The sodium channel in membranes of electroplax. Binding of batrachotoxinin-a [H]benzoate to particulate preparations from electric eel (electrophorus)

Batrachotoxinin-A [³H]benzoate ([³H]BTX-B) binds specifically and with high affinity (K_D 48 nM) to sites (B_max 2.1 pmol/mg protein) associated with voltage-dependent sodium channels in rodent brain vesicular preparations. High affinity binding requires the presence of scorpion (Leiurus) venom and a membrane potential. Local anesthetics antagonize the binding. Nonspecific binding is defined in the presence of veratridine. In particulate preparations from electroplax of the eel Electrophorus electricus, [³H]BTX-B binds with a K_D of about 140 nM and a B_max of 2.5 pmol/mg protein in the presence of scorpion venom. Higher concentrations of scorpion venom are required to enhance binding in Electrophorus preparations than in brain preparations. Local anesthetics antagonize binding in Electrophorus preparations with potencies similar to those in brain preparations. Veratridine and batrachotoxin are less potent in blocking binding in Electrophorus than in brain preparations. It appears likely that binding in Electrophorus preparations is primarily to membrane fragments rather than vesicular entities as in brain. Binding of [³H]BTX-B to particulate preparations from electroplax of the ray Torpedo californica and the catfish Malapterurus electricus is mainly nonspecific. Scorpion venom does not enhance total binding and local anesthetics are not effective in antagonizing binding.     

A reversible NO complex of Fe(TIM): an S = 1/2FeNO nitrosyl

[Fe(TIM)(CH₃CN)₂](PF₆)₂ (1) (TIM = 2,3,9,10-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclodeca-1,3,8,10-tetraene) forms a complex with NO reversibly in CH₃CN (53±1% converted to the NO complex) or 60% CH₃OH/40% CH₃CN (81±1% conversion). Quantitative NO complexation occurs in H₂O or CH₃OH solvents. The EPR spectrum of [Fe(TIM)(solvent)NO]²⁺ in frozen 60/40 CH₃OH/CH₃CN at 77 K shows a three line feature at g=2.01, 1.99 and 1.97 of an S=1/2FeNO⁷ ground state. The middle line exhibits a three-line N-shf coupling of 24 G indicating a six-coordinate complex with either CH₃OH or CH₃CN as a ligand trans to NO. In H₂O [Fe(TIM)(H₂O)₂]²⁺ undergoes a slow decomposition, liberating 2,3-butanedione, as detected by ¹H NMR in D₂O, unless a π-acceptor axial ligand, L=CO, CH₃CN or NO is present. An equilibrium of 1 in water containing CH₃CN forms [Fe(TIM)(CH₃CN)(H₂O)]²⁺ which has a formation constant K_CH3CN=320 M⁻¹. In water K_NOK_CH3CN since NO completely displaces CH₃CN. [Fe(TIM)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ binds either CO or NO in CH₃CN with K_NO/K_CO=0.46, sigificantly lower than the ratio for [Fe^II(hemes)] of 1100 in various media. A steric influence due to bumping of β-CH₂ protons of the TIM macrocycle with a bent S=1/2 nitrosyl as opposed to much lessened steric factors for the linear Fe---CO unit is proposed to explain the lower K_NO/K_CO ratio for the [Fe(TIM)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ adducts of NO or CO. Estimates for formation constants with [Fe(TIM)]²⁺ in CH₃CN of K_NO=80.1 M⁻¹ and K_CO=173 M⁻ are much lower than to hemoglobin (where K_NO=2.5×10¹⁰ M⁻¹ and K_CO=2.3×10⁷) due to a reversal of steric factors and stronger π-backdonation from [Fe^II(heme)] than from [Fe^II(TIM)(CH₃CN)]²⁺.     

The preparation and properties of the membranal DPNH dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli

1. The membrane bound DPNH oxidase of Escherichia coli can reduce the artificial electron acceptors: ferricyanide, dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) and menadione. All three are reduced by the flavoprotein of DPNH oxidase, but at different sites of the enzyme.

