Ca-ATPase activity in the rabbit and bovine lens

Membrane-rich vesicle preparations of rabbit and bovine lenses were prepared in such a manner as to preserve ATPase activity. The lipid:protein ratio of these preparations was increased 22- to 33-fold with a 94% recovery of total phospholipid. Using this preparation, calcium stimulated ATPase was routinely determined in both individual lenses and in pooled specimens. The pattern of stimulation of ATPase activity by a range of calcium concentrations was found to be similar in membrane preparations of epithelium and cortex, from rabbit and bovine lenses. The concentration of calcium necessary for half-maximal stimulation of ATPase activity was approximately 10(-6) M. Calcium concentrations in excess of 10(-4) M reduced the ATPase activity. Calcium-ATPase was undetectable in the lens nuclear region of both species. The regional distribution of sodium-potassium ATPase was also measured.