ATP-dependent proton uptake by proteoliposomes reconstituted with purified Na+,K+-ATPase

Proton transport catalyzed by the sodium pump was demonstrated using proteoliposomes reconstituted with purified pig kidney Na+,K+-ATPase. Intravesicular pH was monitored with fluorescence from fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran introduced into the vesicles. An ATP-induced ouabain-sensitive acidification of the intravesicular medium was observed, when the vesicles were incubated with ATP and without Na+. The ATP-induced acidification was blocked by either extravesicular Na+ or pretreatment of the enzyme with ouabain before reconstitution. Protonophores, X-537A or carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, abolished the intravesicular acidification. The acidification was not inhibited by 3 mM tetra-n-butylammonium. The initial rate of the H+ uptake was increased with a decrease in pH of the extravesicular medium, and the maximum rate was obtained at pH 5.5-5.6. It is concluded that H+ can be transported in place of Na+ by the sodium pump.