pH-dependent temperature sensitivity of rat lens phosphofructokinase.

Rat lens phosphofructokinase (PFK) has been found to be cold-labile at acidic pH, even in the presence of sulfate and inorganic phosphate, two known positive effectors. The inactivation appears to be an irreversible process, but can be prevented by including ATP in the incubating media. The enzyme is relatively stable at pH 8.2 incubated at 0 to 4 degrees, 25 degrees, or 37 degrees C. in the absence of the effectors, but is extremely thermolabile if the pH is lowered to 7.30 or lower. The thermolability is counteracted by many effectors, among them sulfate and ATP are the most effective. The physiologic significance of PFK instability and effector protection in the lens are discussed.