Modulation of ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport in rat parotid basolateral membrane vesicles by K+ + Cl- flux

In basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV) isolated from rat parotid glands, the initial rate of ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport, in the presence of KCl, was approx. 2-fold higher than that obtained with mannitol, sucrose or N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG)-gluconate. Only NH4+, Rb+, or Br- could effectively substitute for K+ or Cl-, respectively. This KCl activation was concentration dependent, with maximal response by 50 mM KCl. An inwardly directed KCl gradient up to 50 mM KCl had no effect on Ca2+ transport, while equilibration of the vesicles with KCl (greater than 100 mM) increased transport 15-20%. In presence of Cl-, 86Rb+ uptake was 2.5-fold greater than in the presence of gluconate. 0.5 mM furosemide inhibited 86Rb+ flux by approx. 60% in a Cl- medium and by approx. 20% in a gluconate medium. Furosemide also inhibited KCl activation of Ca2+ transport with half maximal inhibition either at 0.4 mM or 0.05 mM, depending on whether 45Ca2+ transport was measured with KCl (150 mM) equilibrium or KCl (150 mM) gradient. In a mannitol containing assay medium, potassium gluconate loaded vesicles had a higher (approx. 25%) rate of Ca2+ transport than mannitol loaded vesicles. Addition of valinomycin (5 microM) to potassium gluconate loaded vesicles further stimulated (approx. 30%) the Ca2+ transport rate. These results suggest that during ATP dependent Ca2+ transport in parotid BLMV, K+ can be recycled by the concerted activities of a K+ and Cl- coupled flux and a K+ conductance.     

Interaction of melittin with the (Na+ + K+)ATPase: evidence for a melittin-induced conformational change

The (Na+ + K+)ATPase is inhibited by the bee venom polypeptide, melittin. KCl and NaCl protect the enzyme from melittin inhibition. Analysis of the K+ and Na+ protection against melittin inhibition suggested a kinetic model which was consistent with slowly reversible melittin binding, and mutually exclusive binding of melittin with K+ and Na+. Accordingly, in the absence of salt, the KI for melittin inhibition = 1.2 microM, and the protection by KCl occurs with a KA,KCl = 0.6 mM. The protection by NaCl occurs with a KA,NaCl = 15 mM. Melittin inhibition of enzyme activity is due to direct interactions with the (Na+ + K+)ATPase, as demonstrated by photolabeling with [125I]azidosalicylyl melittin, which labeled the alpha subunit, but not the beta subunit of the (Na+ + K+)ATPase. Melittin and KCl reduced the extent of labeling. In non-covalent binding studies using [125I]azidosalicylyl melittin, the stoichiometry of binding was 1.6 melittin per (Na+ + K+)ATPase. Ligand-induced conformational changes of FITC-labeled (Na+ + K+)ATPase were examined in the presence and absence of melittin. K+ alone or melittin alone caused a fluorescence intensity quenching consistent with formation of an E2 form of the enzyme. The NaCl-induced (E2----E1) fluorescence intensity changes were maximal when the enzyme was treated with K+. NaCl-induced fluorescence changes did not occur when the enzyme was treated with melittin in the absence of K+. However, when K+ was present before the addition of melittin, NaCl-induced fluorescence intensity increases were observed, which were dependent upon the concentration of K+ in the preincubation mixture. The results of the labeling and conformational studies support the kinetic model and suggest a mechanism for inhibition of ion pumps by (poly)peptides.     

Mechanism of inhibition of polypeptide chain initiation in heat-shocked Ehrlich cells involves reduction of eukaryotic initiation factor 4F activity

