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Potassium-stimulated ATPase activity and hydrogen transport in gastric microsomal vesicles.

The Mg2+-dependent, K+-stimulated ATPase of microsomes from pig gastric mucosa has been studied in relation to observed active H+ transport into vesicular space. Uptake of fluorescent dyes (acridine orange and 9-aminoacridine) was used to monitor the generated pH gradient. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy showed that the vesicular gastric microsomes have an asymmetric distribution of intramembraneous particles (P-face was particulate; E-face was relatively smooth. Valinomycin stimulated both dye uptake and K+-ATPase (valinomycin-stimulated K+-ATPase); stimulation by valinomycin was due to increased K+ entry to some intravesicular activating site, which in turn depends upon the accompanying anion. Using the valinomycin-stimulated K+-ATPase and H+ accumulation as an index, the sequence for anion permeation was NO-3 greater than Br- greater than Cl- greater than I- greater than acetate approximately isethionate. When permeability to both K+ and H+ was increased (e.g using valinomycin plus a protonophore or nigericin), stimulation of K+-ATPase was much less dependent on the anion and the observed dissipation of the vesicular pH gradient was consistent with an 'uncoupling' of ATP hydrolysis from H+ accumulation. Thiocyanate interacts with valinomycin inhibiting the typical action of the K+ ionophore. But stimulation of ATPase activity was seen by adding 10 mM SCN- to membranes preincubated with valinomycin. From the relative activation of the valinomycin-stimulated K+-ATPase, it appears that SCN- is a very permeant anion which can be placed before NO-3 in the sequence of permeation. Valinomycin-stimulated ATPase and H+ uptake showed similar dependent correlations, including: dependence on [ATP] and [K+], pH optima, temperature activation, and selective inhibition by SH- or NH2-group reagents. These results are consistent with a pump-leak model for the gastric microsomal K+-ATPase which was simulated using Nernst-Planck conditions for passive pathways and simple kinetics for the pump. The pump is a K+/H+ exchange pump requiring K+ at an internal site. Rate of K+ entry would depend on permeability to K+ as well as the counterion, either (1) the anion to accompany K+ or (2) the H+ efflux path as an exchange ion. The former leads to net accumulation of H+ and anion, while the latter results in non-productive stimulation of ATP hydrolysis.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Apparent activation volumes of hydrophobic ions and carriers in planar lipid bilayers.

A gas-free high-pressure cell has been developed to measure planar bilayer conductances induced by hydrophobic ions and ionophores as a function of hydrostatic pressure. Plots of log conductance versus pressure for valinomycin and nonactin-mediated potassium transport in egg phosphatidyl cholinedecane membranes are essentially linear over a pressure range of 1 to 818 atm. Calculated activation volumes give similar results for both nonactin and valinomycin yielding values of + 48 and + 42 cc/mole, respectively. The valinomycin activation volume agrees reasonably well with the results obtained by Johnson and Miller (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 375:286-291, 1975) for K+-valinomycin transport in liposomes. In contrast to the activation volumes for nonactin and valinomycin, relaxation measurements of tetraphenyl boron (TPB) and dipicrylamine (DPA) give very small values of less than 5 cc/mole for the translocation rate constant, ki. Similarly, steady-state conductance measurements on tetraphenyl arsonium (TPA) and carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), give small values of 6 and 7 cc/mole, respectively. These low figures do not support transport theories based on the formation of bilayer holes or kinks (H. Träuble, J. Membrane Biol. 4:193-208, 1971). The low values for TPB and TPA are especially interesting because their cross-sectional areas are not much different than those of valinomycin and nonactin. Pressure-induced changes in membrane dielectric constant and thickness which lower the bilayer electrostatic barrier could explain the low values for the hydrophobic ions. Additionally, larger activation volumes might be expected for carriers such as nonactin and valinomycin that undergo significant rearrangement and change in hydration during surface complexation of cations.

Electric Conductivity↗

Evidence for a channel for the electrogenic transport of chloride ion in the rat hepatocyte.

