Kinetic mechanism of the endogenous lactate dehydrogenase activity of duck epsilon-crystallin

Initial velocity, product inhibition, and substrate inhibition studies suggest that the endogenous lactate dehydrogenase activity of duck epsilon-crystallin follows an order Bi-Bi sequential mechanism. In the forward reaction (pyruvate reduction), substrate inhibition by pyruvate was uncompetitive with inhibition constant of 6.7 +/- 1.7 mM. In the reverse reaction (lactate oxidation), substrate inhibition by L-lactate was uncompetitive with inhibition constant of 158 +/- 25 mM. The cause of these inhibitions may be due to epsilon-crystallin-NAD(+)-pyruvate and epsilon-crystallin-NADH-L-lactate abortive ternary complex formation as suggested by the multiple inhibition studies. Pyruvate binds to free enzyme very poorly, with a very large dissociation constant. Bromopyruvate, fluoropyruvate, pyruvate methyl ester, and pyruvate ethyl ester are alternative substrates for pyruvate. 3-Acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide 1,N6-ethenoadenine dinucleotide, and nicotinamide hypoxanthine dinucleotide serve as alternative coenzymes for epsilon-crystallin. All the above alternative substrates or coenzymes showed an intersecting initial-velocity pattern conforming to the order Bi--Bi kinetic mechanism. Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide, thionicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide acted as inhibitors for this enzymatic crystallin. The inhibitors were competitive versus NAD+ and noncompetitive versus L-lactate. alpha-NAD+ was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to the usual beta-NAD+. D-Lactate, tartronate, and oxamate were strong dead-end inhibitors for the lactate dehydrogenase activity of epsilon-crystallin. Both D-lactate and tartronate were competitive inhibitors versus L-lactate while oxamate was a competitive inhibitor versus pyruvate. We conclude that the structural requirements for the substrate and coenzyme of epsilon-crystallin are similar to those of other dehydrogenases and that the carboxamide carbonyl group of the nicotinamide moiety is important for the coenzyme activity.     

Yeast glutathione reductase. Steady-state kinetic studies of its transhydrogenase activity.

Yeast glutathione reductase catalyzes a pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase reaction using either NADPH or NADH as the electron donor and thionicotinamideadenine dinucleotide phosphate as the electron acceptor. Competitive substrate inhibition of the transhydrogenase reaction by NADPH (K_i = 11 μM) is observed when NADPH is the electron donor. Competitive substrate inhibition by thionicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (K_i = 58 μM) is observed with NADH as the electron donor. The turnover numbers of the two transhydrogenase reactions are similar and are equal to about 1% of the turnover number for the NADPH-dependent reduction of oxidized glutathione catalyzed by the enzyme. The transhydrogenase kinetics are analyzed in terms of a pingpong mechanism. It is concluded that the substrate inhibition results from formation of abortive complexes of NADPH with the reduced form of the enzyme and of thionicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate with the oxidized form of the enzyme. With NADPH as the electron donor, the apparent Michaelis constant for thionicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate is sensitive to the ionic composition of the assay medium. The data are interpreted to support the existence of a general pyridine nucleotide-binding site at the active site of the enzyme and separate from the binding site for oxidized glutathione.     

Purification and properties of the glutathione reductase of Chromatium vinosum.

The Chromatium vinosum glutathione reductase [NAD(P)H: glutathione disulfide oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.4.2] was purified to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme was found to require reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) as a reductant and to be specific for oxidized glutathione (GSSG). The polypeptide molecular weight in sodium dodecyl sulfate was found to be 52,000. Incubation of enzyme with NADH in the absence of GSSG resulted in a significant loss in activity. The enzyme was stimulated by phosphate and sulfate ion, but was inhibited by chloride ion, heavy metals, and sulfhydryl reagents. Adenylate nucleotides were inhibitory, and the data suggested that they were acting as competitive inhibitors of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). The Km values of 7 X 10-3 for GSSG and 6 X 10-5 M for NADH were the highest reported of any previously investigated glutathione reductase. The order of addition of components markedly affected the response of the enzyme to FAD. A requirement for FAD (Km 5.2 X 10-7 M) was seen if the enzyme was incubated with NADH prior to GSSG addition, whereas no FAD was required if the order was reversed.     

