Non-specific Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Research Articles

Prosthetic rehabilitation of hypophosphatasia: a case report

Hypophosphatasia is a congenital disease characterized by deficiency of serum and tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity. The disease occurs due to mutations in the liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene. Six clinical forms of hypophosphatasia are recognized. Systemic symptoms of the disease are respiratory complications, premature craniosynostosis, widespread demineralization and rachitic changes in the metaphases, stress fractures, chondrocalcinosis and osteoarthropathy. Characteristic dental symptoms are premature deciduous teeth loss, premature exfoliation of fully rooted primary teeth, severe dental caries and alveolar bone loss. This clinical report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a twenty two year-old Turkish female patient with hypophosphatasia.

The ANKH ΔE490 Mutation in Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystal Deposition Disease (CPPDD) Affects Tissue Non-specific Alkaline Phosphatase (TNAP) Activities

ANKH (human homolog of progressive ankylosis) regulates inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) transport. Dominant ANKH mutations were detected in at least five multiplex families with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPPD). The objective of this study is to assess the functional consequences of one CPPDD-associated ANKH mutation (ΔE490) in chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. Stable ATDC5 transfectants bearing myc-tagged constructs of wild-type ANKH, mutant ANKH (ΔE490) and neo controls were generated. Upon ITS (insulin, transferrin and selenium) induction, expression of chondrocyte markers including alkaline phosphatase activity in the various transfectants was assessed. The ANKH ΔE490- transfectants had low alkaline phosphatase activities throughout ITS treatment due to lower TNAP protein expression and the presence of intracellular low-molecular-weight inhibitors. Our results suggest that the interplay of ANKH and TNAP activities is tightly regulated.

Effects of pyrophosphate on desmal and endochondral mineralization and TNAP activity in organoid culture

During endochondral and desmal osteogenesis, mineralization of bone and cartilage matrix requires an appropriate solubility product of calcium and phosphate, collagen as a nucleator and deactivation of inhibitors, in order to prevent heterotopic calcification. In the 1960s, Fleisch and coworkers detected pyrophosphate (PPi) as an inhibitor of hydroxyapatite crystal growth, which should be removed by cleavage to tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity. This theory had been established by basic experiments performed with collagen gels and demineralized matrices. In order to investigate the effect of PPi on matrix mineralization in bone and cartilage, calcium content and TNAP activity were measured in organoid cultures of mouse calvarial osteoblasts and limb bud cartilage after treatment with PPi and/or levamisole. In organoid cultures, bone and cartilage develop in a clear histotypical manner. PPi did not induce mineralization. Beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) induced mineralization which could be significantly reduced by PPi. Levamisole, an inhibitor of TNAP, also reduced mineralization; the combination with PPi was additive. TNAP activity was increased after treatment with PPi and levamisole in both osteoblast and cartilage cultures. Mineralization induced by beta-GP and Pi decreased TNAP activity in the osteoblast but not in cartilage organoid culture. In this culture system, PPi reduced mineralization as predicted by Fleisch's theory. Indications of cleavage of PPi were indirectly found because inhibition of hydrolysis of PPi by levamisole further reduced mineralization, probably due to the higher amounts of PPi available for binding to hydroxyapatite.

Renal calcium stones: insights from the control of bone mineralization

Extracellular pyrophosphate (PPi) plays a central role in the control of normal bone mineralization since it antagonizes inorganic phosphate in the promotion of hydroxyapatite deposition. Studies using knock-out mice have established the functional importance of PPi generation via nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterases (NPP) and of PPi transmembrane transport by the progressive ankylosis (ANK) protein. Tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity counteracts this by hydrolysis of PPi to inorganic phosphate. The molecular nature and transport function of ANK are reviewed. A close parallel is drawn between the controlled mineralization of bone and the prevention of abnormal calcium crystal deposition within the kidney, especially when concentrated urine is produced. Pyrophosphate is present in urine, and ANK is expressed in the cortical collecting duct where PPi transport to both the tubular lumen and the renal interstitium may occur. Pyrophosphate may also be generated here by nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPD2 and 3) together with NPP1. Alkaline phosphatase activity is restricted to the proximal nephron, remote from these sites of PPi generation, transport and function. The physiological importance of PPi generation and transport in preventing idiopathic calcium renal stone disease and nephrocalcinosis now needs to be established.

