Variability in ouabain-induced inhibition of human erythrocyte membrane (Na+ K+)-ATPase

Sub-cellular fractionation of Trypanosoma brucei. Isolation and characterization of plasma membranes

A procedure is described for the isolation of sub-cellular fractions from bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei. The method leaves intact most of the nuclei, mitochondria and microbodies. All the fractions have been chemically characterized and tested for 10 enzymatic markers. About 5% of total cell protein was isolated as a microsomal fraction containing mostly plasma membranes and endoplasmic reticulum vesicles. Plasma membranes were purified by high-speed centrifugation on magnesium-containing Dextran, and on linear sucrose-density gradients. The yield of membranes was approximately 0.3% of the total cell protein. The purified material had a sucrose density of 1.14 g/cm3 and consisted of smooth vesicles. Specific activity of the membrane markers Na+, K+, ouabain-sensitive ATPase and adenylate cyclase were 26- and 20-fold higher, respectively, than in total cells. Neither DNA nor RNA was detected. The sum of the cholesterol and phospholipid content was 0.99 mg/mg protein. The cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio was 1:2.

The metabolic basis to the fluid pump in the cornea

1. A technique for isolating and perfusing the rabbit cornea is described, which allowed its thickness to be continuously measured under the microscope. The reversal of thickness of the cold-swollen cornea on perfusion with various solutions at 37 degrees C was studied.2. It was found that only a combination of adenosine and glutathione was able to reliably reverse the thickness to its normal value. This mechanism is sodium, bicarbonate, and oxygen dependent. Inhibitors of glycolysis or electron transport stop the reversal process.3. The findings are consistent with a need for an ATPase but are not capable of distinguishing among several possibilities for its regulation.