Kinetic mechanism of human glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase

Formaldehyde, a major industrial chemical, is classified as a carcinogen because of its high reactivity with DNA. It is inactivated by oxidative metabolism to formate in humans by glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase. This NAD(+)-dependent enzyme belongs to the family of zinc-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases with 40 kDa subunits and is also called ADH3 or chi-ADH. The first step in the reaction involves the nonenzymatic formation of the S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione adduct from formaldehyde and glutathione. When formaldehyde concentrations exceed that of glutathione, nonoxidizable adducts can be formed in vitro. The S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione adduct will be predominant in vivo, since circulating glutathione concentrations are reported to be 50 times that of formaldehyde in humans. Initial velocity, product inhibition, dead-end inhibition, and equilibrium binding studies indicate that the catalytic mechanism for oxidation of S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione and 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid (12-HDDA) with NAD(+) is random bi-bi. Formation of an E.NADH.12-HDDA abortive complex was evident from equilibrium binding studies, but no substrate inhibition was seen with 12-HDDA. 12-Oxododecanoic acid (12-ODDA) exhibited substrate inhibition, which is consistent with a preferred pathway for substrate addition in the reductive reaction and formation of an abortive E.NAD(+).12-ODDA complex. The random mechanism is consistent with the published three-dimensional structure of the formaldehyde dehydrogenase.NAD(+) complex, which exhibits a unique semi-open coenzyme-catalytic domain conformation where substrates can bind or dissociate in any order.     

Interactions of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate analogues and fragments with pigeon liver malic enzyme. Synergistic effect between the nicotinamide and adenine moieties.

The structural requirements of the NADP+ molecule as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation reaction catalysed by pigeon liver malic enzyme were studied by kinetic and fluorimetric analyses with various NADP+ analogues and fragments. The substrate L-malate had little effect on the nucleotide binding. Etheno-NADP+, 3-acetylpyridine-adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and nicotinamide-hypoxanthine dinucleotide phosphate act as alternative coenzymes for the enzyme. Their kinetic parameters were similar to that of NADP+. Thionicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate, 3-aminopyridine-adenine dinucleotide phosphate, 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide 3'-phosphate and NAD+ act as inhibitors for the enzyme. The first two were competitive with respect to NADP+ and non-competitive with respect to L-malate; the other inhibitors were non-competitive with NADP+. All NADP+ fragments were inhibitory to the enzyme, with a wide range of affinity, depending on the presence or absence of a 2'-phosphate group. Compounds with this group bind to the enzyme 2-3 orders of magnitude more tightly than those without this group. Only compounds with this group were competitive inhibitors with respect to NADP+. We conclude that the 2'-phosphate group is crucial for the nucleotide binding of this enzyme, whereas the carboxyamide carbonyl group of the nicotinamide moiety is important for the coenzyme activity. There is a strong synergistic effect between the binding of the nicotinamide and adenosine moieties of the nucleotide molecule.     

Multiple inhibition of glutathione S-transferase A from rat liver by glutathione derivatives: kinetic analysis supporting a steady-state random sequential mechanism.

Glutathione derivatives inhibit glutathione S-transferase A [cf. Biochem. J. (1975) 147, 513--522]. The steady-state kinetics of this inhibition have been investigated in detail by using S-octyglutathione, glutathione disulphide and S-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)glutathione: the last compound is a product of the enzyme-catalused reaction. Interpreted in terms of generalized denotations of inhibition patterns, the compounds were found to be competitive with the substrate glutathione. Double-inhibition experiments involving simultaneous use of two inhibitors indicated exclusive binding of the inhibitors to the enzyme. The discrimination between alternative rate equations has been based on the results of weighted non-linear regression analysis. The experimental error was determined by replicate measurements and was found to increase with velocity. The established error structure was used as a basis for weighting in the regression and to construct confidence levels for the judgement of goodness-of-fit of rate equations fitted to experimental data. The results obtained support a steady-state random model for the mechanism of action of glutathione S-transferase A and exclude a number of simple kinetic models.     

