Charge transfer mediated by nigericin in black lipid membranes.
Nigericin, in the concentration range (10(-6) M or higher) at which it uncouples intact mitochondria, was found to increase the conductance of black lipid membranes (BLM) by several orders of magnitude. The dependence of the membrane conductance on pH and K+ concentration suggests a mechanism for the transfer of charge mediated by this ionophore based on a mobile dimer with both nigericin molecules protonated and complexed with one K+. This charged complex accounts for the uncoupling effect observed in intact mitochondria.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects; D008954:Models, Biological; D009550:Nigericin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D009550:Nigericin; D011188:Potassium