Interaction of sodium and potassium ions with Na+,K(+)-ATPase. IV. Affinity change for K+ and Na+ of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in the cycle of the ATP hydrolysis reaction

The Kd for ouabain-sensitive K+ or Rb+ binding to Na+,K(+)-ATPase was determined by the centrifugation method with radioactive K+ and Rb+ in the presence of various combinations of Na+, ATP, adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMPPNP), adenylyl-(beta,gamma-methylene)diphosphonate (AMPPCP), Pi, and Mg2+. From the results of the K+ binding experiments, Kd for Na+ was estimated by using an equation describing the competitive inhibition between the K+ and Na+ binding. 1) The Kd for K+ binding was 1.9 microM when no ligand was present. Addition of 2 mM Mg2+ increased the Kd to 15-17 microM. In the presence of 2 mM Mg2+, addition of 3 mM AMPPCP with or without 3 mM Na+ increased the Kd to 1,000 or 26 microM, respectively. These Kds correspond to those for K+ of Na.E1.AMPPCPMg or E1.AMPPCPMg, respectively. 2) Addition of 4 mM ATP with or without 3 mM Na+ decreased the Kd from 15-17 microM to 5 or 0.8 microM, respectively. Because the phosphorylated intermediate was observed but ATPase activity was scarcely observed in the K+ binding medium containing 3 mM ATP and 2 mM Mg2+ in the absence of Na+ as well as in the presence of Na+ at 0 degrees C, it is suggested that K+ binds to E2-P.Mg under these ligand conditions. 3) The Kd for Na+ of the enzyme in the presence of 3 mM AMPPCP or 4 mM ATP with Mg2+ was estimated to be 80 or 570 microM, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Dissociation of Na+,K+-ATPase inhibition from digitalis inotropy.

Recent findings from our laboratory as well as those of other laboratories do not support the postulation that the mechanism of the positive inotropic action of digitalis is due to inhibition of NA,K-ATPase. Using short-acting digitalis steroids and drug washout experiments, in isolated myocardial preparations, it has been demonstrated that Na,K-ATPase isolated from such preparations is still significantly inhibited, whereas the positive inotropic effect is no longer present. Also, based on kinetic measurements the two exponential rate constants observed for drug half-life, a rapid and slow phase, were found to be associated, respectively, with the very short inotropic half-life and the very long enzyme inhibition half-life. In addition, a dissociation of the transient inotropic effects of digitalis was observed from the long lasting cardiotoxic effects of digitalis during drug washout. Moreover, a temporal correlation was noted between the persistent inhibitory effects of digitalis on Na,K-ATPase and the persistent cardiotoxic effects of digitalis. Therefore, it is concluded that inhibition of Na,K-ATPase is not responsible for the positive inotropic action of digitalis, but may be the mechanism, at least in part, for certain cardiotoxic effects of digitalis.     

Further characterization of cardiodigin, Na+, K+-ATPase inhibitor extracted from mammalian tissues

This study was undertaken to characterize endogenous digitalis-like activity in water extract from mammalian tissues. Prepurified samples obtained from guinea-pig heart were analysed by reverse-phase HPLC using an acetonitrile gradient. The eluent was assayed for its activity as inhibitor of human heart Na+, K+-ATPase and digoxin-like immunoreactivity. Both activities were recovered in the same fraction after two successive chromatographic steps. These results provide further evidence for the presence of an endogenous digitalis-like factor, cardiodigin, in mammalian heart.     

Investigations of alkaline phosphatase Ca+2-ATPase and Na+, K+-ATPase during beta-APN-induced initial bone mineralization inhibition

Tibias of 6-day-old white Leghorn chick embryos treated with beta-aminopropionitrile (beta-APN; 0.1 mg/egg/day) for 4 days and injected with 3H-proline or 3H-tetracycline on the 11th day were analyzed for incorporation of 3H-proline and 3H-tetracycline. The incorporation of 3H-proline was comparable in the controls and beta-APN-treated embryos. However, the incorporation of 3H-tetracycline was significantly lower in beta-APN-treated embryos. The bone ash contents were also lower in the latter group. Alkaline phosphatase and Ca+2-ATPase were found to be significantly lower in beta-APN-treated embryonic bones. There was, however, no difference in the activity of Na+, K+-ATPase. The histochemical examination showed the alkaline phosphatase to be present on osteoblasts and matrix vesicle plasma membranes at the periosteal surface. The chick embryonic liver tissue showed no significant differences in the activities of any of the above enzymes. The results suggest that beta-APN-induced inhibition of the bone mineralization may be due to the bone-specific inhibition of alkaline phosphatase and Ca+2-ATPase.     