Chloride is the major inorganic anion in bile but its mechanism of passage from blood to bile is uncertain. Specific membrane channels account for most net inorganic anion flux in other cell types such as the proximal tubular cell and red blood cell; disulfonic stilbenes inhibit anion movement through these channels. Therefore, we have sought the presence of similar channels in the hepatocyte. Net inorganic anion flux or conductance was initiated in isolated rat hepatocytes by valinomycin in the presence of an outward potassium gradient. Potassium concentration in the extracellular medium increased from 2.75 +/- 0.02 in control cell suspensions to 3.15 +/- 0.04 in valinomycin-treated cell suspensions. Membrane potential difference (Em) (mV), determined as the distribution of [14C]tetraphenyl phosphonium ion was -28 mV in control cells and -42 mV in valinomycin-treated cells (p less than 0.05). Intracellular chloride concentration (36Cl-) (mEq per liter of cell water) decreased significantly from 38.6 in control cells to 32.0 in valinomycin-treated cells. The observed intracellular concentrations (36Cl-) in both control and valinomycin-treated cell suspensions closely approximates values predicted on the basis of the Nernst equation: 41 and 29 (mEq per liter of cell water), respectively, suggesting that the chloride ion is passively distributed on the basis of the membrane potential difference. Furthermore, net rate-limited cell water loss of approximately 15% of control values was associated with the above valinomycin-stimulated changes in ion distribution, as assessed using three methods of cell water volume determination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Factors affecting chloride conductance in apical membrane vesicles from human placenta.

Apical membrane vesicles from human term placenta were isolated using a magnesium precipitation technique, and the purity of the vesicles was assessed morphologically using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and biochemically, using marker enzymes. The vesicles were found to be morphologically intact and significantly enriched in enzymes associated with apical membranes. 36Cl- uptake into these vesicles was studied in the presence of an outwardly directed Cl- gradient. This uptake was found to be time dependent, with an initial rapid uptake tending to peak between 10 and 20 min and thereafter decline. Uptake was found to be voltage dependent since 5 microM valinomycin caused a decrease in uptake. The effects of N-phenylanthranilic acid (NPA) and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and bumetanide on the initial rate of Cl- were examined in the presence and absence of 5 microM valinomycin. NPA and DIDS inhibited isotope uptake strongly with IC50 values of 0.83 +/- 0.35 microM and 3.43 +/- 0.37 microM, respectively, in the absence of valinomycin. Although valinomycin reduced 36Cl- uptake by about 80% when added before the isotope, DIDS reduced the uptake which remained in a concentration-dependent fashion with an IC50 of 5.6 +/- 2.1 microM. Under these conditions, NPA was without effect at concentrations below 100 microM. Bumetanide was without effect at the concentrations used in the absence of valinomycin. However, following valinomycin pretreatment, bumetanide reduced 36Cl- uptake significantly at 100 microM concentration. Vesicle diameter, as assessed by flow cytometry, did not change under the conditions employed. The effects of some fatty acids were also investigated. Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid inhibited Cl- uptake with IC50 values of 37.6 +/- 14.9 microM and 4.59 +/- 0.51 microM, respectively. Arachidonyl alcohol and elaidic acid were found to be without effect. These studies show that human placental brush border membrane vesicles possess a chloride conductance channel, the activity of which can be measured in the presence of an outwardly directed Cl- gradient and this channel is sensitive to Cl- channel inhibitors, especially N-phenylanthranilic acid, and can be inhibited by unsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid and linoleic acid.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Effect of phosphate and ionophores on (14C)-NEM incorporation in mitochondrial membranes and relationships with phosphate carrier system.

Phosphate transport in mitochondria was investigated with respect to its inhibition by NEM. The reactivity of the Pi carrier SH groups was influenced by phosphate or ionophores during preincubation before the addition of NEM. Furthermore in order to obtain some mitochondrial protein fractions where the typical effects of phosphate and ionophores on [14C]-NEM fixations were observed, mitochondria were submitted to hypotonic treatment and sonication. The following results were obtained: 1. -- Phosphate and grisorixin (a new ionophore of the nigericin group) decreased the inhibition of phosphate transport by NEM. The same effect was observed for [14C]-NEM incorporation. 2. -- Valinomycin increased [14C]-NEM incorporation. The valinomycin effect was abolished by phosphate. ClCCP alone affected [14C]-NEM incorporation slightly. Valinomycin plus ClCCP decreased NEM inhibition of phosphate transport and [14C]-NEM incorporation like grisorixin. 3. -- The variability of SH group reactivity can be interpreted by a control of SH group accessibility by transmembrane delta pH as previously suggested. 4. -- Typical effects of phosphate or ionophores were observed in whole pig heart and rat liver mitochondria. These effects were enhanced in the same supernatant protein fraction resulting from sonication in pig heart mitochondria : phosphate decreased [14C]-NEM incorporation by 1,50 nmoles/mg protein, grisorixin by 0.95 nmoles, whereas valinomycin increased it by 0.75 nmoles. For rat liver mitochondria the phosphate effect and the valinomycin increased it by 0.75 nmoles. For rat liver mitochondria the phosphate effect valinomycin effect on [14C]-NEM incorporation were observed in the subparticular fraction obtained after sonification.

