p-CMB-dextran T 10. A useful tool in evaluating the functional importance of superficial SH-groups in rat adipocytes

A large SH-blocking reagent p-CMB-dextran T 10 (MW about 10,000) was applied to isolated rat adipocytes. This compound possesses the same reactivity towards SH-groups as uncoupled p-CMB. P-CMB-Dextran T 10 did not influence the basal glucose uptake in contrast to uncoupled p-CMB. The results are discussed with respect to the usefulness of p-CMB-dextran T 10 in evaluating the role of superficial SH-groups in various membrane functions.