Characterization of digitalis-like factors in human plasma. Interactions with NaK-ATPase and cross-reactivity with cardiac glycoside-specific antibodies

Much of the evidence for a physiologically important endogenous inhibitor of the sodium pump has been either contradictory or indirect. We have identified three discrete fractions in desalted deproteinized plasma from normal humans that resemble the digitalis glycosides in that they: are of low molecular weight; are resistant to acid and enzymatic proteolysis; inhibit NaK-ATPase activity; inhibit Na+ pump activity in human erythrocytes; displace [3H]ouabain bound to the enzyme; and cross-react with high-affinity polyclonal and monoclonal digoxin-specific antibodies but not with anti-ouabain or anti-digitoxin antibodies. An additional fraction cross-reacted with digoxin-specific antibodies but had no detectable activity against NaK-ATPase. The three inhibitory fractions differed from cardiac glycosides in that their concentration-effect curves in a NaK-ATPase inhibition and [3H]ouabain radioreceptor assays were steeper than unlabeled ouabain. This suggests that these inhibitors are not simple competitive ligands for binding to NaK-ATPase. In the presence of sodium, no fraction required ATP for binding to NaK-ATPase, and in the presence of potassium, only one fraction had the reduced affinity for the enzyme that is characteristic of cardiac glycosides. Unlike digitalis, all three NaK-ATPase inhibitory fractions stimulated the activity of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase. The presence of at least three fractions in human plasma that inhibit NaK-ATPase and cross-react to a variable degree with different digoxin-specific antibody populations could explain much of the conflicting evidence for the existence of endogenous digitalis-like compounds in plasma.     

Digoxin-like immunoreactivity: is it still worth measuring?

On the assumption that digoxin-like immunoreactivity may represent digitalis-like sodium pump inhibitors in the mammalian body, many investigators have used radioimmunoassay for digoxin to monitor such factors during the past decade. The presence of digoxin-like immunoreactivity has been confirmed by numerous studies using biochemical, immunological or morphological methods. Very recently, ouabain or a very similar substance, which did not cross-react with antidigoxin antibodies, was identified from the human plasma as the long-sought sodium pump inhibitor. However, it is yet to be determined whether sodium pump inhibitory activity in the circulation results from one substance or several. Some researchers still insist on the possible physiological roles of digoxin-like immunoreactivity which may or may not be related to the regulation of sodium pump. These issues are critically reviewed in this article.     

Dependence of renal (Na+ + k+)-adenosine triphosphatase activity on thyroid status.

In thyroidectomized rats, a single injection of L-2,,5,2'-triiodothyronine (T3) (50mug/100 g body weight) elicited at 45% increase in (Na+ + k+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (NaK-ATPase) activity of the membrane-rich fraction of renal cortex at the optimal time of response, 48 h after injection. Three successive doses of T3 (50 mug/100 g body weight), given on alternate days, increased NaK-ATPase by 67% in the renal cortex but had no significant effect on the outer medulla or the papilla. Moreover, T3 had no effect on Mg2+-dependent adenosine trisphatase (MgATPase) in cortex, cedulla, or papilla. Three doses of T3 (50 mug/100 g body weight) given on alternate days to thyroidectomized rats elecited a 134, 79, and 46% increase in Vmax for ATP, Na4, and K+, respectively. There were no changes in the Km for ATP or the K1/2 values for Na+ and K+. Two methods were used to estimate the effect of T3 on the number of NaK-ATPase units (assumed to represent the number of Na+ pump sites); rat renal plasma membrane fractions were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP, Mg2+, and Na+; the 32P-labeled membrane protein yeild was quantitatively dependent on Na+ and was hydrolyzed on addition of K+. There was a linear correlation between the specific activity of NaK-ATPase (Vmax) and the amount of phosphorylated intermediate formed, in renal cortical membrane fractions from thyroidectomized rats given T3 or the diluent. There was also a linear correlation between the specific activity of NaK-ATPase (Vmax) and the amount of [3H]ouabain specifically bound (Na+-, Mg2+-, APT-dependent) to the NaK-ATPase preparation. Injection of T3 resulted in a 70% increase in NaK-ATPase activity, a 79% increase in formation of the phosphorylated intermediate, and a 65% increase in the [H]ouabain specifically bound to the NaK-ATPase system. The T3-dependent increases in Vmax for ATP, Na+, and K+ and the proportionate increases in the phosphorylated intermediate and in the amount of [3H]ouabain bound indicate that T3 increases the number of NaK-ATPase units and that this increase accounts for the increase in NaK-ATPase activity.     

