| Abstract: | The steady-state level of phosphorylated intermediate (EP) of (Mg2+ + Ca2+)-ATPase is influenced by magnesium and calcium concentration in the Ca2+-transporting system of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. At micromolar Ca2+], the level of EP is increased by Mg2+, depending on its concentration. The effect of Mg2+ is less pronounced at lower Ca2+ concentration. At low Mg2+], the EP formation increases at millimolar concentrations of Ca2+, suggesting, in accordance with earlier results, that the substrate may also be CaATP instead of MgATP. LaCl3 (1 mM) enhanced the EP formation at low Mg2+ concentration. Surprisingly, 10 microM LaCl3 caused a marked decrease in EP formation at high Mg2+] and had little or no effect on the level of EP at low Mg2+ concentration. The inducing effect of 1 mM LaCl3 on the EP formation at low Mg2+] and the inhibitory effect of 10 microM LaCl3 at high Mg2+ concentration draw attention to the involvement of divalent cation-binding sites with different affinity in phosphorylation and to the particular role of Mg2+ in the EP formation and EP decomposition. |