Evaluation of a method for measuring tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity in healthy subjects

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) isozymes in the healthy human serum samples appears in two isoforms: normal-molecular-weight IAP (NIAP) and high-molecular-weight IAP (HIAP). We have demonstrated that the reference range for serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is higher in blood group B and O antigen secretors than in the tested other blood groups, for the appearance of these isoforms is depended on blood group B or O antigen secretors. We assessed a diethanolamine-L-phenylalanine (DEA-Phe) method for measuring tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). This assays the sum of liver alkaline phosphatase and bone alkaline phosphatase activities as determined by an inhibiting IAP activity method with Phe. We classified 420 healthy subjects into two groups, a group of subjects who had blood group B or O antigen secretors (n = 184) and a group of subjects who had other blood groups (n = 236). ALP activity was higher in the B or O secretor group than in the other group: 20.9% higher (P<0.001) by the N-methyl-D-glucamine method, 13.7% higher (P<0.002) by 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol method, and 9.6% higher (P<0.05) by the diethanolamine method, but there was no significant difference in TNAP activity between the two blood group when measured by the DEA-Phe method. These results of this study support the expectation that the DEA-Phe method would be specific for TNAP activity. In addition, the reference range for TNAP activity did not vary with the differences in the tested all blood groups.

Medical Therapy of Children With Fibrous Dysplasia

FIBROUS DYSPLASIA (FD) is a sporadic developmental disorder characterized by expanding fibrous lesions throughout the skeleton. On X-rays, the dysplastic lesions frequently have a lytic or cystic appearance. At the tissue level, the lesions consist of abnormal fibrous tissue in the marrow space intertwined with poorly defined and irregular trabeculae reminiscent of woven bone. Bone scans usually show increased radiolabel uptake in the affected areas. Biochemical indices of bone turnover are usually high (particularly serum tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity) and correlate with the extent of the lesions. Hypophosphatemia is a common finding, probably caused by a circulating phosphaturic factor. The sites involved are typically the long bones and the skull. They are often unilateral. In some cases, a single lesion is present (monostotic form). Polyostotic (more than one site) forms are the most frequent, with, in rare instances, FD involving the whole skeleton (panostotic form). When bone lesions are associated with various endocrinopathies (mostly precocious puberty) and skin lesions (cafe-au-lait-spots), it is referred to as the McCuneAlbright syndrome (OMIM #174800).

Histopathologic indicators of recurrence in meningiomas: correlation with clinical and genetic parameters

Meningiomas in general are circumscribed slow-growing tumors. However, despite gross total resection, tumor relapse and patients' outcome are still an issue. Risk stratification based on histomorphology alone remains problematic. This study explored the independent prognostic value of potential risk factors among 206 patients who underwent meningioma resection and followed-up until death or a median of 44 months. The statistical analysis considered clinical data, histomorphologic parameters, cytogenetic findings, Ki-67 immunoreactivity, and activity of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). Recurrence-free survival estimates were computed and prognostic factors were identified using Cox proportional hazards model. Independent predictors of recurrence included (1) anaplasia; (2) mitotic index > or =20/10 high-power fields; (3) subtotal tumor resection; (4) loss of short arm of chromosome 1 (1p-); and (5) Ki-67 labeling index (LI) >12%. Among totally resected WHO grade I meningiomas, neither histopathologic nor clinical parameters were predictive, whereas 1p- was the only independent prognostic factor. ALPL did not reach significance in the multivariate modeling, however, the fast and low-cost histochemical detection of ALPL expression could be proved as a highly sensitive screening method for 1p-. In particular, biologically aggressive meningiomas of histologically benign or "borderline" phenotype could be therefore identified by ALPL detection followed by 1p in situ hybridization.

