Maltosyl isothiocyanate: an affinity label for the glucose transporter of the human erythrocyte membrane. 1. Inhibition of glucose transport.

Maltosyl isothiocyanate (MITC) has been synthesized from maltose with an overall yield of 88%. It has been found to be a potent irreversible inhibitor of zero trans influx of glucose with human erythrocytes. Kinetic analysis of glucose transport after treatment of erythrocytes with MITC revealed that VT was diminished while KT was unchanged. Transportable sugars and competitive inhibitors of monosaccharide transport protected against MITC inhibition, while carbohydrates which do not interact with the transporter gave no protection. Covalent inhibitors of anion transport were without effect on glucose transport. MITC fulfilled the kinetic requirements for an affinity label of the glucose transporter of human erythrocytes [Groman, E. V., Schultz, R. M., & Engel, L. L. (1977) Methods Enzymol. 46, 54].