Chelation of mercury by ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-resistant renal Na,K-ATPase

The SH-reactive HgCl2 inhibits the Na,K-ATPase activity potently in a manner antagonized only partially by EDTA or cysteine; solely dimercaprol, a dithiol antidote for mercury, blocks the HgCl2 effects entirely as confirmed also by 203Hg-binding experiments. The results reveal the presence of a chelating component in pure Na,K-ATPase with an affinity for mercury superior to EDTA. The mercury-sensitivity of the Na,K-ATPase is not related to the ouabain-sensitivity. This criterion will be useful for the distinction between ouabain-like and mercury-like inhibitors from body fluids and tissues.