Effects of Lubrol detergents on adenylate cyclases

The nonionic detergent Lubrol WX showed diverse, concentration-dependent effects onbasal and stimulated adenylate cyclases. Above concentrations of 0.001-0.01% Lubrol WX, the basal activity of cyclase from Ehrlich ascites cells was inhibed about 50%, and that from rat fat cells was doubled. In both cases, hormonal sensitivity was lost at 0.01%. These effects were reversed upon dilution of the detergent. It is suggested that solubilization of adenylate cyclases at such low concentrations of Lubrol should be attempted since it is conceivable that loss of hormone sensitivity may then be reversible. Different Lubrol-type detergents may also offer centain advantages, since Lubrol PX effects were not identical with those of Lubrol WX.