Mass spectrometry studies of a novel digoxin-like substance (DLIS-2) isolated from human plasma ultrafiltrate

Two unique low molecular weight (531) compounds with both digoxin-like immunoreactivity and Na, K-ATPase inhibitory properties have been isolated from human plasma. One of these, digoxin-like substance 2, (DLIS-2), was studied by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and collisionally activated dissociation mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The fragment patterns were interpreted as being derived from a lysophosphatidyl serine containing a novel 19:4 fatty acid side chain. The molecular formula C25H42O9NP is consistent with these observations.     

Circulating digitalis-like substance is increased in DOCA-salt hypertension

Blood pressure and digitalis-like substance were measured in the plasma of control, salt-treated, and DOCA-salt treated rats. Blood pressure in DOCA-salt treated rats was significantly higher than that of either control or salt-treated animals. Digitalis-like activity was measured by two methods, radioimmunoassay for digoxin, and a receptor binding assay employing a rat brain synaptosomal membrane fraction. Digoxin-like immunoreactivity in plasma was not detected in either control or salt-treated rats, but was detected in DOCA-salt treated rats. Receptor binding activity in salt-treated rats was slightly but significantly higher than that of control rats. In DOCA-salt treated rats, receptor binding activity was significantly higher than that of salt-treated rats. Partial purification of the digitalis-like substance in plasma was performed by gel filtration using Sephadex G-25. Two peaks containing digoxin-like immunoreactivity were observed. Receptor binding activity, as well as Na+-K+ ATPase inhibitory activity, was detected only in the second peak, in which approximately 70% of the digoxin-like immunoreactivity was eluted. These results indicate that a circulating digitalis-like substance is increased in DOCA-salt hypertension.     

Sodium- and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase of the nasal salt gland of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Purification, characterization, and NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the phosphorylating polypeptide.

Sodium- and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (NaK-ATPase) was purified from nasal salt glands of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Enzyme of specific activity 2,000 to 2,300 mumol of Pi/mg/hour was routinely obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment of a microsomal fraction of gland homogenate in the presence of 3 mM ATP followed by pelleting of the enzyme through a sucrose density gradient. Purified NaK-ATPase was stable for over 3 months at -20 degree. By sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography purified NaK-ATPase was shown to contain two polypeptide chains of molecular weight 94,000 and 60,000, the smaller of which was a glycoprotein. Purified enzyme of activity 2,300 mumol of Pi/mg/hour bound 3,600 pmol of ouabain/mg of enzyme protein. Reaction with [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence of Mg2+ and Na+ gave 7,025 pmol of acyl phosphate/mg of enzyme protein. The turnover number calculated from phosphorylation data was 5,460 min-1. Amino acid analysis of the polypeptide components of duck salt gland enzyme after separation by gel filtration chromatography in sodium dodecyl sulfate demonstrated strong compositional homology with highly purified NaK-ATPase preparations from other organs and species. The NH2-terminal amino acid of the 94,000-dalton component was glycine and of the 60,000-dalton component, alanine. With a combination of manual sequencing and automated Edman degradation, the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the 94,00-dalton catalytic subunit was found to be Gly-Arg-Asn-Lys-Tyr-Glu-Thr-Thr-Ala-()-Ser-Glu.     