Animals↗

Proton translocation by cytochrome oxidase in (antimycin + myxothiazol)-treated rat liver mitochondria using ferrocyanide or hexammineruthenium as electron donor.

When O2 was injected into an anaerobic suspension of valinomycin-treated rat liver mitochondria inhibited with rotenone, antimycin, and myxothiazol, a small amount of O2 (0.23-0.33 ng-atom of O/mg of protein) was reduced extremely rapidly (within the 2 s time-resolution of the oxygen electrode). The subsequent steady-state rate of flow of electrons to oxygen was very low [less than 3 nequiv. X s-1 X (g of mitochondrial protein)-1]. In the presence of valinomycin there was a rapid ejection of protons synchronous with the rapid phase of O2 consumption corresponding to 0.38-0.61 nequiv. of H+ X (mg of mitochondrial protein)-1. When valinomycin was replaced by carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) there was a rapid alkalification of the medium corresponding to 0.20-0.42 nequiv. of H+ X (mg of mitochondrial protein)-1. When 2 mM-Fe(CN)6(4-) was present to re-reduce endogenous cytochrome c, O2 consumption was still biphasic but the second phase of O2 consumption was very much more rapid [600 nequiv. X s-1 X (g of protein)-1], and resulted in the virtually complete consumption of the O2 in the pulse within 4 s. With 60 microM-Ru(NH3)6(2+) as reductant, O2 consumption was even faster [1200 nequiv. X s-1 X (g of protein)-1]. In a medium containing 150 mM-choline chloride with Ru(NH3)6(2+) as reductant, the proton per reducing equivalent stoichiometry (delta H+O/e-) was +0.95 in the presence of valinomycin and -0.94 in the presence of FCCP. In choline chloride medium containing Ru(NH3)6(2+) and valinomycin, there was an uptake of K+ ions corresponding to 1.86 K+/e-. It is concluded that nearly 1 proton is translocated outwards through cytochrome oxidase per oxidizing equivalent injected in this medium. In low ionic strength sucrose-based medium, with Ru(NH3)6(2+) as reductant, delta H+O/e- was 1.05 in the presence of valinomycin, and -0.71 in the presence of FCCP. It is concluded that the translocation of protons is accompanied by net acid production in this medium.

Animals↗

Molecular structure and mechanisms of action of cyclic and linear ion transport antibiotics.

