Sidedness of phosphatidylcholine-synthesizing enzymes in rat brain microsomal vesicles

The sidedness of CDP-choline:1,2-diradylglycerol choline phosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.2) and of the choline base-exchange activity has been studied in rat brain microsomal vesicles. Proteases (trypsin and pronase) and mercury-dextran have been used as reagents for membrane surface components. All of them could inactivate both enzymes to a good extent, without affecting the morphology or the permeability to sucrose of the vesicles. It is therefore concluded that CDP-choline:1,2-diradylglycerol choline phosphotransferase and the choline base-exchange activity are localized on the outer surface of rat brain microsomal vesicles.