The (Na+ + K+) ATPase activity of a rat brain synaptic membrane preparation was inhibited by 10(-5) M thimerosal. 2. The ouabain inhibitable K+-PNPPase activity of thimerosal treated membranes was compared with that of untreated membranes with respect to sensitivity to temperature, ouabain, K+ and ATP. 3. All those kinetic characteristics were substantially altered by treatment with thimerosal.