Phospholipase-induced modulation of dolichyl-phosphomannose synthase activity

Rat liver dolichyl-phosphomannose synthase is optimally active when the enzyme is reconstituted with lipids that prefer a nonlamellar macroscopic organization in isolation, such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), but the enzyme is only negligibly active in the presence of lipids that normally form stable bilayers, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) [Jensen, J.W., & Schutzbach, J.S. (1985) Eur. J. Biochem. 153, 41-48]. We now report that the activity of the synthase can be modulated by incorporating diacylglycerol and lysophosphatidylcholine into the lipid matrix. Enzyme activity in PC bilayers was stimulated by the presence of diacylglycerol, a lipid that has a conical dynamic molecular shape and disrupts bilayer stability. In PC/diacylglycerol mixtures the apparent Km for dolichyl-P was 30-fold lower than the apparent Km for the polyprenol acceptor in PC membranes. Enzyme activity was also stimulated when diacylglycerol was generated in situ by incubation of PC vesicles with phospholipase C. In contrast, the activity of enzyme reconstituted in PE dispersions, or in PE/PC bilayers, was markedly inhibited by the presence of lysophospholipids. Enzyme activity was also reduced by the in situ generation of lysophospholipids in PE/PC vesicles by incubation with phospholipase A2. Since lysophospholipids and diacylglycerols arise in vivo as products of phospholipid metabolism, modulation of enzyme activity by these compounds may represent a potential regulatory mechanism for the synthesis of oligosaccharide lipids.     

Antidigoxin antibodies neutralize the effect of newborn endogenous digitalis-like factor on erythrocyte 86Rb uptake.

Increasing evidence indicates the existence of endogenous digitalis like factor(s) (EDLF). We recently reported on the partial purification of an EDLF from newborn (cord) blood which possesses both digoxin-like immunoreactivity and the ability to inhibit the cell membrane sodium pump measured as the inhibitory activity on erythrocyte 86Rb uptake. We here report that high affinity digoxin-binding antibodies (Fab fragments; Digibind, Burroughs Wellcome Co.) are capable of neutralizing the inhibitory activity on erythrocyte Rb uptake not only of digoxin but also of ouabain and of partially purified newborn EDLF. These results provide, to our knowledge for the first time, direct evidence that antidigitalis antibodies may cross-react with one or more circulating substances which share antigenic determinants with digoxin and ouabain and possess endogenous digitalis-like properties, strongly suggesting that these antibodies may be useful tools both for the assay of EDLF and for the study of its biological effects.     

Synthesis of phospholipids in mitochondria and other membrane fractions of rabbit reticulocytes.

1. Reticulocytosis of 40-50% was obtained in rabbits by daily bleeding. Reticulocytes (plus erythrocytes) were subfractionated into plasma membrane fraction, mitochondria and the post-mitochondrial fraction. 2. In all fractions, fatty acids were incorporated into phospholipids. This process was ATP dependent and represented acylation of lysophospholipids. 3. Incorporation of fatty acids into lysophosphatidic and phosphatidic acids occurred only in the presence of sn-glycerol 3-phosphate and was observed in mitochondria and the post-mitochondrial fraction. It represents a two-step acylation of sn-glycerol 3-phosphate. 4. Incorporation of phosphorylcholine from CDPcholine into phosphatidylcholine was observed in the mitochondrial and the post-mitochondrial fractions. This activity was correlated with NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and was probably connected with the remnants of the endoplasmic reticulum.     

Incorporation of 1-(14)C linoleic acid in rat liver nuclei and chromatin fractions

The incorporation of 1-(14)C linoleic acid in several chromatin fractions of rat liver nuclei was investigated using two different procedures: (1) rat liver nuclei were incubated with ATP, CoASH, Mg(++) and 1-(14)C linoleic acid. After 40 min at 37 degrees C the chromatin obtained by sonication of nuclei suspended in 0.25 M sucrose was fractionated by differential sedimentation; (2) chromatin fractions obtained by differential sedimentation were incubated separately with ATP, CoASH, Mg(++) and 1-(14)C linoleic acid 40 min at 37 degrees C in order to characterize the fatty acid incorporation in isolated chromatin. A comparative study of the incorporation of 1-(14)C linoleic acid in microsomes and nuclei isolated from rat liver is also presented for the purpose of comparison. Linoleic acid was incorporated into nuclear lipids as well as in chromatin fractions. The fatty acid incorporation was stimulated considerably in the acylation system when compared to control, it appears to be highly dependent on the state of condensation of chromatin, being barely detectable in the lowest density fraction. The major proportion of 1-(14)C linoleic acid was found in phospholipids and in a lesser proportion it remained esterified to triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. The distribution of radioactivity in different classes of phospholipids present in microsomes and nuclei isolated from rat liver, showed a similar profile of distribution. The major proportion of radioactivity, approximately 50% was found in phosphatidylcholine and in a lesser proportion in sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine. When chromatin fractions were incubated separately, it was observed that the major proportion of 1-(14)C linoleic acid in phospholipids was found in heavy chromatin fractions whereas low density chromatin fraction only incorporated in a lesser proportion.     