Ionophores are antibiotics that induce ion transport across natural and artificial membranes. The specific function of a given ionophore depends upon its selectivity and the kinetics of ion capture, transport, and release. Systematic studies of complexed and uncomplexed forms of linear and cyclic ionophores provide insight into molecular mechanisms of ion capture and release and the basis for ion selectivity. The cyclic dodecadepsipeptide valinomycin, cyclo[(-L-Val-D-Hyi-D-Val-L-Lac)3-], transports potassium ions across cellular membrane bilayers selectively. The x-ray crystallographic and nmr spectroscopic data concerning the structures of Na+, K+, and Ba+2 complexes are consistent and provide a rationale for the K+ selectivity of valinomycin. Three significantly different conformations of valinomycin are observed in anhydrous crystals, in hydrated crystals grown from dimethylsulfoxide, and in crystals grown from dioxane. Each of these conformations suggests a different mechanism of ion capture. One of the observed conformations has an elliptical structure stabilized by four 4<--1 intramolecular hydrogen bonds and two 5<--1 hydrogen bonds. Ion capture could be readily achieved by disruption of the 5<--1 hydrogen bonds to permit coordination to a potassium ion entering the cavity. The conformation found in crystals obtained from dimethyl sulfoxide is an open flower shape having three petals and three 4<--1 hydrogen bonds. Complexation could proceed by a closing up of the three petals of the flower around the desolvating ion. In the third form, water molecules reside in the central cavity of a bracelet structure having six 4<--1 hydrogen bonds. Two of these bracelets stack over one another with their valine-rich faces surrounding a dioxane molecule. The stacked molecules form a channel approximately 20 A in length, suggesting that under certain circumstances valinomycin might function as a channel. A series of analogues of valinomycin differing in ring composition and size have been synthesized and their transport properties tested. Peptide substitution and chiral variation in the dodecadepsipeptide can result in stabilization or modification of the different conformers. While contraction of the ring size results in loss of ion transport properties, expansion of the ring size permits complexation of larger ions and small positively charged molecules. Gramicidin A is a pentadecapeptide that functions as a transmembrane channel for transporting monovalent cations. Crystal structures of the cesium chloride complex and two uncomplexed forms of gramicidin A have been reported. In all three structures the gramicidin A molecule is a left-handed, antiparallel, double-stranded helical dimer. In the cesium complex the beta 7.2-helix has 6.4 residues per turn with an internal cavity large enough to accommodate cesium ions. In the uncomplexed structures the channel is 31 A long and has 5.6 amino acids per turn. Because the helix is too tightly wound to permit ion transport, ion transport would require breaking and reforming of hydrogen bonds.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of membrane potential on surface Ca2+ receptor activation in rat osteoclasts.

Osteoclasts are known to possess a divalent cation-sensitive receptor, the Ca2+ receptor (CaR). The latter monitors changes in the local Ca2+ concentration generated as a result of hydroxyapatite dissolution. CaR activation elevates cytosolic [Ca2+] and thereby inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption. Recent studies have used Ni2+ as a surrogate CaR agonist to elicit changes in cytosolic [Ca2+]. This article examines the effects of membrane potential changes on the kinetics of the cytosolic [Ca2+] signal resulting from such Ni(2+)-induced CaR activation. Membrane potential was altered through variations in the extracellular [K] in combination with applications of the K+ ionophore, valinomycin. Membrane potential changes were confirmed by independent electrophysiological patch clamp studies of whole osteoclasts. The application of valinomycin produced a distinct, sustained elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] in single fura 2-loaded cells, a "primary" response. This response was independent of valinomycin concentration (between 5 nM to 5 microM) and persisted in Ca(2+)-free, EGTA-containing solutions. It also persisted both in high (105 mM) and low (5 mM) extracellular [K+]. A gradual "secondary" elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] then followed with the continued application of valinomycin, but this was eliminated by sequestering the extracellular [Ca2+] or by increasing extracellular [K+] from 5 to 105 mM. In a separate set of experiments, the presence of 5 microM [valinomycin]-([K+] = 5 mM) prolonged the cytosolic [Ca2+] signal elicited by 50 microM-[Ni2+] application. These prolonged kinetics persisted in low extracellular [Ca2+] (zero-added Ca2+), but reverted to a rapid time-course in the presence of 105 mM-[K+] or at higher [Ni2+] (500 microM and 5 mM). The experiments thus indicate that membrane voltage modifies the kinetics of CaR activation by Ni2+ and therefore suggests that the CaR is an integral protein in the osteoclast surface membrane.

Animals↗

Phospholipid vesicles containing bovine heart mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase exhibit proton translocating activity in the presence of gramicidin.

Phospholipid vesicles containing bovine heart mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COV) were characterized for electron transfer and proton translocating activities in the presence of the mobile potassium ionophore, valinomycin, and the channel-forming ionophore, gramicidin, in order to determine if the ionophores modify the functional properties of the enzyme. In agreement with previous work, incubation of COV with valinomycin resulted in a perturbation of the absorbance spectrum of oxidized heme aa3 in the Soret region (430 nm); gramicidin had no effect on the heme aa3 absorbance spectrum. Different concentrations of the two ionophores were required for maximum respiratory control ratios in COV; 40- to 70-fold higher concentrations of valinomycin were required to completely uncouple electron transfer activity when compared to gramidicin. The proton translocating activity of COV incubated with each inophore gave a similar apparent proton translocated to electron transferred stoichiometry (H+/e- ratio) of 0.66 +/- 0.10. However, COV treated with low concentrations of gramicidin (0.14 mg/g phospholipid) exhibited 1.5- to 2.5-fold higher rates of alkalinization of the extravesicular media after the initial proton translocation reaction than did COV treated with valinomycin, suggesting that gramicidin allows more rapid equilibration of protons across the phospholipid bilayer during the proton translocation assay. Moreover, at higher concentrations of gramicidin (1.4 mg/g phospholipid), the observed H+/e- ratio decreased to 0.280 +/- 0.020, while the rate of alkalinization increased an additional 2-fold, suggesting that at higher concentrations, gramicidin acts as a proton ionophore. These results support the hypothesis that cytochrome c oxidase is a redox-linked proton pump that operates at similar efficiencies in the presence of either ionophore. Low concentrations of gramicidin dissipate the membrane potential in COV most likely by a channel mechanism that is different from the carrier mechanism of valinomycin, yet does not make the phospholipid bilayer freely permeable to protons.

