for substrate - K _P mole/m³ Michaelis constant for product - K _m mole/m³ apparent Michaelis constant f(K, K _s, K_p, s₀) - k mole/s · kat reaction rate constant - k _d d^–1 first-order thermal inactivation rate constant - L m reactor height - L _r m height of catalyst bed - N _R number of reactors - P _i kg catalyst weight in each reactor - p mole/m³ product concentration - R m particle radius - R _P ratio of minimum to maximum process flowrate - r m distance to the center of the spherical particle - s mole/m³ substrate concentration - s _0i mole/m³ substrate concentration at reactor inlet - s ₀ mole/m³ bulk substrate concentration - s mole/m³ apparent substrate concentration - T K temperature - t d time - t _i d operating time for reactor i - t _s d time elapsed between two successive charges of each reactor - V m³ reactor volumen - V _m mole/m³ s maximum apparent reaction rate - V _p mole/m³ s maximum reaction rate for product - V _R m³ actual volume of catalyst bed - V _r m³ calculated volume of catalyst bed - V _S mol/m³ s maximum reaction rate for substrate - v mol/m³ s initial reaction rate - v _i m/s linear velocity - v _m mol/m³ s apparent initial reaction rate f(K_m, s,V_m) - X substrate conversion - X _eq substrate conversion at equilibrium - =s/K dimensionless substrate concentration - ₀=s₀/K bulk dimensionless substrate concentration - _eq=s_eq/K dimensionless substrate concentration at equilibrium - local effectiveness factor - mean integrated effectiveness factor - Thiéle modulus - =r/R dimensionless radius - _s kg/m³ hydrated support density - substrate protection factor - s residence time     

Transport of branched-chain amino acids in Corynebacterium glutamicum

The transport of branched-chain amino acids was characterized in intact cells of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032. Uptake and accumulation of these amino acids occur via a common specific carrier with slightly different affiniteis for each substrate (K _m[Ile]=5.4 M, K _m[Leu]=9.0 M, K _m[Val]=9.5 M). The maximal uptake rates for all three substrates were very similar (0.94–1.30 nmol/mg dw · min). The optimum of amino acid uptake was at pH 8.5 and the activation energy was determined to be 80 kJ/mol. The transport activity showed a marked dependence on the presence of Na⁺ ions and on the membrane potential, but was independent of an existing proton gradient. It is concluded, that uptake of branched-chain amino acid transport proceeds via a secondary active Na⁺-coupled symport mechanism.Abbreviations CCCP Carboxyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone - dw dry weight - MES 2[N-morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid - mon monensin - nig nigericin - TPP tetraphenylphosphonium bromide - Tris tris[hydroxymethyl]aminomethane - val valinomycin     

Palytoxin Acts on Na+,K+-ATPase but not Nongastric H+,K+-ATPase

Palytoxin (PTX) opens a pathway for ions to pass through Na,K-ATPase. We investigate here whether PTX also acts on nongastric H,K-ATPases. The following combinations of cRNA were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes: Bufo marinus bladder H,K-ATPase α₂- and Na,K-ATPase β₂-subunits; Bufo Na,K-ATPase α₁- and Na,K-ATPase β₂-subunits; and Bufo Na,K-ATPase β₂-subunit alone. The response to PTX was measured after blocking endogenous Xenopus Na,K-ATPase with 10 μm ouabain. Functional expression was confirmed by measuring ⁸⁶Rb uptake. PTX (5 nm) produced a large increase of membrane conductance in oocytes expressing Bufo Na,K-ATPase, but no significant increase occurred in oocytes expressing Bufo H,K-ATPase or in those injected with Bufo β₂-subunit alone. Expression of the following combinations of cDNA was investigated in HeLa cells: rat colonic H,K-ATPase α₁-subunit and Na,K-ATPase β₁-subunit; rat Na,K-ATPase α₂-subunit and Na,K-ATPase β₂-subunit; and rat Na,K-ATPase β₁- or Na,K-ATPase β₂-subunit alone. Measurement of increases in ⁸⁶Rb uptake confirmed that both rat Na,K and H,K pumps were functional in HeLa cells expressing rat colonic HKα₁/NKβ₁ and NKα₂/NKβ₂. Whole-cell patch-clamp measurements in HeLa cells expressing rat colonic HKα₁/NKβ₁ exposed to 100 nm PTX showed no significant increase of membrane current, and there was no membrane conductance increase in HeLa cells transfected with rat NKβ₁- or rat NKβ₂-subunit alone. However, in HeLa cells expressing rat NKα₂/NKβ₂, outward current was observed after pump activation by 20 mm K⁺ and a large membrane conductance increase occurred after 100 nm PTX. We conclude that nongastric H,K-ATPases are not sensitive to PTX when expressed in these cells, whereas PTX does act on Na,K-ATPase.     

Anion interactions with Na,K-ATPase: simultaneous binding of nitrate and eosin

Nucleotide binding affinity to Na,K-ATPase is reduced by a number of anions such as nitrate and perchlorate in comparison with affinity in the presence of chloride (all with sodium as the cation). The reduction correlates with the position of these anions in the Hofmeister series. Transient kinetic experiments using the fluorescent dye eosin—which binds to the nucleotide site of the Na,K-ATPase—show that simultaneous anion binding, exemplified with nitrate, and eosin binding is possible. The effect of nitrate on eosin binding is reflected in a decreased binding-rate constant and an increased dissociation rate constant, leading to a decreased equilibrium binding constant for eosin. Since eosin binding is analogous with nucleotide binding to Na,K-ATPase, the results suggest the simultaneous presence of nucleotide and anion binding sites.Abbreviations E₁ the protein conformation in Na⁺ - E₂ the enzyme conformation in K⁺ - Eo eosin (tetrabromofluorescein) - F fluorescence - I ionic strength - k_i rate constant - K_i equilibrium dissociation constant - K_i,0 equilibrium dissociation constant at zero ionic strength - N nitrate - z_i net charge - charge product z_i·z_j     