2. Freeze-drying of the bacterial membranes causes a selective detachment of DPNH dehydrogenase (DPNH: (acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.99.3) from the membranes. This solubilization is accompanied by a decrease of K_m(K₃Fe(CN)₆) from 2.0 to 0.25 mM, while no change is detected in K_m(DPNH). This enzyme is not the DPNH diaphorase found in the bacteria.

3. DPNH dehydrogenase of E. coli is a metalloflavoprotein, containing non-heme iron, labile sulfide, FMN and FAD.

4. Reduction of the enzyme with DPNH in the absence of electron acceptor (ferricyanide or DCIP) causes a rapid and irreversible change to a less active state, Form II. Form II is characterized by a higher K_m(DPNH) and slower v_max., while the K_m(K₃Fe(CN)₆) remains unchanged.

5. The transformation of the enzyme to Form II is accompanied by the reduction of the non-heme iron component. The role of non-heme iron in the enzymic reaction is discussed.     

Characterisation of a novel toxin active on potassium apanaine channels, purified from Buthus occitanus tunetanus scorpion venom

A new peptidyl inhibitor of the small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (SKca) was purified to homogeneity from the venom of the Tunisian scorpion Buthus occitanus tunetanus. The molecular mass determined by SDS-PAGE, shows that it's a short peptide (3300 Da). The primary sequence of this toxin shows that it is a 31-residue polypeptide cross-linked by three disulfide bridges and structurally related to subfamily 5 of short scorpion toxins. This molecule shows similar pharmacological properties with this group of peptides inducing high toxicity in mice after intracerebro-ventricular injection, and competing with iodinated apamin for binding to its receptor site from rat brain synaptosomes (K0.5 = 4 nM).     

A Charybdotoxin-Sensitive, Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel with Inward Rectifying Properties in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Properties and Activation by Endothelins

Abstract: A charybdotoxin-sensitive, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel was identified in cultured rat brain capillary endothelial cells by using conventional single-channel recording techniques and ⁸⁶Rb⁺-influx and efflux experiments. Channel activity was dependent on the presence of Ca²⁺ on the cytosolic face of the membrane with a threshold concentration of 100 n M . It was inhibited by charybdotoxin (IC₅₀ 30 n M ) and quinine (IC₅₀ 0.1 m M ) but not by apamin. K(Ca) channels showed unusual inward rectifying properties under asymmetrical ionic conditions. They were activated by endothelin-1 (EC₅₀ 0.7 n M ) and endothelin-3 (EC₅₀ 7–10 n M ). The actions of endothelins were prevented by BQ-123 ( K _i = 8 n M ) in a competitive fashion, hence suggesting the involvement of an ET_A-receptor subtype. The channel activity was unaffected by cyclic AMP- or cyclic GMP-elevating agents. The possible role of the intermediate conductance, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels for mediating K⁺ movements across the blood-brain barrier is discussed.     

Insect nervous system [H]saxitoxin binding sites: characterization and target size

Saxitoxin (STX) has proved useful in the isolation and characterization of vertebrate and invertebrate voltage-operated sodium channels. Membrane extracts from the nervous system of the cockroach Periplaneta americana contain a saturable component of specific [³H]STX binding. Scatchard analysis yields a K_D of 0.84 nM, similar to that (3.0 nM) determined in electrophysiological studies on axons in the same tissue (Sattelle et al., 1979). The maximum number of binding sites, B_max (8.25 pmol/mg protein), was higher than previously observed. The specific binding component was blocked by STX and tetrodotoxin (TTX), but not by scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) venom, aconitine, veratridine, sea anemone toxin and deltamethrin, which act at different sites on the channel molecule. Unlabelled STX samples prepared from different sources (Mytilus, Saxidomus and Gonyaulax) were all effective as inhibitors of [³H]STX binding. Radiation inactivation was employed to determine the molecular target size of the [³H]STX binding molecule in membranes prepared from the cockroach nervous system. By this means M_r = 171,400 ± 25,000 was estimated for the insect sodium channel.     

