[Structural-functional state of Ca-transport system of sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes after deep freezing]

Abstract

The structure and functions of the Ca-transport system of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) at low temperatures (-5--196 degrees) were studied. It was shown that during SR freezing-thawing the activation energy of ATP enzymatic hydrolysis as well as the Ca-ATPase sensitivity to calcium ions were changed. The Km value for the carrier seemed to be unaffected thereby. Using the EPR method it was shown that after freezing down to -196 degrees and a subsequent thawing the protein-lipil interactions and the orderliness of phospholipid fatty acid chains in the SR membranes were altered. On the contrary, the activity of Ca-ATPase isolated from SR membranes remained unchanged, which is indicative of the enzyme resistance to the cold. The mechanisms responsible for the impairment of the functioning of Ca-transport system of SR membranes due to freezing are discussed.