Activity and substrate specificity of the fatty alcohol oxidase of Candida tropicalis in organic solvents

Summary The alkane-induced, membrane-bound fatty alcohol oxidase of Candida tropicalis was functional with decanol as a model substrate in C₈ to C₁₂ alkanes and in cyclohexane. Optimal activity was with octane. Although some reaction took place without added water, 5–10% water gave optimal activity. A continuous spectrophotometric assay for following the enzyme activity in this system was developed. The enzyme, besides oxidizing primary long straight-chained alcohols, also oxidized long-chain diols, -hydroxy fatty acids, unsaturated fatty alcohols and branched-chained unsaturated fatty alcohols, although at diminished rates. Secondary alcohols or arylalkan-1-ols were not attacked. The K _m for dodecanol was some 5000-fold higher than the K _m for the same substrate when the reaction was carried out in water.     

Regulation by the exogenous polyamine spermidine of Na,K-ATPase activity from the gills of the euryhaline swimming crab Callinectes danae (Brachyura, Portunidae)

Euryhaline crustaceans rarely hyporegulates and employ the driving force of the Na,K-ATPase, located at the basal surface of the gill epithelium, to maintain their hemolymph osmolality within a range compatible with cell function during hyper-regulation. Since polyamine levels increase during the adaptation of crustaceans to hyperosmotic media, we investigate the effect of exogenous polyamines on Na,K-ATPase activity in the posterior gills of Callinectes danae, a euryhaline swimming crab. Polyamine inhibition was dependent on cation concentration, charge and size in the following order: spermine > spermidine > putrescine. Spermidine affected K_0.5 values for Na⁺ with minor alterations in K_0.5 values for K⁺ and NH₄⁺, causing a decrease in maximal velocities under saturating Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄⁺ concentrations. Phosphorylation measurements in the presence of 20 µM ATP revealed that the Na,K-ATPase possesses a high affinity site for this substrate. In the presence of 10 mM Na⁺, both spermidine and spermine inhibited formation of the phosphoenzyme; however, in the presence of 100 mM Na⁺, the addition of these polyamines allowed accumulation of the phosphoenzyme. The polyamines inhibited pumping activity, both by competing with Na⁺ at the Na⁺-binding site, and by inhibiting enzyme dephosphorylation. These findings suggest that polyamine-induced inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity may be physiologically relevant during migration to fully marine environments.     

Contributions of binding and catalytic rate constants to evolutionary modifications inKm of NADH for muscle-type (M4) lactate dehydrogenases

Summary The apparent Michaelis constant (K _m) of NADH for muscle-type (M₄ isozyme) lactate dehydrogenases (LDHs) is highest, at any given temperature of measurement, for LDHs of cold-adapted vertebrates (Table 1). However, these interspecific differences in theK _m of NADH are not due to variations in LDH-NADH binding affinity. Rather, theK _m differences result entirely from interspecific variation in the substrate turnover constant (k _cat) (Fig. 1; Table 2). This follows from the fact that theK _m of NADH is equal tok _cat divided by the on constant for NADH binding to LDH,k ₁, so that interspecific differences ink _cat, combined with identical values fork ₁ among different LDH reactions, make the magnitude of theK _m of NADH a function of substrate turnover number. The temperature dependence of theK _m of NADH for a single LDH homologue is the net result of temperature dependence of bothk _cat andk ₁ (Figs. 3 and 4). Temperature independentK _m values can result from simultaneous, and algebraically offsetting, increases ink _cat andk ₁ with rising temperature. Salt-induced changes in theK _m of NADH also may be due to simultaneous perturbation of bothk _cat andk ₁ (Table 3). These findings are discussed from the standpoint of the evolution of LDH kinetic properties, particularly the interspecific conservation of catalytic and regulatory functions, in differently-adapted species.     

Oxidative Stress (Glutathionylation) and Na,K-ATPase Activity in Rat Skeletal Muscle

Background

Changes in ion distribution across skeletal muscle membranes during muscle activity affect excitability and may impair force development. These changes are counteracted by the Na,K-ATPase. Regulation of the Na,K-ATPase is therefore important for skeletal muscle function. The present study investigated the presence of oxidative stress (glutathionylation) on the Na,K-ATPase in rat skeletal muscle membranes.

Results

Immunoprecipitation with an anti-glutathione antibody and subsequent immunodetection of Na,K-ATPase protein subunits demonstrated 9.0±1.3% and 4.1±1.0% glutathionylation of the α isoforms in oxidative and glycolytic skeletal muscle, respectively. In oxidative muscle, 20.0±6.1% of the β1 units were glutathionylated, whereas 14.8±2.8% of the β2-subunits appear to be glutathionylated in glycolytic muscle. Treatment with the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT, 1 mM) increased the in vitro maximal Na,K-ATPase activity by 19% (P<0.05) in membranes from glycolytic muscle. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG, 0–10 mM) increased the in vitro glutathionylation level detected with antibodies, and decreased the in vitro maximal Na,K-ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner, and with a larger effect in oxidative compared to glycolytic skeletal muscle.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the existence of basal glutathionylation of both the α and the β units of rat skeletal muscle Na,K-ATPase. In addition, the study suggests a negative correlation between glutathionylation levels and maximal Na,K-ATPase activity.

Perspective

Glutathionylation likely contributes to the complex regulation of Na,K-ATPase function in skeletal muscle. Especially, glutathionylation induced by oxidative stress may have a role in Na,K-ATPase regulation during prolonged muscle activity.