Interactions of K+ with (Na,K)-ATPase orientation of K+-phosphatase sites studied with inside-out red cell membrane vesicles.

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Inside-out membrane vesicles from human red cells were used to investigate the side specificity of K+ interactions with the K+-activated phosphatase, a partial reaction of the (Na, K)-ATPase. In the absence of Na+ and ATP, K+ at moderate affinity sites at the extravesicular surface (cytoplasmic K+) stimulates activity, whereas intravesicular K+ (K+ normally at the extracellular surface) is without effect. In contrast, under conditions of phosphorylation of (Na, K)-ATPase (Na+ and ATP present), K+ ions acting at high affinity sites at both surfaces are required. It is concluded that an enzyme x K complex is involved in K+-activated phosphatase activity and that it is formed either by interaction of cytoplasmic K+ with the dephosphoenzyme, or as a consequence of extracellular K+ binding and dephosphorylation of the phosphoenzyme formed in the presence of Na+ plus ATP.