Isolation of esterified fatty acids bound to serum albumin purified from human plasma and characterised by MALDI mass spectrometry.

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in plasma. It is known to transport drugs as well as endogenous ligands, like free fatty acids (FFA). A mass spectrometry based method was applied to analyze the albumin bound lipid ligands. HSA was isolated from a human plasma pool by cold ethanol fractionation and ion exchange chromatography. HSA was defatted using a solvent extraction method to release the copurified lipids bound to the protein. The extracts were then analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS). Using this method, phospholipids and acylglycerols were detected. The phospholipids were identified to be lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) with distribution of different fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids). An abundant species in the HSA lipid extract was found to be a diacylglycerol, composed of two linoleic and/or oleic acid chains. The identified motifs reflect structures that are known to be present in plasma. The binding of lysophospholipids has already been described but it is the first ever-reported evidence of native diacylglycerol ligands bound to HSA. Besides the native ligands from plasma a triacylglycerol was detected that has been added during the albumin preparation steps.     

The plasma cell membrane glycoprotein, PC-1, is a threonine-specific protein kinase stimulated by acidic fibroblast growth factor.

A 32P-labeled protein that co-purified with acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) receptor from bovine liver proved to be a distinct membrane protein, which itself has kinase activity that is stimulated by aFGF. The protein was designated MAFP for major aFGF-stimulated phosphoprotein. MAFP was purified from bovine liver using immunoaffinity chromatography with monoclonal antibody to MAFP following Triton X-100 extraction of plasma membranes and wheat germ lectin-Sepharose 4B column chromatography. The purified MAFP showed molecular masses of 130 kDa and 260 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing and nonreducing conditions, respectively. Purified MAFP elicited aFGF-stimulated Thr-specific autophosphorylation activity and phosphorylation activity toward protein substrates (myelin basic protein and histone). Amino acid sequence analyses of 16 peptide fragments of MAFP, produced by endoproteinase Lys-C digestion followed by reduction and S-pyridylethylation, showed approximately 80-100% homology with the cDNA-deduced amino acid sequences of human and mouse plasma cell membrane glycoprotein, PC-1 (Buckley, M. F., Loveland, K. A., McKinstry, W. J., Garson, O. M., and Goding, J. W. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 17506-17511), suggesting that MAFP is the bovine version of PC-1. The amino acid sequences of bovine MAFP, human and mouse PC-1 reveal a putative ATP binding site in their extracellular domains. These results suggest that MAFP(PC-1) is an ectoprotein kinase. In addition to the kinase activity, MAFP(PC-1) was also found to possess alkaline nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity. It is now clear that several of the unique properties previously attributed to the aFGF receptor kinase are actually properties of this novel Thr-specific ectoprotein kinase, which co-purifies with the aFGF receptor and is responsive to stimulation by aFGF.     

Lysophospholipids and ATP mutually suppress maturation and release of IL-1 beta in mouse microglial cells using a Rho-dependent pathway

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), an ATP-gated ion channel, plays essential roles in the release and maturation of IL-1beta in microglial cells in the brain. Previously, we found that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) potentiated P2X7R-mediated intracellular signals in microglial cells. In this study, we determined whether the lysophospholipids, i.e., LPC and sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), modulate the ATP-induced release and processing of IL-1beta mediated by P2X7R in mouse MG6 microglial cells. LPC or SPC alone induced the release of precursor (pro-IL-1beta) and mature IL-1beta (mIL-1beta) from LPS-primed MG6 cells, possibly due to lytic functions. However, these lysophospholipids inhibited ATP-induced caspase-1 activation that is usually followed by the release of mIL-1beta. Conversely, ATP inhibited the release of pro-IL-1beta and mIL-1beta induced by LPC/SPC. This suggests that lysophospholipids and ATP mutually suppressed each function to release IL-1beta. P2X7R activation resulted in microtubule reorganization in the MG6 cells that was blocked in the presence of LPC and SPC. LPC/SPC reduced the amount of activated RhoA after stimulation with ATP, implying that these lysophospholipids block ATP-induced microtubule reorganization by interfering with RhoA activation. In addition, the microtubule inhibitor colchicine inhibited ATP-induced release of mIL-1beta similar to that of LPC and SPC. This suggests that the impairment of the microtubule reassembly may be associated with the inhibitory effects of LPC/SPC on ATP-induced mIL-1beta release. Mutual suppression by ATP and LPC/SPC on the maturation of IL-1beta was observed in LPS-primed primary microglia. Collectively, these data suggest opposing functions by lysophospholipids, either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory, in regard to the maturation and release of IL-1beta from microglial cells.     

