Properties of the calcium-activated adenosine tri-phosphatase from L-cell membranes.

Preparation of surface membranes from mouse L-cells using a technique previously described in the literature [Perdue & Sneider, 1970] allowed characterization of a Ca-activated ATPase apparently separate from the mitochondrial ATPase also dependent on calcium. This enzyme is associated with the Na-K-ATPase, a marker for surface membranes, and not wilth alkaline phosphatase, a mitochondrial enzyme. In temperature sensitivity, pH dependence and inhibition by ethacrynic acid, the partially purified enzyme has properties similar to those previously described for active calcium efflux from these cells. For maximal activity of the enzyme system magnesium and sodium are required, although the calcium transport from whole cells was apparently independent of both. Adenosine triphosphate only was metabolized by the enzyme system, whereas CTP could be utilized for calcium transport from 'ghost' cells, probably as a result of intracellular conversion to ATP. It is suggested that the active calcium transport from cultured L-cells is closely linked to the calcium dependent ATPase, and that the method of calcium extrusion is similar to that described for red blood cells.