Animals↗

Lymphocyte membrane potential assessed with fluorescent probes.

The membrane potential of mouse spleen lymphocytes has been assessed with two fluorescent probes. 3,3'-Dipropylthiadicarbocyanine (diS-C3-(5)) was used for most of the experiments. Solutions with high K+ concentrations depolarised the cells. Valinomycin, an inophore which adds a highly K+-selective permeability membranes, slightly hyperpolarised cells in standard (6 mM K+) solution, and in 145 mM K+ solution produced a slight additional depolarisation. These findings indicate a membrane whose permeability is relatively selective for K+. Very small changes in potential were seen when choline replaced Na+, or gluconate replaced Cl-, supporting the idea of K+ selectivity. The resting potential could be estimated from the K+ concentration gradient at which valinomycin did not change the potential-the "valinomycin null point" - and under the conditions used the resting potential was approx.-60 mV. B cell-enriched suspensions were prepared either from the spleens of nu/nu mice or by selective destruction of T cells in mixed cell populations. The membrane potential of these cells was similar to that estimated for the mixed cells. In solution with no added K+, diS-C3-(5) itself appeared to depolarise the lymphocytes, in a concentration dependent manner. With the 100 nM dye normally used, the membrane potential in K+-free solution was around -45 mV, and 500 nM dye almost completely depolarised the cells. In standard solution quinine depolarised the cells. Valinomycin could still depolarise these cells indicating that depolarisation had not been due to dissipation of the K+ gradient. Since in K+-free solution diS-C3-(5) blocks the Ca2+-activated K+ channels in human red blood cell ghosts and quinine also blocks this K+ channel it is suggested that the resting lymphocyte membrane may have a similar Ca2+-activated K+ permeability channel. Because of the above mentioned effect of diS-C3-(5) and other biological side effects, such as inhibition of B cell capping, a chemically distinct fluorescent probe of membrane potential, bis(1,3-diethylthiobarbiturate)-trimethineoxonol was used to support the diS-C3-(5) data. This new probe proved satisfactory except that it formed complexes with valinomycin, ruling out the use of this ionophore. Results with the oxonol on both mixed lymphocytes and B cell-enriched suspensions gave confirmation of the conclusions from diS-C3-(5) experiments and indicated that despite its biological side effects, diS-C3-(5) could still give valid assessment of membrane potential.

Animals↗

Enhancement of transmembrane proton conductivity of protonophores by membrane-permeant cations.

The rate of protonophore-mediated decay of pH gradient across lipid vesicular membranes was found to be enhanced by orders of magnitude by valinomycin-K+. Experiments in the presence of gramicidin have shown that the observed rate enhancement by valinomycin-K+ is not due to collapse of the diffusion potential alone. The enhancement of the rate showed hyperbolic dependence on the concentration of valinomycin. Rate enhancement was observed in the presence of the membrane permeant cation tetraphenylphosphonium (TTP+) also. Several factors which might enhance the intrinsic H+ conductivity of protonophores were analyzed. The level of partitioning of the protonophore into the membrane and the pK of membrane-bound protonophores were measured. Valinomycin-K+ did not alter both these parameters significantly. TPP+ increased the partitioning of protonophores and decreased the pK values of membrane-bound protonophores. However, these changes were too small to explain the observed rate enhancements. We suggest that valinomycin-K+ and TPP+ enhance the H+ conductivity of protonophores by increasing the permeability of the ionized form of protonophores by forming an ion pair.