Immunological relatedness of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and the Na+,K(+)-ATPase.

The effect of anti-ATPase antibodies with epitopes near Asp-351 (PR-8), Lys-515 (PR-11) and the ATP binding domain (D12) of the Ca(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum (EC 3.6.1.38) was analyzed. The PR-8 and D12 antibodies reacted freely with the Ca(2+)-ATPase in the native membrane, indicating that their epitopes are exposed on the cytoplasmic surface. Both PR-8 and D12 interfered with the crystallization of the Ca(2+)-ATPase, suggesting that their binding sites are at interfaces between ATPase molecules. PR-11 had no effect on ATPase-ATPase interactions or on the ATPase activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum. The epitope of PR-11 is suggested to be the VIDRC sequence at residues 520-525, while that of D12 at residues 670-720 of the Ca(2+)-ATPase. The use of predictive algorithms of antigenicity for identification of potential antigenic determinants in the Ca(2+)-ATPase is analyzed.     

Evidence for Na(+) influx via the NtpJ protein of the KtrII K(+) uptake system in Enterococcus hirae

The ntpJ gene, a cistron located at the tail end of the vacuolar-type Na(+)-ATPase (ntp) operon of Enterococcus hirae, encodes a transporter of the KtrII K(+) uptake system. We found that K(+) accumulation in the ntpJ-disrupted mutant JEM2 was markedly enhanced by addition of valinomycin at pH 10. Studies of the membrane potential (DeltaPsi; inside negative) by 3, 3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide fluorescence revealed that the DeltaPsi was hyperpolarized at pH 10 in JEM2; the DeltaPsi values of the parent strain ATCC 9790 and JEM2, estimated by determining the equilibrium distribution of K(+) or Rb(+) in the presence of valinomycin, were -118 and -160 mV, respectively. DeltaPsi generation at pH 10 was accomplished by an electrogenic Na(+) efflux via the Na(+)-ATPase, whose levels in the two strains were quite similar. Na(+) uptake driven by an artificially imposed DeltaPsi (inside negative) was missing in JEM2, suggesting that NtpJ mediates Na(+) movement in addition to K(+) movement. Finally, the growth of JEM2 arrested in K(+)-limited high-Na(+) medium at pH 10 was restored by addition of valinomycin. These results suggest that NtpJ mediates electrogenic transport of K(+) as well as Na(+), that it likely mediates K(+) and Na(+) cotransport, and that Na(+) movement via NtpJ is the major Na(+) reentry pathway at high pH values.     

Microscopical methods for the localization of Na+,K+-ATPase

Summary Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase plays a central role in the ionic and osmotic homeostasis of cells and in the movements of electrolytes and water across epithelial boundaries. Microscopic localization of the enzyme is, therefore, of crucial importance in establishing the subcellular routes of electrolyte flow across structurally complex and functionally polarized epithelia. Recently developed approaches to the localization of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase are reviewed. These methods rely on different properties of the enzyme and encompass cytochemical localization of the K⁺-dependent nitrophenylphosphatase component of the enzyme, autoradiographic localization of tritiated ouabain binding sites, and immunocytochemical localization of the holoenzyme and of its catalytic subunit. The rationales for each of these techniques are outlined as are the critieria that have been established to validate each method. The observed localization of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in various tissues is discussed, particularly as it relates to putative and hypothetical mechanisms that are currently thought to mediate reabsorptive and secretory electrolyte transport.     

