Binding of the nucleoside transport inhibitor 4-nitrobenzylthioinosine to erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract

4-Nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR), a potent nucleoside transport inhibitor, was prepared in two radioactive forms and the binding of these to erythrocyte ghosts was studied. Similar binding data were obtained with inhibitor containing 14C in the purine 8-position or in the benzyl 7-position, suggesting that the entire inhibitor molecule was bound. A saturable high-affinity mode of NBMPR binding was apparent; NBMPR bound in this way was not removed by washing, but was displaced by a related inhibitor of nucleoside transport, 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylthioguanosine (HNBTGR). It is postulated that the high-affinity binding sites are the nucleoside transport elements of the erythrocyte membrane. From ghosts treated with 14C-NBMPR under conditions which assured binding of the high affinity type, 14C was recovered by extractions in the form of NBMPR. Thus, this mode of NBMPR binding is reversible and covalent linkages do not appear to be involved. A low affinity mode of NBMPR binding was also demonstrated; this appeared to be a partition of NBMPR between the medium and the membrane substance. This component of bound NBMPR was not displaced by HNBTGR and was removed by washing.