Microsomal phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase: inhibition by S-adenosylhomocysteine

Inhibition by S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) of the three reactions of phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase which catalyzes the production of phosphatidylcholine from phosphatidylethanolamine in guinea pig and rat liver microsomes has been evaluated. Five of the six methylation reactions in these two species exhibit greater affinity for inhibitor, AdoHcy, than for substrate, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet). The Ki values for the rate-limiting reactions were 3.8 microM and 68 microM in rat and guinea pig livers, respectively. An AdoMet : AdoHcy ratio of 12 : 1 in developing liver was found to decline to a constant value in the adult of 5 : 1. The concentration of AdoHcy in rat and guinea pig liver increases markedly following death of the animal. A concomitant decrease in the AdoMet level was observed in guinea pig liver. A comparison of phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase activity with the hepatic concentrations of AdoMet and AdoHcy in mouse, rat, rabbit and guinea pig is presented. Regulation of the methylation pathway is discussed.