Phosphodiesterase Activity of Alkaline Phosphatase in ATP-initiated Ca2+ and Phosphate Deposition in Isolated Chicken Matrix Vesicles

Inorganic pyrophosphate is a potent inhibitor of bone mineralization by preventing the seeding of calcium-phosphate complexes. Plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 and tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase were reported to be antagonistic regulators of mineralization toward inorganic pyrophosphate formation (by plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1) and degradation (by tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) under physiological conditions. In addition, they possess broad overlapping enzymatic functions. Therefore, we examined the roles of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase within matrix vesicles isolated from femurs of 17-day-old chick embryos, under conditions where these both antagonistic and overlapping functions could be evidenced. Addition of 25 microM ATP significantly increased duration of mineralization process mediated by matrix vesicles, while supplementation of mineralization medium with levamisole, an alkaline phosphatase inhibitor, reduces the ATP-induced retardation of mineral formation. Phosphodiesterase activity of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase for bis-p-nitrophenyl phosphate was confirmed, the rate of this phosphodiesterase activity is in the same range as that of phosphomonoesterase activity for p-nitrophenyl phosphate under physiological pH. In addition, tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase at pH 7.4 can hydrolyze ADPR. On the basis of these observations, it can be concluded that tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, acting as a phosphomonoesterase, could hydrolyze free phosphate esters such as pyrophosphate and ATP, while as phosphodiesterase could contribute, together with plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1, in the production of pyrophosphate from ATP.

In vivo and in vitro differentiation of male germ cells in the mouse

Primordial germ cells appear in the embryo at about day 7 after coitum. They proliferate and migrate towards the genital ridge. Once there, they undergo differentiation into germ stem cells, known as 'A spermatogonia'. These cells are the foundation of spermatogenesis. A spermatogonia commit to spermatogenesis, stay undifferentiated or degenerate. The differentiation of primordial germ cells to migratory, postmigratory and germ stem cells is dependent on gene expression and cellular interactions. Some of the genes that play a crucial role in germ cell differentiation are Steel, c-Kit, VASA, DAZL, fragilis, miwi, mili, mil1 and mil2. Their expression is stage specific, therefore allowing solid identification of germ cells at different developmental phases. In addition to the expression of these genes, other markers associated with germ cell development are nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity, the stage specific embryonic antigen, the transcription factor Oct3/4 and beta1- and alpha6-integrins. Commitment of cells to primordial germ cells and to A spermatogonia is also dependent on induction by the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4. With this knowledge, researchers were able to isolate germ stem cells from embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid bodies, and drive these into gametes either in vivo or in vitro. Although no viable embryos were obtained from these gametes, the prospects are that this goal is not too far from being accomplished.

Hypophosphatasie de l'enfant : à propos d'un cas caractérisé par une nouvelle mutation

Hypophosphatasia is characterized by defective bone mineralization associated with impaired activity of the tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) due to mutations in the TNSALP gene. We describe a child with a mutation that has not been described up to now. Case report. – A 4-year-old child presented with clinical symptoms of rickets and premature loss of decideous teeth. Reduced serum alkaline phosphatase activity and radiographic features led to the diagnosis of hypophosphatasia, which was confirmed by genetic investigation. The molecular study showed two missense mutations, of which one is a novel mutation. Conclusion. – Hypophosphatasia is suspected in a child with rickets and premature loss of decideous teeth. Such symptoms should prompt the search of a reduced serum alkaline phosphatase activity. The clinical and molecular diagnosis of the disease is important for the genetic counseling but also for a proper determination of prognosis, as it is related to the type of mutation.

Response of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and gingival fibroblasts to pulsating fluid flow: nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 release and expression of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity.