A 'branched' mechanism of the reverse reaction of yeast glutathione reductase. An estimation of the enzyme standard potential values from the steady-state kinetics data

The reduced glutathione-linked NADP+ reduction, catalyzed by yeast glutathione reductase, follows a 'sequential' or 'ping-pong' mechanism at high or low NADP+ concentrations, respectively. The pattern of the NADPH and NADP+ cross-inhibition reflects not only the competition for the binding site, but the shift of the reaction equilibrium as well. A 'branched' scheme of the glutathione reductase reaction is presented. The enzyme standard potential (-255 mV, pH 7.0) was estimated from the ratio of the NADPH and NADP+ rate constants corresponding to the ping-pong mechanism.     

Substrate specificity of bovine liver formaldehyde dehydrogenase

Formaldehyde dehydrogenases isolated from several different biological sources have been reported to catalyze the NAD+-dependent oxidative acylation of glutathione by methylglyoxal to form S-pyruvylglutathione, suggesting the involvement of this enzyme in the metabolism of methylglyoxal. However, formaldehyde dehydrogenase from bovine liver is found not to use methylglyoxal or related alpha-ketoaldehydes as substrates. Using methylglyoxal with the enzyme under conditions favoring the forward reaction did not result in the formation of S-pyruvylglutathione. Using independently synthesized S-pyruvylglutathione with the enzyme under conditions favoring the reverse reaction did not result in the production of methylglyoxal. In addition, methylglyoxal and several related alpha-ketoaldehydes did not exhibit detectable activity with formaldehyde dehydrogenase partially purified from human liver, contrary to a previous report. Some, if not all, past reports that methylglyoxal serves as a substrate for the dehydrogenase may be due to the demonstrated presence of contaminating formaldehyde in some commercially available preparations of methylglyoxal. In a related study, S-hydroxymethylglutathione, formed by pre-equilibrium addition of formaldehyde to glutathione, is concluded to be direct substrate for the dehydrogenase. This follows from the observation that the catalytic turnover number of the enzyme in the forward direction exceeds by a factor of approximately 20 the first order rate constant for decomposition of S-hydroxymethylglutathione to glutathione and formaldehyde (k = 5.03 +/- 0.30 min-1, pH 8, 25 degrees C).     

Steady-state kinetics of formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase from a methanol-utilizing yeast, Candida boidinii.

Initial velocity studies and product inhibition studies were conducted for the forward and reverse reactions of formaldehyde dehydrogenase (formaldehyde: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.1.1) isolated from a methanol-utilizing yeast Candida boidinii. The data were consistent with an ordered Bi-Bi mechanism for this reaction in which NAD+ is bound first to the enzyme and NADH released last. Kinetic studies indicated that the nucleoside phosphates ATP, ADP and AMP are competitive inhibitors with respect to NAD and noncompetitive inhibitors with respect to S-hydroxymethylglutathione. The inhibitions of the enzyme activity by ATP and ADP are greater at pH 6.0 and 6.5 than at neutral or alkaline pH values. The kinetic studies of formate dehydrogenase (formate:NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.1.2) from the methanol grown C. boidinii suggested also an ordered Bi-Bi mechanism with NAD being the first substrate and NADH the last product. Formate dehydrogenase the last enzyme of the dissimilatory pathway of the methanol metabolism is also inhibited by adenosine phosphates. Since the intracellular concentrations of NADH and ATP are in the range of the Ki values for formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase the activities of these main enzymes of the dissimilatory pathway of methanol metabolism in this yeast may be regulated by these compounds.     

Kinetic studies of the reduction of yeast glutathione reductase by reduced nicotinamide hypoxanthine dinucleotide phosphate

The reduction of yeast glutathione reductase by reduced nicotinamide hypoxanthine dinucleotide phosphate (NHxDPH) has been examined by stopped-flow kinetic methods. Like reduced glutathione or NADPH, this pyridine nucleotide generates the catalytically active two-electron reduced form of the enzyme. This reductive half-reaction with NHxDPH has only one detectable kinetic step which shows saturation kinetics (Kd = 76 microM), and has a limiting rate constant of 56 s-1. Comparison of stopped-flow and steady-state turnover data indicates that the reductive half-reaction is rate-limiting in the overall catalytic reaction. No evidence was found for a preequilibrium charge-transfer complex between NHxDPH and the active site FAD, like that seen when NADPH is the electron donor.     