Boron Compounds↗

Anacardic acid-mediated changes in membrane potential and pH gradient across liposomal membranes.

We have previously shown that anacardic acid has an uncoupling effect on oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria using succinate as a substrate (Life Sci. 66 (2000) 229-234). In the present study, for clarification of the physicochemical characteristics of anacardic acid, we used a cyanine dye (DiS-C3(5)) and 9-aminoacridine (9-AA) to determine changes of membrane potential (DeltaPsi) and pH difference (DeltapH), respectively, in a liposome suspension in response to the addition of anacardic acid to the suspension. The anacardic acid quenched DiS-C3(5) fluorescence at concentrations higher than 300 nM, with the degree of quenching being dependent on the log concentration of the acid. Furthermore, the K(+) diffusion potential generated by the addition of valinomycin to the suspension decreased for each increase in anacardic acid concentration used over 300 nM, but the sum of the anacardic acid- and valinomycin-mediated quenching was additively increasing. This indicates that the anacardic acid-mediated quenching was not due simply to increments in the K(+) permeability of the membrane. Addition of anacardic acid in the micromolar range to the liposomes with DeltaPsi formed by valinomycin-K(+) did not significantly alter 9-AA fluorescence, but unexpectedly dissipated DeltaPsi. The DeltaPsi preformed by valinomycin-K(+) decreased gradually following the addition of increasing concentrations of anacardic acid. The DeltaPsi dissipation rate was dependent on the pre-existing magnitude of DeltaPsi, and was correlated with the logarithmic concentration of anacardic acid. Furthermore, the initial rate of DeltapH dissipation increased with logarithmic increases in anacardic acid concentration. These results provide the evidence for a unique function of anacardic acid, dissimilar to carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone or valinomycin, in that anacardic acid behaves as both an electrogenic (negative) charge carrier driven by DeltaPsi, and a 'proton carrier' that dissipates the transmembrane proton gradient formed.

Aminacrine↗

Effects of hydrostatic pressure on lipid bilayer membranes. II. Activation and reaction volumes of carrier mediated ion transport.

Measurements of voltage relaxations following brief charge-pulses applied to lipid bilayers have been performed at different hydrostatic pressures in the presence of the neutral carriers cyclo (D-Val-L-Pro-L-Val-D-Pro)3(PV) and valinomycin. From double-exponential relaxations observed in membranes containing PV-K+ complexes estimates were obtained of the amount of membrane absorbed complexes, NMS, and of the rate of complex translocation, kMS. The pressure dependence of kMS corresponded to an activation volume for translocation of approximately 12 cm3/mol independent of ionic strength and K+ concentration. The pressure dependence of NMS strongly varied with K+-concentration suggesting a major role of ion-complexation in solution which is estimated to involve a reaction volume of 25.5 cm3/mol, while the volume of absorption of a PV-K+ complex by the membrane was estimated -7.5 cm3/mol. The relaxations observed in the presence of valinomycin contained three exponentials and could be used to estimate four rate constants and one absorption parameter which characterize the valinomycin-mediated transport. When the transport of Rb+ was tested, the rate constant for the complex dissociation, kD, and the total concentration of free and complexed carriers in the membrane, No, were found to be pressure insensitive. The translocation rates for the complex, kMS and for the free carrier, kS, were instead markedly pressure dependent according to estimated activation volumes in the range of 11 to 18 cm3/mol. The recombination rate constant kR was also pressure dependent according to an activation volume of 12-14 cm3/mol. The study of the valinomycin-K+ transport yielded similar results as far as N.,ks, and kms are concerned, but in this case kR was pressure independent, while kD was increased by pressure. The net volume change associated with the transfer of a free ion to the membrane in the form of a valinomycin-ion complex was nevertheless very similar for K+ and Rb+. It is concluded that pressure affects the transmembrane mobility of liposoluble molecules, whether charged or not, mostly by increasing the effective viscosity of the hydrocarbon core of the bilayer. The pressure dependence of the membrane uptake of amphipathic compounds seems also to obey the general rule: that of involving a negative volume change. However, when the compounds arise from a complexation reaction in solution or at the membrane solution interface possible positive volumes of complexation may make effective uptake to be reversed rather than increased by pressure.