Vasoconstriction triggered by hydrogen sulfide: Evidence for Na+,K+,2Cl-cotransport and L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated pathway

ObjectivesThis study examined the dose-dependent actions of hydrogen sulfide donor sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) on isometric contractions and ion transport in rat aorta smooth muscle cells (SMC).MethodsIsometric contraction was measured in ring aortas segments from male Wistar rats. Activity of Na⁺/K⁺-pump and Na⁺,K⁺,2Cl^-cotransport was measured in cultured endothelial and smooth muscle cells from the rat aorta as ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-resistant, bumetanide-sensitive components of the ⁸⁶Rb influx, respectively.ResultsNaHS exhibited the bimodal action on contractions triggered by modest depolarization ([K⁺]_o=30 mM). At 10^?4 M, NaHS augmented contractions of intact and endothelium-denuded strips by ~ 15% and 25%, respectively, whereas at concentration of 10^?3 M it decreased contractile responses by more than two-fold. Contractions evoked by 10^?4 M NaHS were completely abolished by bumetanide, a potent inhibitor of Na⁺,K⁺,2Cl^-cotransport, whereas the inhibition seen at 10^?3 M NaHS was suppressed in the presence of K⁺ channel blocker TEA. In cultured SMC, 5×10^?5 M NaHS increased Na⁺,K⁺,2Cl^- - cotransport without any effect on the activity of this carrier in endothelial cells. In depolarized SMC, ⁴⁵Ca influx was enhanced in the presence of 10^?4 M NaHS and suppressed under elevation of [NaHS] up to 10^?3 M. ⁴⁵Ca influx triggered by 10^?4 M NaHS was abolished by bumetanide and L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker nicardipine.ConclusionsOur results strongly suggest that contractions of rat aortic rings triggered by low doses of NaHS are mediated by activation of Na⁺,K⁺,2Cl^-cotransport and Ca²⁺ influx via L-type channels.     

Tributyltin increases cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in thymocytes by mobilizing intracellular Ca2+, activating a Ca2+ entry pathway, and inhibiting Ca2+ efflux.

The immunotoxic environmental pollutant tri-n-butyltin (TBT) kills thymocytes by apoptosis through a mechanism that requires an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The addition of TBT (EC50 = 2 microM) to fura-2-loaded rat thymocytes resulted in a rapid and sustained increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) to greater than 1 microM. In nominally Ca(2+)-free medium, TBT slightly but consistently increased thymocyte [Ca2+]i by about 0.11 microM. The subsequent restoration of CaCl2 to the medium resulted in a sustained overshoot in [Ca2+]i; similarly, the addition of MnCl2 produced a rapid decrease in the intracellular fura-2 fluorescence in thymocytes exposed to TBT. The rates of Ca2+ and Mn2+ entry stimulated by TBT were essentially identical to the rates stimulated by 2,5-di-(tert.-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBuBHQ), which has previously been shown to empty the agonist-sensitive endoplasmic reticular Ca2+ store and to stimulate subsequent Ca2+ influx by a capacitative mechanism. The addition of excess [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid to thymocytes produced a rapid return to basal [Ca2+]i after tBuBHQ treatment but a similar rapid return to basal [Ca2+]i was not observed after TBT treatment. In addition, TBT produced a marked inhibition of both Ca2+ efflux from the cells and the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. Also, TBT treatment resulted in a rapid decrease in thymocyte ATP level. Taken together, our results show that TBT increases [Ca2+]i in thymocytes by the combination of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, stimulation of Ca2+ entry, and inhibition of the Ca2+ efflux process. Furthermore, the ability of TBT to apparently mobilize the tBuBHQ-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ store followed by Ca2+ and Mn2+ entry suggests that the TBT-induced [Ca2+]i increase involves a capacitative type of Ca2+ entry.     

Potassium ion influx and Na+,K+-ATPase activity are required for the hamster sperm acrosome reaction