A new approach for dynamics of enzyme-catalyzed glutathione conjugation by electrospray quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The dynamics of enzyme-catalyzed glutathione conjugation was studied by electrospray quadrupole/time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry with a nanospray interface. After incubation of human glutathione S-transferase A1-1 (GT) with glutathione (GSH) and an electrophilic substrate, electrospray indicated the presence of enzyme/product adducts such as [2GT + product], [2GT + GSH' + product], and [2GT + 2 products] as well as [2GT] and [2GT + GSH']. The relative abundance of GT/product adduct ions increased with incubation time. The wide m/z range of detection (m/z 300-5000) allowed the observation of product, suggested to be released from enzyme/product adducts, in the same mass spectrum. The noncovalent complexes of GT/product were completely replaced by GT/inhibitor complexes following the addition of GT inhibitor to the incubation mixture. Furthermore, a collision-activated decomposition analysis of these ion species provided us with useful information to interpret or identify ion species. The results suggest that electrospray Q-TOF mass spectrometry is a powerful approach for studying the dynamics of the enzyme reaction as well as the structure of enzyme complexes at high sensitivity.     

Spectroscopic and kinetic characterization of nonenzymic and aldose reductase mediated covalent NADP-glycolaldehyde adduct formation

Reaction of glycolaldehyde with the binary E-NADP complex of bovine kidney aldose reductase (ALR2) produces an enzyme-bound chromophore whose absorbance (lambd max 341 nm) and fluorescence (lambda ex max 341 nm; lambda emit max 421 nm) properties are distinct from those of NADPH or E.NADPH yet are consistent with the proposed covalent adduct structure [1,4-dihydro-4-(1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate]. The kinetics of adduct formation, both in solution and at the enzyme active site, support a mechanism involving rate-determining enolization of glycolaldehyde at high [NADP+] or [E.NADP]. At low [NADP+] or [E.NADP] the reaction is second-order overall, but the ALR2-mediated reaction displays saturation by glycolaldehyde due to competition of the aldehyde (plus hydrate) and enol for E.NADP. Measurement of the pre-steady-state burst of E-adduct formation confirms that glycolaldehyde enol is the reactive species and gives a value of 1.3 x 10(-6) for Kenol = [enol]/[( aldehyde] + [hydrate]), similar to that determined by trapping the enol with I3-. At the ALR2 active site, the rate of adduct formation is enhanced 79,000-fold and the adduct is stabilized greater than or equal to 13,000-fold relative to the reaction with NADP+ in solution. A portion of this enhancement is ascribed to specific interaction of NADP+ with the enzyme since the 3-acetylpyridine analogue, (AP)ADP+, gives values that are 15-200-fold lower. Additional evidence for strong interaction of ALR2 with both NADP+ and NADPH is reported. Yet, because dissociation of adduct is slow, catalysis of the overall adduct formation reaction by ALR2 is less than or equal to 67-fold.     

Formaldehyde metabolism by Escherichia coli. Detection by in vivo 13C NMR spectroscopy of S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione as a transient intracellular intermediate

In vivo 13C NMR has been used to detect the transient formation of S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione (GSCH2OH) from glutathione and [13C]formaldehyde in Escherichia coli. Two-dimensional 1H-13C shift correlation was used to locate the chemical shift of the formaldehyde-derived protons of the adduct. The adduct GSCH2OH is formed by chemical reaction in the first few minutes after cells are challenged with formaldehyde and remains within the cell until consumed by metabolism.     