Synthetic β-endorphin-like peptide immunorphin binds to non-opioid receptors for β-endorphin on T lymphocytes

The synthetic decapeptide H-SLTCLVKGFY-OH (termed immunorphin) corresponding to the sequence 364–373 of the CH3 domain of human immunoglobulin G heavy chain was found to compete with [¹²⁵I]β-endorphin for high-affinity receptors on T lymphocytes from the blood of healthy donors (K_i = 0.6 nM). Besides immunorphin, its synthetic fragments H-Val-Lys-Gly-Phe-Tyr-OH (K_i = 15 nM), H-Leu-Val-Lys-Gly-Phe-Tyr-OH (K_i = 8.0 nM), H-Cys-Leu-Val-Lys-Gly-Phe-Tyr-OH (K_i = 3.4 nM), H-Thr-Cys-Leu-Val-Lys-Gly-Phe-Tyr-OH (K_i = 2.2 nM), H-Leu-Thr-Cys-Leu-Val-Lys-Gly-Phe-Tyr-OH (K_i = 1.0 nM) possessed the ability to inhibit specific binding of [¹²⁵I]β-endorphin to T lymphocytes. Tests of the specificity of the receptors revealed that they are not sensitive to naloxone and Met-enkephalin, i.e. they are not opioid receptors. K_d values characterizing the specific binding of ¹²⁵I- labeled immunorphin and its fragment H-Val-Lys-Gly-Phe-Tyr-OH to the receptors have been determined to be 7.4 nM and 36.3 nM, respectively.     

Uptake and light activated esterification of P by isolated chloroplasts

1. 1. Esterification of ³²P₁ by illuminated chloroplasts prepared on a sucrose gradient was examined to establish the optimal incubation conditions.

2. 2. The evidence is consistent with phosphorylation being closely coupled to the sum of noncyclic and pseudocyclic electron flow and with the rate of electron flow responding to the availability of electron acceptors.

3. 3. Apparent K_m values for ADP and Mg²⁺ were found to be 40 and 250 μM, respectively. The K_m value for Mg²⁺ was increased by the presence of Ca²⁺. Two apparent values were observed for P₁ at 0.2 and 1.1 mM. Chloroplast damage resulted in increased apparent K_m (P₁) values.

4. 4. Acceleration of the esterification resulting from the addition of ADP and P₁ to the medium indicated that these compounds were able to penetrate to the active site of esterification.

5. 5. Ribose 5-phosphate (Rib-5-P) was shown to inhibit P₁ esterification without affecting the apparent K_m for ADP or P₁. The evidence suggests that Rib-5-P interferes with the uptake of P₁, and possibly ADP.

Dihydroxamic acid complexes of iron (III): ligand pKa and coordinated water hydrolysis constants

A series of dihydroxamic acid ligands of the formula [RN(OH)C(O)]₂(CH₂)_n, (n = 2, 4, 6, 7, 8; R = CH₃, H) has been studied in 2.0 M aqueous sodium perchlorate at 25.0 °C. These ligands may be considered as synthetic analogs to the siderophore rhodotorulic acid. Acid dissociation constants (pK_a) have been determined for the ligands and for N-methylacetohydroxamic acid (NMHA). The pK_a1 and pK_a2 values are: n = 2, R = CH₃ (8.72, 9.37); N = 4, R = CH₃ (8.79, 9.37); N = 6, R = CH₃; N = 7, R = CH₃ (8.95, 9.47); N = 8, R = CH₃ (8.93, 9.45); N = 8, R = H (9.05, 9.58). Equilibrium constants for the hydrolysis of coordinated water (log K) have been estimated for the 1:1 feeric complexes of the ligands n = 2, 4, 8; R = CH₃. The N = 8 ligand forms a monomeric complex with Fe(III) while the n = 2 and 4 ligands form dimeric complexes. For hydrolysis of the n = 8 monomeric complex, log K₁ = −6.36 and log K₂ = −9.84. Analysis of the spectrophotometric data for the dimeric complexes indicates deprotonation of all four coordinated waters. The successive hydrolysis constants, log K_1–4, for the dimeric complexes are as follows: n = 2 (−6.37, −5.77, −10.73, −11.8); n = 4 (−5.54, −5.07, −11.57, −10.17). The log K₂ values for the dimers are unexpectedly high, higher in fact than log K₁, inconsistent with the formation of simple ternary hydroxo complexes. A scheme is proposed for the hydrolysis of the ferric dihydroxamate dimers, which includes the possible formation of μ-hydroxo and μ-oxo bridges.     

