Summary
It has been demonstrated that cations and ions interact directly with the axonal cholinergic binding macromolecule (ACBM) from lobster walking leg nerves. This interaction results in an increased affinity for binding of [3H] nicotine. The action sequence for the enhancement effect is Na+>K+>Li+>Rb+>Cs+ while the anion sequence is I−>Br−>Cl−>F−. These results have been interpreted in terms of Eisenman's theory of equilibrium cation specificity in an attempt to acquire information about the ion binding sites on the ACBM. The mechanism of the enhancement of nicotine binding to the ACBM may serve as a model for studying the conformational changes arising from binding of ions to axonal macromolecules.
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Denburg, J.L. Interactions between ions and the axon plasma membrane: Effects of cations and anions on the axonal cholinergic binding macromolecule of lobster nerves. J. Membrain Biol. 11, 47–56 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01869812
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01869812