Almost all living organisms studied respond to elevated temperature with a marked inhibition of overall protein synthesis but increased synthesis of a specific set of proteins, the so-called heat-shock proteins. We have prepared a cell-free protein synthesizing system (lysate) from heat-shocked Ehrlich ascites tumor cells that reflects the inhibition of protein synthesis in intact cells at elevated temperatures. We have isolated and partially purified a stimulator of the heat-shocked cell lysate from Ehrlich cells. Through four purification steps, the stimulator is chromatographically identical to eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF-4F), an initiation factor which specifically binds mRNA cap structure. Therefore, we have tested the effects of highly purified reticulocyte eIF-4F on the heat-shocked cell lysate. Protein synthesis is strongly stimulated by addition of highly purified eIF-4F. Synthesis in the heat-shocked lysate is more inhibited at high (70 mM) KCl concentrations, than at lower concentrations, and stimulation by eIF-4F is correspondingly greater at higher KCl concentrations, so that the rate of protein synthesis is returned to control (non-heat-shocked lysate) levels at all KCl concentrations. Furthermore, at 70 mM KCl, in heat-shocked lysates, synthesis of the 68-kDa heat-shock protein is much less inhibited than synthesis of the bulk of non-heat-shock proteins, and eIF-4F stimulates synthesis of 68-kDa protein to a much lesser extent than non-heat-shock proteins. Thus, addition of purified eIF-4F reverses the effects of elevated temperatures on Ehrlich cells that are reflected in lysates. Therefore, we propose that the inhibition of translation in heat-shocked Ehrlich cells is the result of inactivation of eIF-4F function.     

Na+, K+-dependent ATPase activity and effect of K+ on in vitro protein synthesis and NAD pyrophosphorylase in Toxoplasma gondii

Although Na+, K+-dependent ATPase activity was barely detectable in extracellular tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, Mg++-dependent ATPase was readily demonstrable. Based on this finding, the effect of K+ on in vitro protein synthesis and NAD pyrophosphorylase of T. gondii was evaluated. Addition of KCl enhanced in vitro protein synthesis. NAD pyrophosphorylase also was activated by KCl. The optimal concentration of KCl for both enzymatic reactions was 150 mM. The supernatant fluid (15,000 g, 20 min) isolated from the homogenate of purified tachyzoites of T. gondii contained more Na+ than K+. Evaluation of leakage of Na+ and K+ from purified tachyzoites suggested that Na+ leaked more than K+. These observations suggest an important role of K+ in the regulation of the metabolism of T. gondii.     

Studies on (Na+ plus K+)-activated ATPase. XXXVII. Stabilization by cations of the enzyme-ouabain complex formed with Mg1+ and inorganic phosphate.

Dissociation of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase ouabain complex, formed in the presence of Mg2+ and inorganic phosphate (Complex II), is inhibited by Mg2+ (21-45%) and the alkali cations Na+ (25-59%) and K+ (27-75%) when kidney cortex tissue (bovine, rabbit, guinea pig) is the enzyme source. Choline chloride at 200 mM, equivalent to the highest concentration of NaCl tested, does not inhibit. Dissociation of Complex II from brain cortex (bovine, rat, rabbit) or heart muscle (rabbit) is much less inhibited: 0-11% by Na+ and 11-19% by K+. The degree of inhibition is not directly related to the size of the dissociation rate constant (k-) of the various complexes, but rather to the extent of interaction between the cation and ouabain binding sites for these tissues. Inhibition curves for Na+ and K+ are sigmoidal. Half-maximal inhibition for rabbit brain and kidney cortex is at 30-40 mM Na+ and 6-10 mM K+, and the maximally inhibitory concentrations are 50-150 and 15-20 mM, respectively. Maximal inhibition by Na+ or K+ for these tissues is the same. For guinea pig kidney cortex Na+ and K+ are almost equally effective, but 150 mM K+ or 200 mM Na+ are still not saturating, and inhibition curves indicate high- and low-affinity binding sites for the alkali cations. The inhibition curve for Mg2+ is not sigmoidal. In the kidney preparations Mg2+ inhibits half-maximally at 0.4-0.5 mM, maximally at 1-3 mM. Maximal inhibition by Mg2+ is higher than by Na+ or K+ for rabbit kidney cortex and lower for guinea pig kidney cortex. There is no competition or additivity among the cations, indicating the existence of different binding sites for Mg2+ and the alkali cations. Complex II differs in stability in the extent of inhibition, in the dependence of inhibition on the cation concentration and in the absence of antagonism between Na+ and K+, from the ouabain complex formed via phosphorylation by ATP (Complex I). This indicates that the phosphorylation states for the complexes are clearly different.     