Nonionic detergent-induced activation of an esterase from Bacillus megaterium 20-1

An esterase-producing Bacillus megaterium strain (20-1) was isolated from a soil sample collected in South Korea. The cloned gene showed that the esterase 20-1 composed of 310 amino acids corresponding to a molecular mass (M_r) of 34,638. Based on the M_r and the protein sequence, the esterase 20-1 belonged to the H lipase/esterase group. The optimum temperature and pH of the purified His-tagged enzyme were 20–35 °C and 8.0, respectively. The esterase 20-1 showed a ‘nonionic detergent-induced activation’ phenomenon, which was a detergent type- and concentration-dependent process. In comparison with the native enzyme, the Tween 80-treated enzyme had relatively a similar k_cat value of 274 s⁻¹ but a very low K_m value of 0.037 mM for PNPC (C₆), therefore, it showed a 14-fold increase in k_cat/K_m value.     

Identification of a novel 5-HT1 binding site in rat spinal cord

High affinity, specific [³H]5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) binding to spinal cord synaptosomes was examined to identify the 5-HT receptor subtypes present. Computer nonlinear regression analysis of competition studies employing 8-OH-DPAT indicated that this 5-HT_1A selective agonist demonstrated high affinity competition (K_{i = 1.3 nM}) for 24.6 ± 0.7% of the total [³H]5-HT binding sites. Competition studies employing the 5-HT_1B selective agonist RU24969, in the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT, indicated that RU24969 demonstrated high affinity (K_{i = 1.1 nM}) competitive inhibition for 26.2 ± 1.4% of all [³H]5-HT binding sites. Neither 5-HT_1C, 5-HT_1D, 5-HT₂ nor 5-HT₃ selective compounds demonstrated any high affinity competition for the residual 49% of specific [³H]5-HT binding. Therefore, three major classes of [³H]5-HT binding sites could be demonstrated in spinal cord synaptosomes: 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B and a novel [³H]5-HT binding site which respectively represented 25, 26 and 49% of spinal cord synaptosomal [³H]5-HT binding. Further studies focusing on the function of the latter binding site are needed to determine if the presently identified novel binding site is the major 5-HT₁ receptor subtype present in spinal cord.     

Activation of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels by phosphatidylinosital-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2): interaction with other regulatory ligands

All members of the inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir1-7) are regulated by the membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylinosital-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂). Some are also modulated by other regulatory factors or ligands such as ATP and G-proteins, which give them their common names, such as the ATP sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channel and the G-protein gated potassium channel. Other more non-specific regulators include polyamines, kinases, pH and Na⁺ ions. Recent studies have demonstrated that PIP₂ acts cooperatively with other regulatory factors to modulate Kir channels. Here we review how PIP₂ and co-factors modulate channel activities in each subfamily of the Kir channels.     

Dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca channel in aneurally cultured human muscles Relationship between high-affinity binding site and inhibition of calcium uptake

Dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels and the relationship between binding of dihydropyridine derivatives and depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ uptake have been studied in aneurally cultured human muscle. Analysis of the equilibrium binding of the 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative (+)-PN200-110 revealed a single high-affinity binding site with a K_d of 0.15±0.05 nM and a B_max of 87±12 fmol/mg protein. Inhibition of (+)-[³H]PN200-110 binding by nitrendipine revealed a K_i of 0.8 nM for the nitrendipine-receptor complex. Depolarization of cultured human muscle achieved by elevating the K⁺ concentration increased the uptake ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ which was inhibited by nitrendipine with an IC₅₀ of 1.1 nM. This study demonstrates that aneurally cultured human muscle has dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels which are functional when the fibers are depolarized.     

Charybdotoxin blocks dendrotoxin-sensitive voltage-activated K channels

Charybdotoxin, a short scorpion venom neurotoxin, which was thought to be specific for the blockade of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels also blocks a class of voltage-sensitive K⁺ channels that are known to be the target of other peptide neurotoxins from snake and bee venoms such as dendrotoxin and MCD peptide. Charybdotoxin also inhibits ¹²⁵-dendrotoxin and ¹²⁵I-MCD peptide binding to their receptors. All these effects are observed with an IC₅₀ of about 30 nM.     