The role of a K+ ion influx and Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the hamster sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was examined, using a range of concentrations of K+,K+ ionophores and a Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor. Washed epididymal hamster sperm, capacitated in vitro in an artificial medium containing 2 mM Ca2+, 147 mM Na+, and 3, 6, 12, 18, or 24 mM K+, began undergoing the AR after 3 h of incubation. Sperm incubated in low K+ (0.9 mM) failed to undergo the AR even after 5 h of incubation. Sperm in 0.9 mM K+ could be induced to undergo the AR when either K+ (12 mM) alone or K+ (12 mM) with 0.1 microM nigericin was added after 3.5 h of incubation. The addition of K+ alone stimulated the AR in 30 min, whereas nigericin plus K+ stimulated the AR 15 min after addition. Neither nigericin added alone (0.9 mM K+) nor nigericin plus 12 mM K+ added to a low Ca2+ (0.35 mM) system resulted in acrosome reactions. Valinomycin (1 nM) did not stimulate the AR when added together with K+ (3-24 mM) to sperm incubated in 0.9 mM K+ for 3.5 h but markedly decreased sperm motility. Micromolar levels of ouabain blocked the AR when added between t = 0--3 h to sperm incubated with 3-24 mM K+. Inhibition of AR by the addition of 1 microM ouabain to sperm incubated with 3 mM K+ was completely reversed by the addition of 0.1 microM nigericin at t = 3.5 h. These results suggest that Na+,K+-ATPase activity and the resulting K+ influx are important for the mammalian sperm AR. Some similarities between requirements for the hamster sperm AR and secretory granule exocytosis are discussed.     

Digitalis sensitivity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase, myocytes and the heart.

Cardiac Na+,K(+)-ATPase, the receptor molecule for digitalis glycosides, have isoforms with different intrinsic affinities for the glycosides. Expression of these isoforms are under developmental and hormonal regulation. Switching in isoforms to those with lower intrinsic affinity may decrease digitalis sensitivity of the heart. In addition to the intrinsic affinity of the cardiac Na+,K(+)-ATPase for the glycoside, increases in the rate of Na+ influx and decreases in extracellular K+ concentrations increase glycoside sensitivity of the heart and also reduces the margin of safety by reducing reserve capacity of the sodium pump. Reserve capacity of the sodium pump is also reduced by pathological conditions or aging, resulting in reduced margin of safety for the glycoside. Events that follow sodium pump inhibition also affect sensitivity of the heart to digitalis toxicity. These are hypercalcemia and magnesium depletion. It is now feasible to predict digitalis sensitivity of the heart, not empirically but based on the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the positive inotropic and toxic actions of the glycoside.     

ADP evokes biphasic Ca2+ influx in fura-2-loaded human platelets. Evidence for Ca2+ entry regulated by the intracellular Ca2+ store.

Stopped-flow fluorimetric studies at 37 degrees C have shown that ADP, at optimal concentrations, can evoke Ca2+ or Mn2+ influx in fura-2-loaded human platelets without measurable delay. In contrast, the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is delayed in onset by about 200 ms. By working at a lower temperature, 17 degrees C, we have now shown that the rise in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) evoked by ADP in the presence of external Ca2+ is biphasic. The use of Mn2+ as a tracer for bivalent-cation entry indicates that both phases of the ADP-evoked response are associated with influx. The fast phase of the ADP-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i, which occurs without measurable delay at both 17 degrees C and 37 degrees C, is consistent with Ca2+ entry mediated by receptor-operated channels in the plasma membrane. The delayed phase, indicated by Mn2+ quench, is coincident with the discharge of the intracellular Ca2+ stores. Forskolin did not inhibit the fast phases of ADP-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i or Mn2+ quench, but completely abolished ADP-evoked discharge of the intracellular stores, the delayed phase of the rise in [Ca2+]i observed in the presence of external Ca2+ and the second phase of Mn2+ quench. The timing of the delayed event appears to be modulated by [Ca2+]i: the delayed phase of Mn2+ quench coincides with discharge of the intracellular stores in the absence of added Ca2+, but with the second phase of the ADP-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Similarly, blockade of the early phase of Ca2+ entry by SK&F 96365 further delays the second phase. It is suggested that a pathway for Ca2+ entry which is regulated by the intracellular Ca2+ store exists in platelets. This pathway operates alongside, and appears to be modulated by the activity of other routes for Ca2+ entry into the cytosol.     

