Restoration of detergent-inactivated adenosine triphosphatase activity of human prostatic fluid with concanavalin A

A stimulation by concanavalian A OF Mg2+ -and Ca2+-dependent ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) of human prostatic fluid has been observed after the enzyme system had been inactivated by a detergent such as 0.05% deoxycholate. The concanavalin A effect was specific since the positive effect was abolished in the presence o alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. Furthermore, the positive effect of concanavalin A was obtained with a low lectin concentration, equal to the concentration reported for optimal stimulation of other membrane enzymes.