Chloride affects the interaction between tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and tRNA

The physiological concentration of free magnesium in Escherichia coli cells is about 1 mM, and there is almost no chloride in the cell. When the aminoacylation of tRNA by tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase was assayed at 1 mM free Mg2+, chloride (and sulphate) ions inhibited the reaction but acetate at the same concentration (< 200 mM) was not inhibitory. When the magnesium concentration was increased to 10 mM there was almost no chloride inhibition any more. Chloride strengthened the PPi inhibition, the Ki(app)(PPi) values at 1 mM free Mg2+ were 140, 120, and 56 microM at 0, 50 and 150 mM KCl, respectively. Chloride weakened the AMP inhibition, the corresponding values for Ki(app)(AMP) were 0.35, 0.5, and 0.9 mM. The value of Km(app)(tRNA(Tyr)) was clearly increased by chloride, being 22, 37, 93, and 240 nM at 0, 50, 100, and 150 mM KCl, respectively. Best-fit analyses of the PPi inhibition, AMP inhibition and Km(app)(tRNA) assays were accomplished using total rate equations. The analysis showed that the only kinetic events which are obligatory to explain the chloride effects are a weakened binding of Mg2+ to the tRNA before the transfer reaction and a weakened binding of Mg2+ to the Tyr-tRNA-enzyme complex after the transfer reaction. The dissociation constants for the former were 0.11, 0.3, and 2.8 mM and for the latter 0.6, 2.5, and 13 mM at 0, 50 and 150 mM KCl, respectively. Mg2+ is required for the reactive conformation of tRNA in the transfer reaction but chloride weakens its formation. After the transfer reaction the dissociation of Mg2+ from the aa-tRNA-enzyme complex enhances the dissociation of the aa-tRNA from the enzyme. The kinetics and the chloride effect were similar in the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases from both Bacillus stearothermophilus and E. coli.     

A monovalent cation-sensitive actin-binding factor in a myeloid leukemia cell line

Cell extracts of a murine leukemia cell line, M1, apparently contain three kinds of actin-gelation factors; a filamin-like protein, and 38K-dimer and 105K-dimer proteins. Unlike gelation by the filamin-like protein, gelation by the latter two proteins is inhibited by low concentrations of KCl. Our study of the 38K protein has been reported elsewhere (Takagi, K. et al., J. Biochem. Tokyo 97, 605-616, 1985). We here describe the purification and characterization of the 105K protein. The 105K protein differs from the alpha-actinin group of proteins in its antigenicity, peptide components and Ca2+-insensitivity. The saturated binding ratio of the protein to purified skeletal muscle actin is 1:8; when this ratio exceeds 1:20, gelation takes place. This gelation is inhibited completely by the presence of 25 mM KCl. Electron microscopy revealed that, in the absence of KCl, the 105K protein/actin mixture forms short actin bundles that are accompanied by a meshwork of short single filaments. The presence of 25 mM KCl did not prevent actin-bundling, but the bundles became longer and the meshwork of short filaments was no longer present.     

Activation by lithium ions of the inside sodium sites in (Na+ + K+)-ATPase.

