Use of two-sided bifunctional liposomes in the study of a hypothalamic Na,K-ATPase inhibitor.

Two-sided bifunctional (ATP-filled) Na,K-ATPase liposomes have been developed as a result of knowledge about the average liposome diameter and volume, the liposome size distribution, the average number of Na,K-ATPase molecules reconstituted per liposome, and the orientation of the reconstituted Na,K-ATPase molecules. The addition of 5-10 microM external 86Rb to the liposomes containing 50 mM encapsulated ATP provoked an impressive 86Rb accumulation by the cell-like-oriented pumps. The successive addition of external ATP activated the pumps in the reversed orientation of the same liposome, leading to total extrusion of the previously accumulated 86Rb. An inhibitor extracted from bovine hypothalamus (hypothalamic inhibitory factor) inhibited the cell-like-oriented population, i.e., acted like an extracellular inhibitor at 30 nM. Conversely, at 75 nM, the reversed pump population was also blocked, indicating that the inhibitor either transversed the membrane or was able to act also at the intracellular enzyme side at a higher concentration. Thus, the side of action as well as the membrane permeability of structurally unknown endogenous Na,K-ATPase inhibitors can be determined simultaneously in a single suspension of two-sided bifunctional Na,K-ATPase liposomes.