Accumulation of 1-methyl-4 phenylpyridinium (MPP +) into bovine chromaffin granules results in a large restriction of its molecular motion: A 13C and 31P NMR study

Abstract

13C labelled 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([13C-methyl]MPP+) is taken up by chromaffin granules and a signal from the methyl group within the granular matrix appears at 49.8 ppm. No shift of the [13C-Me] signal is observed upon incorporation into the granules. However the linewidth of the signal is significantly increased suggesting a restriction in the molecular motion of MPP+. Confirmation of the above derives from the determination of the T1 relaxation time of the [13C-Me] carbon of MPP+ which shows a four fold decrease upon incorporation of MPP+ into the granule. 31P NMR spectra of ATP in the presence of MPP+ reveals that the toxicant has low affinity for the nucleotide, suggesting that it is the viscosity of the granular matrix that restricts MPP+ mobility rather than a specific interaction with intragranular ATP.