1. Purified pig kidney ATPase was incubated in 30--160 mM Tris-HCl with various monovalent cations. 130 mM LiCl stimulated a ouabain-sensitive ATP hydrolysis (about 5% of the maximal (Na+ + K) activity), whereas 160 mM Tris-HCl did not stimulate hydrolysis. Similar results were obtained with human red blood cell broken membranes. 2. In the absence of Na+ and with 130 mM LiCl, the ATPase activity as a function of KCl concentration showed an initial slight inhibition (50 micrometer KCl) followed by an activation (maximal at 0.2 mM KCl) and a further inhibition, which was total at mM KCl. In the absence of LiCl, the rate of hydrolysis was not affected by any of the KCl concentrations investigated. 3. The lithium-activation curve for ATPase activity in the absence of both Na+ and K+ had sigmoid characteristics. It also showed a marked dependence on the total LiCl + Tris-HCl concentration, being inhibited at high concentrations. This inhibition was more noticeable at low LiCl concentrations. 4. In the absence of Na+, 130 mM Li+ showed promoted phosphorylation of ATPase from 1 to 3 mM ATP in the presence of Mg2+. In enzyme treated with N-ethylmaleimide, the levels of phosphorylation in Li+-containing solutions, amounted to 40% of those in Na+- and up to 7 times of those in K+-containing solutions. 5. The total (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity was markedly inhibited at high buffer concentrations (Tris-HCl, Imidazole-HCl and tetramethylammonium-HEPES gave similar results) in cases when either the concentration of Na+ or K+ (or both) was below saturation. On the other hand, the maximal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity was not affected (or very slightly) by the buffer concentration. 6. Under standard conditions (Tris-HCl + NaCl = 160 mM) the Na+-activation curve of Na+-ATPase had a steep rise between 0 and 2.5 mM, a fall between 2.5 and 20 mM and a further increase between 20 and 130 mM. With 30 mM Tris-HCl, the curve rose more steeply, inhibition was noticeable at 2.5 mM Na+ and was completed at 5 mM Na+. With Tris-HCl + NaCl = 280 mM, the amount of activation decreased and inhibition at intermediate Na+ concentrations was not detected.     

Changes in K+,Na+-sensitive actin gelation factor during the differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells

A homodimer protein consisting of two 38,000 dalton peptides was isolated from a murine leukemia cell line (M1). The binding molar ratio of the 38K-dimer protein to purified skeletal muscle actin was saturated at 1:3, and when the 38K-dimer/actin ratio exceeded 1:12, gelation occurred. This gelation was completely inhibited by the presence of either 10 mM KCl or 20 mM NaCl. The protein induced actin filament bundling, which required a higher 38K-dimer/actin ratio and was not affected by the presence of monovalent cations. During the differentiation of Ml cells, the sensitivity of the 38K protein to monovalent cations was decreased; that is 20 mM KCl or 50 mM NaCl was required to inhibit the gelation by the 38K protein isolated from differentiated cells. On the other hand, the intracellular K+ content of Ml cells decreased from 70 +/- 5 mM to 18 +/- 3 mM, and Na+ increased from 10 +/- 5 mM to 40 +/- 10 mM during the differentiation. These findings suggest that the differentiation brought about conditions favourable for the 38K protein to induce actin gelation, and in turn, the locomotive and phagocytic activities which were induced only after differentiation in this cell line.     

Interaction of sodium and potassium ions with Na+, K+-ATPase. III. Cooperative effect of ATP and Na+ on complete release of K+ from E2K

The effects of Na+ and ATP on the K+ binding to Na+, K+-ATPase were investigated by the centrifugation method with radioactive K+ in the absence of Mg2+. In the presence of 10 microM 43KCl, 0.6 and 10 mM Na+ decreased the amount of bound K+ to one-half and zero, respectively. On the other hand, 10 microM and 10 mM ATP decreased the amount of K+ to 60 and 25-40%, respectively. When the combined effect of ATP and Na+ was tested, 10 microM ATP decreased the Na+ concentration giving half-maximal inhibition of the K+ binding to one-third, showing synergistic inhibition by both ligands, though increase in ATP concentration seemed to depress the inhibitory effect of Na+. The synergistic inhibition by ATP and Na+ suggests that the release of K+ from E2K is not completed by the binding of ATP alone but is completed by the binding of Na+ in addition to ATP during the cycle of Na+, K+-dependent ATP-hydrolysis as well as ion-transport.     

Inhibition of Sucrose:Sucrose Fructosyl Transferase by Cations and Ionic Strength

Fructans are storage carbohydrates found in many temperate grasses. The first enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of most fructans is sucrose:sucrose fructosyl transferase (SST). In this report, we demonstrate that K+ and ionic strength noncompetitively inhibit the activity of SST from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stems. The Ki for this inhibition is high, 122 mM, but in the range of concentrations of K+ found in the tissue (205-314 mM). Addition of KCl to the assay system had no effect on the pH optimum (5.5) or the Km for sucrose (266 mM) but reduced the Vmax. At equivalent ionic strengths, inhibition by choline chloride was about half that of KCl, indicating that inhibition by ionic strength might be responsible for approximately 50% of the KCl inhibition. Inhibition by LiCl and (NH4)2SO4 was similar to that by choline chloride. Soluble invertase activity found in the SST preparations was less sensitive to KCl and more sensitive to choline chloride than was SST. SST from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) stems and leaves, as well as SST from leaves of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), was also inhibited by KCl. SST from onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs and asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) stems was not inhibited by KCl; thus, inhibition of activity by KCl is not a universal characteristic of SST from all sources.     