Inhibition of the oxidation of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde by hepatocytes and mitochondria by crotonaldehyde

Crotonaldehyde was oxidized by disrupted rat liver mitochondrial fractions or by intact mitochondria at rates that were only 10 to 15% that of acetaldehyde. Although a poor substrate for oxidation, crotonaldehyde is an effective inhibitor of the oxidation of acetaldehyde by mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, by intact mitochondria, and by isolated hepatocytes. Inhibition by crotonaldehyde was competitive with respect to acetaldehyde, and the Ki for crotonaldehyde was about 5 to 20 microM. Crotonaldehyde had no effect on the oxidation of glutamate or succinate. Very low levels of acetaldehyde were detected during the metabolism of ethanol. Crotonaldehyde increased the accumulation of acetaldehyde more than 10-fold, indicating that crotonaldehyde, besides inhibiting the oxidation of added acetaldehyde, also inhibited the oxidation of acetaldehyde generated by the metabolism of ethanol. Formaldehyde was a substrate for the low-Km mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, as well as for a cytosolic, glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase. Crotonaldehyde was a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidation of formaldehyde, but had no effect on the activity of formaldehyde dehydrogenase. In hepatocytes, crotonaldehyde produced about 30 to 40% inhibition of formaldehyde oxidation, which was similar to the inhibition produced by cyanamide. This suggested that part of the formaldehyde oxidation occurred via the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, and part via formaldehyde dehydrogenase. The fact that inhibition by crotonaldehyde is competitive may be of value since other commonly used inhibitors of aldehyde dehydrogenase are irreversible inhibitors of the enzyme.     

Bovine liver formaldehyde dehydrogenase. Kinetic and molecular properties

The dimeric formaldehyde dehydrogenase from bovine liver has been resolved into three nearly homogeneous enzyme forms by the successive use of ion-exchange, affinity, and ampholine (chromatofocusing) chromatography. The different enzyme species were isolated in the approximate proportions 3:2:1, having pI values of 6.5, 6.2, and 6.0, respectively. The subunit molecular weights of the three forms are all similar (Mr congruent to 41,000), on the basis of sodium dodecyl sulfategel electrophoresis. The enzyme species appear to arise from covalent differences unrelated either to partial proteolysis during isolation or to differential sialization of homodimeric protein. Human liver contains a single major form and two minor forms of formaldehyde dehydrogenase having pI values very similar to those found for the bovine liver enzyme. The macroscopic kinetic constants (V, V/K) for the three forms of the dehydrogenase from bovine liver are all similar in magnitude, using NADH and S-hydroxymethylglutathione as substrates. The isotope-sensitive hydride transfer step is not significantly rate-limiting during catalysis by any of the forms, as evidenced by the near-unity primary deuterium isotope effects on both V and V/KS (for S-hydroxymethylglutathione); catalysis may be limited by the rate of dissociation of at least one (and possibly both) of the product molecules. In support of rate-limiting dissociation of NAD+ in the normal reaction, V increases by approximately 22-fold and isotope effects of approximately 1.4 are observed on both V and V/KS, using the coenzyme analog 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide. Product dissociation from the active site appears to be accelerated by the presence of dilute denaturing agents, perhaps indicative of a rate-limiting conformational transition associated with product release.     

Periodate-oxidized 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate as a fluorescent affinity label for pigeon liver malic enzyme

Treatment of 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate with sodium periodate resulted in oxidation of the ribose linked to 3-aminopyridine ring and cleavage of the dinucleotide into 3-aminopyridine and adenosine moieties. These two moieties were separated by thin layer chromatography and were synergistically bound to pigeon liver malic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.40), causing inactivation of the enzyme. The inactivation showed saturation kinetics. The apparent binding constant for the reversible enzyme-reagent binary complex (KI) and the maximum inactivation rate constant at saturating reagent concentration (kmax) were found to be 1.1 +/- 0.02 mM and 0.068 +/- 0.001 min-1, respectively. L-Malate at low concentration enhanced the inactivation rate by lowering the KI value whereas high malate concentration increased the kmax. Mn2+ or NADP+ partially protected the enzyme from the inactivation and gave additive protection when used together. L-Malate eliminated the protective effect of NADP+ or Mn2+. Maximum and synergistic protection was afforded by NADP+, Mn2+ plus L-malate (or tartronate). Oxidized and cleaved 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate was also found to be a competitive inhibitor versus NADP+ in the oxidative decarboxylation reaction catalyzed by malic enzyme with a Ki value of 4.1 +/- 0.1 microM. 3-Aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate or its periodate-oxidized cleaved products bound to the enzyme anticooperatively. Oxidized 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate labeled the nucleotide binding site of the enzyme with a fluorescent probe which may be readily traced or quantified. The completely inactivated enzyme incorporated 2 mol of reagent/mol of enzyme tetramer. The inactivation was partially reversible by dilution and could be made irreversible by treating the modified enzyme with sodium borohydride. This fluorescent compound and its counterpart-oxidized 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide may be a potential affinity label for all other NAD(P)+-dependent dehydrogenases.     