Change of hepatitis B virions (Dane particles) phosphorylation pattern by human hepatoma cell particulate fraction

Protein kinase activity has been found in hepatitis B virions (Dane particles) purified from the plasma of hepatitis B surface antigen carriers [Albin, C., and Robinson, W.S. (1980) J. Virol. 34, 297-302]. Dane particles were purified from the pooled, HBeAg-positive plasma. When this preparation was incubated with [gamma 32P]ATP in the presence of 10mM MnCl2 and 0.5% NP-40 for 15 seconds at 30 degrees C, several phosphorylated polypeptides of 20,000, 42,000, 48,000, 50,000 and 56,000 daltons were detected in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. When the Dane particles were incubated with [gamma 32P]ATP, 10 mM MnCl2, and 0.5% NP-40 in the presence of human hepatoma cell (J-5) particulate fraction at 30 degrees C, 15 seconds, the 42,000, 48,000 and 50,000 daltons phosphorylated polypeptides were not found. When human peripheral blood lymphocytes particulate fraction was incubated with Dane particles under the same conditions, no change of Dane particle phosphorylated polypeptides was detected. Previous publications [Albin, C., and Robinson, W.S. (1980) J. Virol. 34, 297-302; Gerlich, W.H. et al. (1982) J. Virol. 42, 761-766] showed that when hepatitis B core particles purified from hepatoma tissues contained protein kinase activity, only phosphorylated polypeptide was 20,000 daltons. Our data suggested that when Dane particles were put in an environment of hepatoma cells (or tissues), the protein kinase could only phosphorylate selected polypeptides in these particles.     

Relationship between fatty acid binding proteins,acetyl-CoA formation and fatty acid synthesis in developing human placenta

The relationship between fatty acid binding proteins, ATP citrate lyase activity and fatty acid synthesis in developing human placenta has been studied. Fatty acid binding proteins reverse the inhibitory efect of palmitoyl-CoA and oleate on ATP citrate lyase and fatty acid synthesis. In the absence of these inhibitors fatty acid binding proteins activate ATP citrate lyase and stimulate [ 1-¹⁴ C] acetate incorporation into placental fatty acids indicating binding of endogenous inhibitors by these proteins. Thus these proteins regulate the supply of acetyl-CoA as well as the synthesis of fatty acids from that substrates. As gestation proceeds and more lipids are required by the developing placenta fatty acid binding protein content, activity of ATP citrate lyase and rate of fatty acid synthesis increase indicating a cause and efect relationship between the demand of lipids and supply of precursor fatty acids during human placental development.     

Separation of human neutrophil plasma membrane from intracellular vesicles containing alkaline phosphatase and NADPH oxidase activity by free flow electrophoresis.