AT4 receptor structure-binding relationship: N-terminal-modified angiotensin IV analogues

The effect of structural changes in the N-terminal amino acid of AIV, with respect to AT₄ receptor binding, was examined by competition with [¹²⁵I]AIV in bovine adrenal membranes. Analogues with modifications of the first residue -amino group possessed lower affinities than the primary amine-containing parent compound. Peptides with a residue 1 -carbon in the conformation exhibited poor affinity for the AT₄ receptor. Modifications of the residue 1 R-group demonstrate that a straight chain aliphatic moiety containing four carbons is optimal for receptor-ligand binding, as evidenced by the extremely high affinity of [Nle¹]AIV (K_i = 3.59±0.51 pM). Replacement of the 1–2 peptide bond of AIV with the methylene bond isostere Ψ (CH₂-NH), increased the K_i approximately fivefold, indicating that the peptide bond may be replaced wihle maintaining relatively high-affinity receptor binding.     

New herbicide-binding site in the photosynthetic electron-transport chain: Competitive herbicide binding at the photosystem I phylloquinone-(vitamin K1)-binding site

The binding of herbicides to the phylloquinone-(primary electron acceptor A₁)-binding site in green plant photosystem (PS) I reaction centers is shown. Dissociation constants (K_d) of various herbicides to the phylloquinone-binding site were estimated by analyzing their competitive inhibition of the reconstitution of the phylloquinone analogue, menadione (vitamin K₃), to the phylloquinone-extracted spinach PS I particles. The phylloquinone-binding site was found to bind o-phenanthroline (K_d = 1.2 × 10⁻⁴ M), but only weak binding was observed with atrazine (K_d > 10⁻² M), although both are known to bind specifically to the quinone-(Q_B)-binding site in reaction centers of purple photosynthetic bacteria or PS II. The inhibitors of the cytochrome b/c₁(ƒ) complex, myxothiazol (K_d=9.5 × 10⁻⁶ M) or antimycin A (K_d = 2.8 × 10⁻⁶ M), also strongly bound to the phylloquinone site. This is the first report showing that the PS I reaction center complex also has a herbicide-binding site, although the site is probably not sensitive in vivo to these herbicides due to its higher affinity for phylloquinone than herbicides. The inhibitor specificity of the PS I phylloquinone site is different from that of the other quinone-functioning sites in the photosynthetic or respiratory electron-transfer chain, suggesting it to have a unique structure.     

Cloning, expression and characterization of thymidylate synthase from Crypto coccus neoformans

The thymidylate synthase (TS)-encoding gene from Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) has been isolated from cDNA and genomic libraries. The 1127-bp gene contains three introns and a 951-bp open reading frame encoding a 35844-Da protein. The cDNA clones lack 324 bp of the 5' coding region of the gene. The complete coding sequence was assembled as an expression cassette in pUC19 using parts of the coding sequence from the cDNA and genomic DNA and completing the sequence using synthetic DNA. Production of active TS from Cn (CnTS) was first demonstrated by complementation of a thymine(Thy)-requiring Escherichia coli strain. The expression cassette was subsequently subcloned into the T7 polymerase vector pET15-b. In this construct, CnTS is produced as approximately 10% of the total soluble protein in E. coli. Homogeneous enzyme was obtained at a 36% yield after consecutive chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, phenyl-Sepharose and Affi-Gel Blue. Steady-state kinetic analysis showed that the K_m values for dUMP and CH₂H₄-folate were 2.7 ± 0.5 μM and 38.2 ± 2.5 μM, respectively, and the K_cat was 5.1 s⁻¹. The enzyme was stable upon storage at −80°C in Tris-HCl pH 7.4 and thiol.     

