Electron microscopic visualization of the tetrodotoxin-binding protein from Electrophorus electricus

Preparations of highly purified tetrodotoxin-binding protein (sodium channel) from the electric organ of the eel Electrophorus electricus were examined in negatively stained preparations. Structures observed in preparations exhibiting the highest tetrodotoxin binding tended to aggregate into ordered clusters with a unique ribbon-like conformation. The individual particles of these aggregates are elongated or rod-shaped, approximately 40 A wide and 170 A long. Stereoscopic imaging of the three-dimensional aspects of the structures revealed that the rod-like image is not an edge view of a flattened disc but represents a cylindrical structure. Individual rods in nonclustered forms were also observed but with greater frequency in preparations with lower specific activity. The dimensions of the particles suggest that they represent a protein core formed by perhaps one copy of the large glycopeptide previously identified as being part of the sodium channel. The structure of the sodium channel component visualized by negative staining is discussed in the context of the excitable properties it contributes to biological membranes.