Substituting manganese for magnesium alters certain reaction properties of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase

MnCl2 was partially effective as a substitute for MgCl2 in activating the K+- dependent phosphatase reaction catalyzed by a purified (Na+ + K+)-ATPase enzyme preparation from canine kidney medulla, the maximal velocity attainable being one-fourth that with MgCl2. Estimates of the concentration of free Mn2+ available when the reaction was half-maximally stimulated lie in the range of the single high-affinity divalent cation site previously identified (Grisham, C.M. and Mildvan, A.S. (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 3187--3197). MnCl2 competed with MgCl2 as activator of the phosphatase reaction, again consistent with action through a single site. However, with MnCl2 appreciable ouabain-inhibitable phosphatase activity occurred in the absence of added KCl, and the apparent affinities for K+ as activator of the reaction and for Na+ as inhibitor were both decreased. For the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase reaction substituting MnCl2 for MgCl2 was also partially effective, but no stimulation in the absence of added KCl, in either the absence or presence of NaCl, was detectable. Moreover, the apparent affinity for K+ was increased by the substitution, although that for Na+ was decreased as in the phosphatase reaction. Substituting MnCl2 also altered the sensitivity to inhibitors. For both reactions the inhibition by ouabain and by vanadate was increased, as was binding of [48V] -vanadate to the enzyme; furthermore, binding in the presence of MnCl2 was, unlike that with MgCl2, insensitive to KCl and NaCl. Inhibition of the phosphatase reaction by ATP was decreased with 1 mM but not 10 mM KCl. Finally, inhibition of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase reaction by Triton X-100 was increased, but that by dimethylsulfoxide decreased after such substitution. These findings are considered in terms of Mn2+ at the divalent cation site being a better selector than Mg2+ of the E2 conformational states of the enzyme, states also selected by K+ and by dimethylsulfoxide and reactive with ouabain and vanadate; the E1 conformational states, by contrast, are those selected by Na+ and ATP, and also by Triton X-100.     

Interaction of fluorescein isothiocyanate with the (H+ + K+)-ATPase

Fluorescein isothiocyanate was used to covalently label the gastric (H+ + K+)-ATPase. FITC treatment of the enzyme inhibited the ATPase activity while largely sparing partial reactions such as the associated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. ATP protected against inhibition suggesting the ligand binds at or near an ATP binding site. At 100% inhibition the stoichiometry of binding was 1.5 nmol FITC per mg Lowry protein a value corresponding to maximal phosphoenzyme formation. Binding occurred largely to a peptide of 6.2 isoelectric point, although minor labelling of a peptide of pI 5.6 was also noted. Fluorescence was quenched by K+, Rb+ and Tl+ in a dose-dependent manner, and the K0.5 values of 0.28, 0.83 and 0.025 mM correspond rather well to the values required for dephosphorylation at a luminal site. Vanadate, a known inhibitor of the gastric ATPase produced a slow Mg2+-dependent fluorescent quench. Ca2+ reversed the K+-dependent loss of fluorescence and inhibited it when added prior to K+. This may relate to the slow phosphorylation in the presence of ATP found when Ca2+ was substituted for Mg2+ and the absence of K+-dependent dephosphorylation. The results with FITC-modified gastric ATPase provide evidence for a conformational change with K+ binding to the enzyme.     

Stimulation of enzymatic phe-tRNA binding to mammalian ribosomes by thallium ions at concentrations blocking other ribosomal functions.