Biological Transport, Active↗

Antineoplastic agents. Part 409: Isolation and structure of montanastatin from a terrestrial actinomycete.

A Montana soil actinomycete, Streptomyces anulatus, produced (1 x 10(-2)% yield) a new cancer cell growth inhibitory cyclooctadepsipeptide named montanastatin (1) accompanied by the potent anticancer antibiotic valinomycin (2) in very high (5.1%) yields. Valinomycin but not montanastatin inhibited growth of a number of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Interpretation of high-field (500 MHz) NMR and high-resolution FAB mass spectral data allowed assignment of the structure cyclo-(D-Val-L-Lac-L-Val-D-Hiv) to montanastatin. Valinomycin (2) was also isolated from actinomycetes cultured from a tree branch and animal feces collected in Malaysia. Streptomyces exfoliatus, isolated from the tree branch, was found to contain valinomycin in 1.6% yield, while the fecal isolate, S. anulatus, gave valinomycin in 0.9% yield.

Actinomycetales↗

Relationship between cell morphology and intracellular potassium concentration in Candida albicans.

Previously we reported that valinomycin inhibited hyphal growth and induced growth as a chain of yeast cells under hyphal growth induction conditions in Candida albicans. To elucidate the hyphal growth inhibition by valinomycin, we examined the effect of various chemicals on the morphology and found that miconazole inhibited hyphal growth as well as valinomycin: both compounds promoted the leakage of potassium from cells. Analysis of intracellular potassium suggested that hyphal cells contain potassium at high concentrations in comparison with yeast cells. Hyphal growth inhibition by valinomycin was obstructed by the addition of serum. Potassium measurement showed that the addition of serum causes an increase in intracellular potassium, suggesting that the obstruction by serum might be due to an increase in intracellular potassium. The above-mentioned results strongly suggest that the addition of valinomycin and miconazole decreased interacellular potassium and this decrease inhibited hyphal transition.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Control of electron transfer in the cytochrome system of mitochondria by pH, transmembrane pH gradient and electrical potential. The cytochromes b-c segment.

1. A study is presented of the effects of pH, transmembrane pH gradient and electrical potential on oxidoreductions of b and c cytochromes in ox heart mitochondria and 'inside-out' submitochondrial particles. 2. Kinetic analysis shows that, in mitochondria at neutral pH, there is a restraint on the aerobic oxidation of cytochrome b566 with respect to cytochrome b562. Valinomycin plus K+ accelerates cytochrome b566 oxidation and retards net oxidation of cytochrome b562. At alkaline pH the rate of cytochrome b566 oxidation approaches that of cytochrome b562 and the effects of valinomycin on b cytochromes are impaired. 3. At slightly acidic pH, oxygenation of antimycin-supplemented mitochondria causes rapid reduction of cytochrome b566 and small delayed reduction of cytochrome b562. Valinomycin or a pH increase in the medium promote reduction of cytochrome b562 and decrease net reduction of cytochrome b566. 4. Addition of valinomycin to mitochondria and submitochondrial particles in the respiring steady state causes, at pH values around neutrality, preferential oxidation of cytochrome b566 with respect to cytochrome b562. The differential effect of valinomycin on oxidation of cytochromes b566 and b562 is enhanced by substitution of 1H2O of the medium with 2H2O and tends to disappear as the pH of the medium is raised to alkaline values. 5. Nigericin addition in the aerobic steady state causes, both in mitochondria and submitochondrial particles, preferential oxidation of cytochrome b562 with respect to cytochrome b566. This is accompanied by c cytochrome oxidation in mitochondria but c cytochrome reduction in submitochondrial particles. 6. In mitochondria as well as in submitochondrial particles, the aerobic transmembrane potential (delta psi) does not change by raising the pH of the external medium from neutrality to alkalinity. The transmembrane pH gradient (delta pH) on the other hand, decrease slightly. 7. The results presented provide evidence that the delta psi component of the aerobic delta microH+ (the sum of the proton chemical and electrical activities) exerts a pH-dependent constraint on forward electron flow from cytochrome b566 to cytochrome b562. This effect is explained as a consequence of anisotropic location of cytochromes b566 and b562 in the membrane and the pH-dependence of the redox function of these cytochromes. Transmembrane delta pH, on the other hand, exerts control on electron flow from cytochrome b562 to c cytochromes.

Animals↗