[Lability of coupling between proton translocase and ATPase of mitochondrial H+-ATPase complex].

The interrelationship between the ATPase and H+-translocase functions of mitochondrial H+-ATPase was studied. The efficiency of the functioning was estimated by the value of coupling coefficient (Kc), which is represented by a ratio of proton translocation rate versus ATP coupling hydrolysis rate. It was shown that under conditions of increased concentrations of ATP and low concentrations of oligomycin the value of Kc is decreased. The increase in the concentration of valinomycin results in an increase of Kc. It was also found that the H+-ATPase activity shows a considerable increase during incubation of mitochondria, reaching its maximum with respect to both functions 1--2 min after addition of ATP. The data obtained are indicative of a lack of tight coupling between the H+-translocase and ATPase functions of mitochondrial H+-ATPase. The mechanism of action of H+-ATPase is discussed.