Phosphorylation of Na+, K(+)-ATPase by ATP in the presence of K+ and dimethylsulfoxide but in the absence of Na+

Purified Na+, K(+)-ATPase was phosphorylated by [gamma-32P]ATP in a medium containing dimethylsulfoxide and 5 mM Mg2+ in the absence of Na+ and K+. Addition of K+ increased the phosphorylation levels from 0.4 nmol phosphoenzyme/mg of protein in the absence of K+ to 1.0 nmol phosphoenzyme/mg of protein in the presence of 0.5 mM K+. Higher velocities of enzyme phosphorylation were observed in the presence of 0.5 mM K+. Increasing K+ concentrations up to 100 mM lead to a progressive decrease in the phosphoenzyme (EP) levels. Control experiments, that were performed to determine the contribution to EP formation from the Pi inevitably present in the assays, showed that this contribution was of minor importance except at high (20-100 mM) KCl concentrations. The pattern of EP formation and its KCl dependence is thus characteristic for the phosphorylation of the enzyme by ATP. In the absence of Na+ and with 0.5 mM K+, optimal levels (1.0 nmol EP/mg of protein) were observed at 20-40% dimethylsulfoxide and pH 6.0 to 7.5. Addition of Na+ up to 5 mM has no effect on the phosphoenzyme level under these conditions. At 100 mM Na+ or higher the full capacity of enzyme phosphorylation (2.2 nmol EP/mg of protein) was reached. Phosphoenzyme formed from ATP in the absence of Na+ is an acylphosphate-type compound as shown by its hydroxylamine sensitivity. The phosphate radioactivity was incorporated into the alpha-subunit of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase as demonstrated by acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography.     

Protective effect of L-cysteine and glutathione on rat brain Na+,K+-ATPase inhibition induced by free radicals

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the preincubation of brain homogenates with L-phenylalanine (Phe), L-cysteine (Cys) or reduced glutathione (GSH) could reverse the free radical effects on Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Two well established systems were used for the production of free radicals: 1) FeSO4 (84 microM) plus ascorbic acid (400 microM) and 2) FeSO4, ascorbic acid and H2O2 (1 mM) for 10 min at 37 degrees C in homogenates of adult rat whole brain. Changes in brain Na+,K+-ATPase activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) were studied in the presence of each system separately, with or without Phe, Cys or GSH. TAS value reflects the amount of free radicals and the capacity of the antioxidant enzymes to limit the free radicals in the homogenate. Na+,K+-ATPase was inhibited by 35-50% and TAS value was decreased by 50-60% by both systems of free radical production. The enzymatic inhibition was completely reversed and TAS value increased by 150-180% when brain homogenates were preincubated with 0.83 mM Cys or GSH. However, this Na+,K+-ATPase inhibition was not affected by 1.80 mM Phe, which produced a 45-50% increase in TAS value. It is suggested that the antioxidant action of Cys and GSH may be due to the binding of free radicals to sulfhydryl groups of the molecule, so that free radicals cannot induce Na+,K+-ATPase inhibition. Moreover, Cys and GSH could regulate towards normal values the neural excitability and metabolic energy production, which may be disturbed by free radical action on Na+,K+-ATPase.     

Uncoupling of ATP binding to Na+,K+-ATPase from its stimulation of ouabain binding: studies of the inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase by a monoclonal antibody

The effects of a monoclonal antibody, prepared against the purified lamb kidney Na+,K+-ATPase, on the enzyme's Na+,K+-dependent ATPase activity were analyzed. This antibody, designated M10-P5-C11, is directed against the catalytic subunit of the "native" holoenzyme. It inhibits greater than 90% of the ATPase activity and acts as a noncompetitive or mixed inhibitor with respect to the ATP, Na+, and K+ dependence of enzyme activity. It inhibits the Na+- and Mg2+ATP-dependent phosphoenzyme intermediate formation. In contrast, it has no effect on K+-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPPase) activity, the interconversion of the phosphoenzyme intermediates, and ADP-sensitive or K+-dependent dephosphorylation. It does not alter ATP binding to the enzyme nor the covalent labeling of the enzyme at the presumed ATP site by fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate (FITC), but it prevents the ATP-induced stimulation in the rate of cardiac glycoside [3H]ouabain binding to the Na+,K+-ATPase. M10-P5-C11 binding appears to inhibit enzyme function by blocking the transfer of the gamma-phosphoryl of ATP to the phosphorylation site after ATP binding to the enzyme has occurred. In the presence of Mg2+ATP, it also prevents the ATP-induced transmembrane conformational change that enhances cardiac glycoside binding. This uncoupling of ATP binding from its stimulation of ouabain binding and enzyme phosphorylation demonstrates the existence of an enzyme-Mg2+ATP transitional intermediate preceding the formation of the Na+-dependent ADP-sensitive phosphoenzyme intermediate. These results are also consistent with a model of the Na+,K+-ATPase active site being composed of two distinct but interacting regions, the ATP binding site and the phosphorylation site.     