A putative reservoir of functional plasma membrane proteins, the secretory vesicle identified by latent alkaline phosphatase and tetranectin, has previously been demonstrated based on indirect evidence (Borregaard, N., Miller, L. J., and Springer, T. A. (1987) Science 237, 1204-1206; Borregaard, N., Christensen, L., Bjerrum, O. W., Birgens, H. S., and Clemmesen, I. (1990) J. Clin. Invest. 85, 408-416). Difficulties in separating plasma membranes from this entity by density gradient centrifugation has prohibited discriminative dynamic and quantitative studies of secretory vesicles and plasma membranes. By combining density centrifugation with free flow electrophoresis we overcame this obstacle. Freshly prepared unperturbed human neutrophils were subjected to nitrogen cavitation followed by density centrifugation on Percoll gradients. Light membrane fractions containing plasma membranes and secretory vesicles were applied to high voltage free flow electrophoresis on an Elphor VaP 22. Plasma membrane vesicles, identified by HLA class I antigen mixed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Bjerrum, O. W., and Borregaard, N. (1990) Scand. J. Immunol. 31, 305-313) and 125I applied to cells before cavitation, were clearly separated from secretory vesicles. Electron microscopy revealed a morphology typical of plasma membranes in the former fraction and a population of vesicles with markedly different appearance in the latter. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles demonstrated distinct differences in protein patterns between the two fractions. Superoxide generating capacity induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate and cytosol, an entity traditionally ascribed to the plasma membrane, was largely confined to fractions containing secretory vesicles. Thus, the majority of membrane-bound NADPH oxidase components of light membranes of human neutrophils colocalize with secretory vesicles.     

Interaction of ostreolysin, a cytolytic protein from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, with lipid membranes and modulation by lysophospholipids.

Ostreolysin is a 16-kDa cytolytic protein specifically expressed in primordia and fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. To understand its interaction with lipid membranes, we compared its effects on mammalian cells, on vesicles prepared with either pure lipids or total lipid extracts, and on dispersions of lysophospholipids or fatty acids. At nanomolar concentrations, the protein lysed human, bovine and sheep erythrocytes by a colloid-osmotic mechanism, compatible with the formation of pores of 4 nm diameter, and was cytotoxic to mammalian tumor cells. A search for lipid inhibitors of hemolysis revealed a strong effect of lysophospholipids and fatty acids, occurring below their critical micellar concentration. This effect was distinct from the capacity of ostreolysin to bind to and permeabilize lipid membranes. In fact, permeabilization of vesicles occurred only when they were prepared with lipids extracted from erythrocytes, and not with lipids extracted from P. ostreatus or pure lipid mixtures, even if lysophospholipids or fatty acids were included. Interaction with lipid vesicles, and their permeabilization, correlated with an increase in the intrinsic fluorescence and alpha-helical content of the protein, and with aggregation, which were not detected with lysophospholipids. It appears that either an unknown lipid acceptor or a specific lipid complex is required for binding, aggregation and pore formation. The inhibitory effect of lysophospholipids may reflect a regulatory role for these components on the physiological action of ostreolysin and related proteins during fruiting.     

Isolation of a urinary digitalis-like factor indistinguishable from digoxin

A digitalis-like factor has been purified to apparent homogeneity from human urine based on the inhibitory effect on [3H] ouabain binding to intact human erythrocytes. The purification scheme involved large scale adsorption followed by preparative, semipreparative and analytical high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified material showed a prominent digoxin-like immunoreactivity. The behaviour of the isolated substance was identical to that of authentic digoxin in three high-performance liquid chromatography and three thin-layer chromatography systems. Moreover, fast atom bombardment mass spectrum and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum suggested that the purified material may be indistinguishable from digoxin.     

Plasma membrane ATPase of sugarbeet

A membrane fraction enriched with magnesium-dependent ATPase activity was isolated from sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) taproot by a combination of differential centrifugation, extraction with KI and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. This activity was inhibited by vanadate, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and diethylstilbestrol, but was insensitive to molybdate, azide, oligomycin, ouabain, and nitrate, suggesting enrichment in plasma membrane ATPase. The enzyme was substrate specific for ATP, had a pH optimum of 7.0, but showed little stimulation by 50 mM KCl. The sugarbeet ATPase preparation contained endogenous protein kinase activity which could be reduced by extraction of the membranes with 0.1% (w/v) sodium deoxycholate. Reduction of protein kinase activity allowed the demonstration of a rapidly turning over phosphorylated intermediate on a M_r 105000 polypeptide, most likely representing the catalytic subunit of the ATPase. Phosphorylation was magnesium dependent, sensitive to diethylstilbestrol and vanadate but insensitive to oligomycin and azide. Neither the ATPase activity nor phosphoenzyme level were affected by combinations of sodium and potassium in the assay. These results argue against the presence of a synergistically stimulated NaK-ATPase at the plasma membrane of sugarbeet.