Demonstration of a Mg-ATPase and a Na,K-ATPase from the arteria carotis communis of the sheep.

Besides the Mg-ATPase, a Na,K-ATPase can be demonstrated in different fractions of smooth muscles of the A. carotis communis of the sheep. The highest activity of Mg-ATPase is observed in the heavy microsomal fraction. The Ca-ion may act as a complete substitute for the Mg-ion in the Mg-ATPase. The proportion of Na,K-ATPase is between 10 and 40%, depending on the preparative conditions used in the individual fractions. Fractionated salt treatment (LiBr, KC1, KBr) improved the assay of Na,K-ATPase but increased strength of the Tris-HC1-buffer considerably reduced its activity.