Effect of Electric Fields on Membrane Bound (Na,K)-ATPase.
Abstract
A protein of a cell membrane is structurally sensitive to an electric field because of its charges, helix dipoles and polarizability. When such a protein is exposed to an applied oscillating electric field, the conformational oscillation of the protein can be coupled to driving an endergonic reaction. We have investigated how such an interaction between the sodium, potassium +(Na,K)-ATPase of human erythrocytes and an a.c. field leads to active pumping of K+ and Na against their respective concentration gradient. Experiments done in this past year establish that optimum frequency of rubidium Rb+ (an equivalent of K+) occurs at 1.0 kHz and that for Na+ efflux at 1 MHz or higher. The optimum voltage for both pumps is 20 V/cm. An electroconformational coupling model is proposed and the above data analyzed according to the model. In the continuation years we will study the relationship between stimulating voltage and optimum frequency, and vise versa. Its molecular mechanisms will be investigated and more quantitative analysis performed. Keywords: Electrophysiology; Biochemistry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 06, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA187300
Entities
People
- Tian Y. Tsong
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University