Influence of charge on the inactivation of membrane bound (Na+ + K+)-ATPase of Yoshida sarcoma cells by inhibitor proteins from cobra venom.

Inactivation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase of Yoshida sarcoma cells and beef brain microsomes by phospholipase A2 and a cytotoxin P6 from snake venom has been examined in relation to their activity to degrade phospholipids. Cytotoxin P6 which was most basic and devoid of phospholipase activity was most effective in inhibiting the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase of Yoshida sarcoma cells. Phospholipase A2 from Naja naja which was most active in degrading phospholipids was least effective in inhibiting (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in Yoshida sarcoma cells or in beef brain microsomes. Addition of trace amounts of cytotoxin P6 to the phospholipase considerably enhanced the inactivation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. The evidence suggests that the charge of the inhibitor protein and its specific structure play an important role in the inactivation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase.