Thiol containing NO.-derivatives were found to inhibit the activity of
brain and kidney Na/K-ATPase. S-Nitrosogluthatione demonstrated only
minor inhibiting activity, while dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNIC) with
cysteine or glutathione were much more effective. Brain Na/K-ATPase i
s more vulnerable to inhibiting action than kidney Na/K-ATPase. Inhibi
tion of the activity is accompanied by a decrease in amount of protein
thiol groups and a change in the substrate dependence curve of the en
zyme, Restoration of Na/K-ATPase activity by SH-reagent dithiothreitol
or cysteine is accompanied by restoration of SH-groups of the enzyme.
This suggests that blockade of SH-groups of Na/K-ATPase is responsibl
e for the inhibition. The possibility that this blockade results in di
sordering of interprotomer interactions within the oligomeric complexe
s of Na/K-ATPase is suggested. Possible regulatory meaning of the effe
ct of NO. derivatives is discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.