The capacity of the periodontal ligament to alter its structure and mass in response to mechanical loading has long been recognized. However, the mechanism by which periodontal cells can detect physical forces and respond to them is largely unknown. Besides transmission of forces via cell-matrix or cell-cell interactions, the strain-derived flow of interstitial fluid through the periodontal ligament may mechanically activate the periodontal cells, as well as ensure transport of cell signaling molecules, nutrients and waste products. Mechanosensory cells, such as endothelial and bone cells, are reported to respond to a flow of fluid with stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide production. Therefore, we examined the PGE2 and nitric oxide response of human periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts to pulsating fluid flow and assessed the expression of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity. Periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts were subjected to a pulsating fluid flow (0.7 +/- 0.02 Pa, 5 Hz) for 60 min. PGE2 and nitric oxide concentrations were determined in the conditioned medium after 5, 10, 30 and 60 min of flowing. After fluid flow the cells were cultured for another 60 min without mechanical stress. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts, but not gingival fibroblasts, responded to fluid flow with significantly elevated release of nitric oxide and decreased expression of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity. In both periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts, PGE2 production was significantly increased after 60 min of flowing. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts, but not gingival fibroblasts, produced significantly higher levels of PGE2 during the postflow culture period. We conclude that human periodontal ligament fibroblasts are more responsive to pulsating fluid flow than gingival fibroblasts. The similarity of the early nitric oxide and PGE2 responses to fluid flow in periodontal fibroblasts with bone cells and endothelial cells suggests that these three cell types possess a similar sensor system for fluid shear stress.

Alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) in serum is inhibited by physiological concentrations of inorganic phosphate.

Natural and artificial manipulation of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity indicates that pyrophosphate, phosphoethanolamine, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate are among the natural substrates for this enzyme. Although inorganic phosphate has been recognized as a competitive inhibitor of this enzyme for many years, the influence of phosphate on alkaline phosphatase activity in serum under physiological conditions has not been previously reported. We examined the kinetics of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase from bovine kidney and sera from 49 patients with a wide range of endogenous phosphate concentrations using pyridoxine 5'-phosphate as a substrate at pH 7.4. For the bovine kidney enzyme, the Km was 0.42 +/- 0.04 micromol/L, and the Ki for phosphate was 2.4 +/- 0.2 micromol/L. Analysis of the kinetics using pyridoxine 5'-phosphate in undiluted serum from 10 subjects with phosphorus ranging from 0.5-2.1 mmol/L and alkaline phosphatase activity ranging from 41-165 nmol/min x mL gave estimates for the Km of 56 +/- 11 micromol/L and for the Ki of 540 +/- 82 micromol/L for phosphate. This indicates that under physiological conditions alkaline phosphatase activity toward pyridoxine 5'-phosphate is reduced approximately 50% by the normal phosphate concentration and that it will increase or decrease significantly in response to changes in phosphate concentration within the ranges observed clinically.

Human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatases: sugar-moiety-induced enzymic and antigenic modulations and genetic aspects

To investigate the possible role(s) of glycans in human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity, the iso-enzymes were purified and treated with various exo- and endo-glycosidases. Catalytic activity, oligomerization, conformation and immunoreactivity of the modified TNAPs were evaluated. All TNAPs proved to be N-glycosylated, and only the liver isoform (LAP) is not O-glycosylated. Usually, the kidney (KAP) and bone (BAP) isoenzymes are similar and cannot be clearly discriminated. Differences between the immunoreactivity of KAP/BAP and LAP with a BAP antibody were mainly attributed to the N-glycosylated moieties of the TNAPs. In addition, elimination of O-glycosylations moderately affects the TNAP reactivity. Interestingly, N-glycosylation is absolutely essential for TNAP activity, but not for that of the placental or intestinal enzymes. According to the deduced amino acid sequence of TNAP cDNA, Asn-213 is a possible N-glycosylation site, and our present findings suggest that this sugar chain plays a key role in enzyme regulation. With regard to the oligomeric state of alkaline phosphatase (AP) isoforms, the dimer/tetramer equilibrium is dependent on the deglycosylation of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol(GPI)-free APs, but not GPI-linked APs. This equilibrium does not affect the AP conformation as observed with CD. With regard to TNAPs, no data were available on the gene expression or nature of the 5'-non-translated leader exon of human KAP, as opposed to BAP and LAP genes. cDNA sequencing revealed that cortex/medulla KAP is genetically related to BAP, and medulla KAP to LAP.