Role of the N-terminus of glutathione in the action of yeast glyoxalase I.

A number of S-substituted glutathiones and the corresponding N-substituted S-substituted analogues have been found to be linear competitive inhibitors of yeast glyoxalase I at 26 degrees C over the pH range 4.6-8.5. N-Acetylation of S-(p-bromobenzyl)glutathione weakens binding by 13.7-fold. N-benzoylation by 25.6-fold, N-trimethylacetylation by 53.3-fold and N-carbobenzoxylation by 7.8-fold, indicating a minor steric component in the binding at the N-site. The Ki-weakening effect of N-substitution of glutathione depends on the chemical nature of the S-substituent, indicating flexibility in the glutathione and/or glyoxalase I contributions to the binding site for glutathione derivatives. The effect of N-acylation on Ki is in accord with a charge interaction of the free enzyme with S-blocked glutathione in a region of reasonably high dielectric constant. There is a slight pH effect on Ki for S-(m-trifluoromethylbenzyl)glutathione but not for S-(p-bromobenzyl)glutathione.     

Purification and characterization of two glutathione S-aryltransferase activities from rat liver.

Two forms of glutathione S-aryltransferase were purified from rat liver. The only differences noted between the two forms were in the chromatographic and electrophoretic properties, which permitted the separation of the two species. The molecular weights of the enzyme and its subunits were estimated as about 50000 and 23000 respectively. The steady-state kinetics did no follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics when one substrate concentration was kept constant while the second substrate concentration was varied. Several S-substituted GSH derivatives were tested as inhibitors of the enzymic reaction. The enzyme was inactivated by thiol-group reagents.     

Purification and properties of formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii.

Formaldehyde hydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase were purified 130-fold and 19-fold respectively from Candida boidinii grown on methanol. The final enzyme preparations were homogenous as judged by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and by sedimentation in an ultracentrifuge. The molecular weights of the enzymes were determined by sedimentation equilibrium studies and calculated as 80000 and 74000 respectively. Dissociation into subunits was observed by treatment with sodium dodecylsulfate. The molecular weights of the polypeptide chains were estimated to be 40000 and 36000 respectively. The NAD-linked formaldehyde dehydrogenase specifically requires reduced glutathione for activity. Besides formaldehyde only methylglyoxal served as a substrate but no other aldehyde tested. The Km values were found to be 0.25 mM for formaldehyde, 1.2 mM for methylglyoxal, 0.09 mM for NAD and 0.13 mM for glutathione. Evidence is presented which demonstrates that the reaction product of the formaldehyde-dehydrogenase-catalyzed oxidation of formaldehyde is S-formylglutathione rather than formate. The NAD-linked formate dehydrogenase catalyzes specifically the oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide. The Km values were found to be 13 mM for formate and 0.09 mM for NAD.     

Interaction of nitrofurans with glutathione reductase

Nitrofurans inhibit the oxidation of NADPH by glutathione, catalyzed by yeast glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2). acting as uncompetitive incomplete inhibitors for NADPH and glutathione. The quinoline-substituted nitrofurans were the most effective inhibitors. These compounds increased the turnover numbers of enzyme at fixed concentrations of reduced glutathione, in the reverse reaction of glutathione reductase, but in most cases diminished the affinity of the enzyme for NAD+. Nitrofurans are weak one-electron oxidants of glutathione reductase. Their reactivity is close to that of p-quinones possessing the analoguous one-electron reduction potential (Cénas, N.K., Rakauskiené, G.A. and Kulys, J.J. (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 973, 399-404), and reaction is stimulated by NADP+. It is assumed, that nitrofurans bind to the 'regulative' site of glutathione reductase (Karplus, P.A., Pai, E.F. and Schulz, G.E. (1989) Eur. J. Biochem. 178, 693-703).