A nitrite reductase with cytochrome oxidase activity from Micrococcus denitrificans

The formation of nitrite reductase and cytochrome c in Micrococcus denitrificans was repressed by O₂. The purified nitrite reductase utilized reduced forms of cytochrome c, phenazine methosulphate, benzyl viologen and methyl viologen, respectively, as electron donors. The enzyme was inhibited by KCN, NaN₃ and NH₂OH each at 1 mM, whereas CO and bathocuproin, diethyl dithiocarbamate, o-phenanthroline and ,'-dipyridyl at 1 mM concentrations were relatively ineffective. The purified enzyme contains cytochromes, probably of the c and a₂ types, in one complex. A K_m of 46 μM for NO₂⁻ and a pH optimum of 6.7 were recorded for the enzyme. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be around 130000, and its anodic mobility was 6.8·10⁻⁶ cm²·sec⁻¹·V⁻¹ at pH 4.55.

The most highly purified nitrite reductase still exhibited cytochrome c oxidase activity with a K_m of 27 μM for O₂. This activity was also inhibited by KCN, NaN₃ and NH₂OH and by NO₂⁻.

A constitutive cytochrome oxidase associated with membranes was also isolated from cells grown anaerobically with NO₂⁻. It was inhibited by smaller amounts of KCN, NaN₃ and NH₂OH than the cytochrome oxidase activity of the nitrite reductase enzyme and also differed in having a pH optimum of about 8 and a K_m for O₂ of less than 0.1 μM. Spectroscopically, cytochromes b and c were found to be associated with the constitutive oxidase in the particulate preparation. Its activity was also inhibited by NO₂⁻.

The physiological role of the cytochrome oxidase activity associated with the purified nitrite reductase is likely to be of secondary importance for the following reasons: (a) it accounts for less than 10% of total cytochrome c oxidase activity of cell extracts; (b) the constitutive cytochrome c oxidase has a smaller K_m for O₂ and would therefore be expected to function more efficiently especially at low concentrations of O₂.     

Surprisingly high stability of barley lipid transfer protein, LTP1, towards denaturant, heat and proteases

Tripeptidyl peptidase-I (TPP-I) is a lysosomal peptidase which cleaves tripeptides from the N-terminus of peptides. The function of the enzyme is unclear but its importance is demonstrated by the fact that mutations in TPP-I are responsible for late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a lethal lysosomal storage disease. As a step towards identifying its natural substrates, we have used a series of synthetic peptides, based on angiotensin-II, to explore the effects of peptide chain length and the effects of amino acid substitutions at the P₁ and P₁′ positions on the rate of catalysis. With the exception of angiotensin-(1–8) (angiotensin-II), which is a relatively poor substrate for TPP-I, the rate of catalysis increases with increasing chain length. K_cat/K_m values increase 50-fold between angiotensin-(1–5) and angiotensin-(1–14). TPP-I shows little specificity for the nature of the amino acids in the P₁ and P₁′ positions, K_cat/K_m values varying only 5-fold for a range of substitutions. However, Pro or Lys in the P₁ position and Pro in the P₁′ positions are incompatible with TPP-I activity. These observations suggest that TPP-I is a non-specific, but essential, peptidase involved in the latter stages of lysosomal protein degradation.     

Affinities of ATP for the dinitrophenol-induced ATPase

1. 1. The effect of Mg²⁺ on ATP-dependent processes catalysed by intact rat-liver mitochondria can be explained quantitatively by the formation of Mg-ATP complexes that cannot act as a substrate for the adenine nucleotide translocator.

2. 2. The dinitrophenol-induced ATPase is characterized by two affinities of ATP: K_m(1) = 6.7 μM and K_m(2) = 63 μM, which contribute to the extent of 70% and 30%, respectively, to the total ATPase activity under the standard conditions employed.

3. 3. K_m(1) of ATP is competitively increased by atractyloside, and is insensitive to changes in cation concentration or to oligomycin or aurovertin.

4. 4. K_m(2) is as sensitive to atractyloside as the K_m(1) and is also insensitive to oligomycin. However, it is increased by decreasing the cation concentration, and disappears in the presence of aurovertin.

5. 5. It is proposed that two conformations of the adenine nucleotide translocator exist, characterized by their different affinities for ATP. The distribution of the enzyme over these two conformations appears to be a function of the energy state of the mitochondria (coupled or uncoupled).