The effects of cisplatin, taxol, and cisplatin plus taxol on non-specific esterase and alkaline phosphatase activity in rat kupffer cells

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II) and taxol (paclitaxel) are two chemotherapeutic agents used to combat various types of cancers. Cisplatin, although effective at inhibiting cell division via cross-linking of DNA, is extremely toxic to both the liver and the kidney. Taxol, a diterpene analog, interferes with cell division by specifically binding to the beta subunit of the tubulin protein, promoting the formation of these microtubule polymers. In combination, cisplatin and taxol have proven to be more effective against ovarian cancers compared to the individual use of the respective drugs. These drugs are known to influence a variety of changes within the tissue, including activation of the murine peritoneal macrophages The effects of cisplatin, taxol, and cisplatin plus taxol on the liver Kupffer cells were studied using non-specific esterase and alkaline phosphatase as markers.

Purification and Characterization of Two Isoenzymes of DL-Glycerol-3-phosphatase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: IDENTIFICATION OF THE CORRESPONDING GPP1 AND GPP2 GENES AND EVIDENCE FOR OSMOTIC REGULATION OF Gpp2p EXPRESSION BY THE OSMOSENSING MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAY

The existence of specific dl-glycerol-3-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.21) activity in extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was confirmed by examining strains lacking nonspecific acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. During purification of the glycerol-3-phosphatase, two isozymes having very similar molecular weights were isolated by gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography. By microsequencing of trypsin-generated peptides the corresponding genes were identified as previously sequenced open reading frames of unknown function. The two genes, GPP1 (YIL053W) and GPP2 (YER062C) encode proteins that show 95% amino acid identity and have molecular masses of 30.4 and 27.8 kDa, respectively. The intracellular concentration of Gpp2p increases in cells subjected to osmotic stress, while the production of Gpp1p is unaffected by changes of external osmolarity. Both isoforms have a high specificity for dl-glycerol-3-phosphate, pH optima at 6.5, and KmG3P in the range of 3-4 mM. The osmotic induction of Gpp2p is blocked in cells that are defective in the HOG-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, indicating that GPP2 is a target gene for this osmosensing signal transduction pathway. Together with DOG1 and DOG2, encoding two highly homologous enzymes that dephosphorylate 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate, GPP1 and GPP2 constitute a new family of genes for low molecular weight phosphatases.

Retinoic acid and methylation cis-regulatory elements control the mouse tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase gene expression

To understand the mechanisms regulating the tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity during development, we characterized cis-transcriptional regulatory elements. In embryonic cells and tissues, TNAP expression was driven preferentially by the exon 1A (E1A) promoter, one of the two promoters previously defined. Transcriptional activity of E1A promoter was up-regulated by retinoic acid (RA) through a putative RA-responsive element. Transgenic mice analysis with lacZ reporter constructs revealed negative regulatory elements within 8.5 kb of E1A promoter. Promoter sequences of endogenous TNAP in non-expressing tissues and those carried by the 8.5 kb- lacZ transgene were found to be highly methylated. A 1 kb fragment of E1A promoter increased the methylation level of lacZ and promoter sequences. The role of RA and DNA methylation in defining the embryonic expression pattern of TNAP is discussed.

Hereditary hypophosphatasia and hyperphosphatasia

Hereditary hypophosphatasia and hyperphosphatasia are two rare skeletal disorders, which commonly present during childhood and are characterized by a decrease and an increase, respectively, in serum tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity. The primary defect in hereditary hypophosphatasia appears to be a structural abnormality in the tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase gene, resulting in a decrease or absence of enzymatic activity. The pathogenesis of hyperphosphatasia is unknown. There is no treatment for hypophosphatasia. Treatment with pamidronate appears promising for patients with hereditary hyperphosphatasia.

Ecto-ATPase/phosphatase activity in the olfactory sensilla of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus: localization and characterization.