Thallium acetate (TIOAc) effectively stimulates poly(U)-directed Phe-tRNA binding to mouse ascitic tumour ribosomes under conditions when other ribosomal functions are completely blocked. The TI+ optimum is about 200 mM. The reaction is stimulated by EF-1, but not significantly by GTP. EF-1-dependent ribosomal GTPase is inhibited by T1+. The isolated Phe-tRNA . ribosome complex is relatively stable. The bound Phe-tRNA does not react with puromycin in the presence of 175 mM KCl. The complex formed in the presence of 90-100 mM TlOAc can, after isolation, be directly utilized for polyphenylalanine synthesis. The complex formed at 200 mM TlOAc is less active, apparently because of damage to the 60-S subunits. TlOAc at low concentrations (8 mM) stimulates K+ -containing poly(U)-translating systems, probably by stabilizing the translation complex.     

Interaction of eukaryotic tyrosyl-tRNA-synthetase with high molecular weight RNA

The affinity of eukaryotic tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases from bovine liver and from yeast for E. coli ribosomal RNA and synthetic polyribonucleotides has been studied by protein binding on the rRNA-Sepharose column and enzyme inhibition by high molecular weight RNAs. Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase from bovine liver (Mr 2.59 kDa) was fully retained on the rRNA-Sepharose and eluted by buffer with 100 mM KCl. The functionally active modified form of bovine liver tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase obtained by endogenous limited proteolysis (Mr 2.38 kDa) partially maintains the affinity for rRNA and is eluted by 50 mM KCl. The highest rRNA-binding ability was revealed for yeast tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase eluted by 200 mM KCl. The E. coli tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase was not retained on rRNA-Sepharose. The aminoacylation activities of both bovine liver and yeast tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases were efficiently inhibited by rRNA and the inhibition was partially competitive in respect to tRNA(Tyr). At the same time the activities of proteolytically modified bovine tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and E. coli tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase were not influenced by the addition of rRNA. Synthetic single- and double-stranded polyribonucleotides specifically inhibited the activity of bovine tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase to different extent. The inhibition degree of bovine liver tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase decreased in the order: poly (G) greater than poly (I) greater than poly (I).poly (C) greater than poly (G).poly (C) greater than poly (C) greater than poly (A). Poly (U) did not inhibit the activity of bovine liver tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase.     

The role of calcium ions for the expression of ricin toxicity in cultured macrophages

Ricin toxin, which consists of two distinct polypeptide moieties, A and B chains, is cytotoxic to the cultured macrophage cell line, J774A.1. Ricin is a protein synthesis inhibitor, and incubating macrophages for 4 hours with ricin (1 pM to 10 nM) in standard medium containing calcium and magnesium inhibited ³H-leucine incorporation into protein (97%, at 1 nM ricin). However, in Ca²⁺-free medium, protein synthesis was inhibited only 19%. EGTA pretreatment (to deplete intracellular calcium) also partly protected cells from protein synthesis inhibition, in spite of added calcium (2 mM) in the incubation medium. Decreased toxicity in the absence of extracellular calcium resulted from decreased toxin binding. Adding or deleting Mg²⁺ did not affect protein synthesis or binding of ¹²⁵I-ricin in cultured macrophages. We conclude that calcium is required for ricin to exert its inhibitory effect on protein synthesis in cultured macrophages.     

Delta endotoxin is a potent inhibitor of the (Na,K)-ATPase

A 68-kDa protein, delta endotoxin, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. Kurstaki inhibits ion transport, (Na,K)-ATPase, and K+-p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity catalyzed by the Na+ pump. The Ki for inhibition of the K+-p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity of purified dog kidney (Na,K)-ATPase was approximately 0.37 microM. Delta endotoxin had a similar Ki for inhibition of (Na,K)-ATPase activity when assayed at low Na+ concentration (10 mM) but the inhibition was reversed when high concentrations of Na+ (100 mM NaCl) were added to the assay. Phosphorylation of the active site aspartyl residue with 32PO3-4 was also blocked by delta endotoxin. Ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake into intact human red blood cells was not inhibited by externally added toxin; however, strophanthidin-inhibitable 22Na+ uptake into inside-out vesicles from red blood cells was completely blocked by delta endotoxin (Ki = 0.73 microM). These data suggest that delta endotoxin must enter the cell before it can inhibit the Na+ pump.     