Absence of Na+,K(+)-ATPase regulation of endosomal acidification in K562 erythroleukemia cells. Analysis via inhibition of transferrin recycling by low temperatures.

Transferrin (Tf) acidification has been shown to be limited to pH 6 in murine Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts, human A549 epidermoid carcinoma cells, and Chinese hamster ovary cells and is followed by alkalinization during recycling. In contrast, Tf acidification in the human erythroleukemic cell line K562 proceeds to below pH 5.5, and alkalinization of internal Tf during recycling is not observed. To explore the regulation of endosomal pH in K562 cells, we determined whether the existence of an early endosome of pH 6 could be demonstrated in K562 cells. The kinetics of Tf internalization, acidification, and recycling were determined at temperatures which block recycling of Tf in 3T3 cells. As in 3T3, Tf recycling in K562 was inhibited at 24 degrees C and below. At these temperatures, Tf internalization and acidification were delayed relative to 37 degrees C, yet the minimum pH achieved was below 5.5. Temperatures at or below 19 degrees C resulted in a complete block in recycling (at least over 40 min), which was rapidly reversible by incubation at 37 degrees C. Ouabain (a specific inhibitor of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase) had no effect on K562 Tf acidification, indicating that K562 endosomal pH is probably not regulated by the Na+,K(+)-ATPase. The results suggest that differentiation of the early endocytic pathway in erythroid cells involves changes such that the pH of Tf-containing compartments is not limited to 6 by the Na+,K(+)-ATPase.     

Guanidinium derivatives act as high affinity antagonists of Na+ ions in occlusion sites of Na+,K(+)-ATPase.

We have screened various alkyl- and arylguanidinium derivatives as possible competitors of Na+ or Rb+ for the cation sites on renal Na+,K(+)-ATPase. Alkyl-monoguanidinium or alkylbisguanidinium (BisG) compounds (chain lengths of C3 to C10) competitively inhibit the occlusion of Rb+ and Na+ with an order of affinities C10 greater than C8 greater than C6 greater than C4 greater than C3. BisG compounds are approximately twice as effective as the equivalent alkylmonoguanidinium compounds. In media of high ionic strength, affinities of tens of micromolar are observed, e.g. 26 microM for BisG 8. m-(mXBG)- and p-xylylenebisguanidinium were synthesized and were found to compete with Rb+ or Na+ with intrinsic affinities of 7.7 and 8.2 microM, respectively. The hydrophobicity rather than the degree of proximity of the guanidinium groups in all BisG compounds appears to determine the binding affinity. A systematic search has been made of conditions in occlusion assays for which the inhibitor affinities are highest. When the pH is raised from 7.0 to 8.5, a 5-fold increase in affinity is observed, suggesting that the guanidinium derivatives compete with protons at sites of pKa approximately 7.5. Replacing Tris-HCl with choline chloride-containing media raised apparent affinities approximately 2-fold. All guanidinium derivatives stabilize the E1 conformation of fluorescein-labeled Na+,K(+)-ATPase, acting as competitive Na+ analogues. In media containing only 1 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.55, very high affinities were observed for binding to the fluorescein-labeled enzyme (e.g. 0.08 microM for mXBG). In very low ionic strength medium, the inhibition was still competitive with Rb+ ions. However, there was also evidence for nonspecific adsorption to the membranes. The following findings show that mXBG, a typical guanidinium derivative, behaves as a Na(+)-like antagonist. (a) It inhibits Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity, competing strongly with Na+ but only weakly with K+ ions. (b) It inhibits phosphorylation from ATP, competing with Na+ ions. (c) Like Na+ ions, it blocks phosphorylation from inorganic phosphate. Based on these results, we propose that the guanidinium group binds to a relatively wide vestibule at the cytoplasmic surface; but, unlike Na+ or K+ ions, it cannot pass into a narrower region of the cation transport path within the membrane. Therefore, it blocks the occlusion and active transport of cations. In the future, high affinity guanidinium derivatives may serve the purpose of locating cation-binding domains of the pump protein after being converted to reactive affinity or photoaffinity covalent labels.