Electrophysiological studies have shown that the olfactory organ (antennule) of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, has chemoreceptors that are selectively excited by adenine nucleotides in seawater. Biochemical studies have revealed that these same nucleotides can be rapidly dephosphorylated by ectoenzymes associated with the olfactory sensilla (aesthetascs). In this study the distribution of ecto-ATPase/phosphatase activity within aesthetascs was determined cytochemically and the nature of the adenine-nucleotide dephosphorylating activity was dissected biochemically. Cytochemically, the distribution of ATP-dephosphorylating activity was similar to that shown previously for AMP and beta-glycerol phosphate; i.e., cerium phosphate reaction product was specifically localized to the transitional zone where the sensory dendrites develop cilia and branch to form the outer dendritic segments. Unlike the dephosphorylation of AMP and beta-glycerol phosphate, Mg2+ or Ca2+ was required for ecto-ATPase/phosphatase activity. Biochemical measures of both AMP- and ATP-dephosphorylating activity within aesthetascs corroborated the cytochemical evidence that these activities are localized to the transitional zone. A major portion of the AMP dephosphorylation (about 67%) derives from nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity that is insensitive to levamisole and L-bromotetramisole. In contrast, nonspecific phosphatase activity accounted for a much smaller part of the ATP dephosphorylation (about 15%). Ectoenzymatic activity in the transitional zone may be an important means of removing excitatory/inhibitory nucleotides from this region.

Histochemistry and Ultrastructure of the Metacercarial Cyst of Bolbogonotylus corkumi (Trematoda: Cryptogonimidae)

Histochemical and ultrastructural studies were conducted on the metacercarial cyst of the cryptogonimid trematode Bolbogonotylus corkumi from the muscle tissue of fantail darters Etheostoma flabellare. The metacercarial cyst consisted of an outer host capsule and an inner parasite cyst. The host capsule was composed of an outer region of fibroblasts, collagen, macrophages, and unidentified cells, and an inner region containing degenerating cells. The parasite cyst was thin, homogenous, and noncellular in nature. The host capsule stained strongly for connective tissue and proteins and moderately for lipids, nucleic acids, nonspecific esterase activity, and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. The parasite cyst stained intensely for acid mucopolysaccharides and moderately for acid phosphatase activity. A thick glycocalyx occurred between the parasite cyst and metacercarial tegument.

Studies on the subcellular distribution of (Na + + K +)-ATPase, K +-stimulated ATPase and HCO 3−-stimulated ATPase activities in malpighian tubules of Locusta migratoria L.

The present study confirms previous reports of the presence of (Na + + K +)-ATPase and anion-stimulated ATPase activity in Malpighian tubules of Locusta. In addition, the presence of a K +-stimulated, ouabain-insensitive ATPase activity has been identified in microsomal fractions. Differential and sucrose density-gradient centrifugation of homogenates has been used to separate membrane fractions which are rich in mitochondria, apical membranes and basolateral membranes; as indicated by the presence of succinate dehydrogenase and the presence or absence of non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity, respectively. Relatively high specific (Na + + K +)-ATPase activity was associated with the basolateral membrane-rich fractions with only low levels of this activity being associated with the apical membrane-rich preparation. K +-stimulated ATPase activity was also associated, predominantly, with the basolateral membrane-rich fractions. However, comparison of the distribution of this activity with that of the (Na + + K +)-ATPase suggests that the two enzymes did not co-separate. The possibility that the K +-stimulated ATPase was not associated with the basolateral plasma membrane is discussed. Anion-stimulated ATPase activity was found in the apical and basolateral membrane-rich fractions and in the fraction contaning mainly mitochondria. Nevertheless, the fact that this bicarbonate-stimulated activity did not co-separate with succinate dehydrogenase activity suggests that it was not exclusively mitochondrial in origin. These results are consistent with physiological studies indicating a basolateral (Na + + K +)-ATPase but do not support the K +-stimulated ATPase as a candidate for the apical electrogenic pump. The possible role of the bicarbonate-stimulated ATPase activity in ion transport across both the basolateral and apical cell membranes is discussed.