Effect of ouabain on macromolecular synthesis during the cell cycle in mitogen-stimulated human lymphocytes

Ouabain inhibited in a concentration-dependent and completely reversible way, the synthesis of DNA, RNa and protein in phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A-stimulated human lymphocytes without affecting the uptake of nucleosides and amino acids into the cells. On the other hand, ouabain even at very high concentrations was unable to interfere with the binding of [3H]concanavalin A. No correlation was found between the inhibition by ouabain of macromolecular synthesis and that of K+ transport. The inhibitor effect of ouabain on the stimulation of macromolecular synthesis could be partially reversed by higher concentrations of K+, due to the direct inhibition of ouabain binding. Ouabain added to the cultures at different stages of cell growth suppressed the incorporation of thymidine to various extents. Both ouabain sensitive stages fell in a period preceding the onset of mitosis and were characterized by very active thymidine incorporation. Lymphocytes were most sensitive to ouabain within the S phase. The results suggest that ouabain interferes with mitogen-triggered membrane-associated events, other than K+ transport, controlling mitosis at distinct phases of the cell cycle.     

Interaction of Na+, K+, and Cl- with the binding of amphetamine, octopamine, and tyramine to the human dopamine transporter

Little information is available on the role of Na+, K+, and Cl- in the initial event of uptake of substrates by the dopamine transporter, i.e., the recognition step. In this study, substrate recognition was studied via the inhibition of binding of [3H]WIN 35,428 [2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl)[3H]tropane], a cocaine analogue, to the human dopamine transporter in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. D-Amphetamine was the most potent inhibitor, followed by p-tyramine and, finally, dl-octopamine; respective affinities at 150 mM Na+ and 140 mM Cl- were 5.5, 26, and 220 microM. For each substrate, the decrease in the affinity with increasing [K+] could be fitted to a competitive model involving the same inhibitory cation site (site 1) overlapping with the substrate domain as reported by us previously for dopamine. K+ binds to this site with an apparent affinity, averaged across substrates, of 9, 24, 66, 99, and 134 mM at 2, 10, 60, 150, and 300 mM Na+, respectively. In general, increasing [Na+] attenuated the inhibitory effect of K+ in a manner that deviated from linearity, which could be modeled by a distal site for Na+, linked to site 1 by negative allosterism. The presence of Cl- did not affect the binding of K+ to site 1. Models assuming low binding of substrate in the absence of Na+ did not provide fits as good as models in which substrate binds in the absence of Na+ with appreciable affinity. The binding of dl-octopamine and p-tyramine was strongly inhibited by Na+, and stimulated by Cl- only at high [Na+] (300 mM), consonant with a stimulatory action of Cl- occurring through Na+ disinhibition.     

Potentiation by high potassium of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production from cultured astrocytes

Uptake of K+ is an important role of astrocytes to maintain physiological lower extracellular K+ concentration in the CNS. In this study, the effect of high K+ concentration was examined on the cellular function of astrocytes from embryonic rat brain in primary culture. Nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was measured as an index of cellular function of astrocytes. Increasing KCl concentration to about 40 mM did not directly evoke NO production, but doubled the level of LPS (1 ng/ml)-induced NO production. K-gluconate showed a similar enhancing effect although the degree of enhancement was about half of that of KCl. Neither NaCl nor Na-gluconate showed any effect. The K(+)-channel blocker, 4-aminopyridine, but not tetraethylammonium or apamin, inhibited the enhancing effect of KCl. The LPS-induced iNOS protein expression determined by immunoblotting analysis was enhanced by high K+ treatment. The level of iNOS mRNA determined by real-time RT-PCR technique was also augmented by the presence of 40 mM KCl. These results indicate that the elevation of extracellular K+ concentration regulates astrocytic cell functions through a mechanism involving K(A)-type K(+)-channels and that potentiation of NO production by high K+ is due to the augmentation of iNOS mRNA and iNOS protein levels.