Lead activates calmodulin sensitive processes.
The effect of lead on two calcium sensitive processes was determined. Micromolar concentrations of lead successfully replaced calcium in the activation of calmodulin-sensitive phosphodiesterase and in the promotion of potassium loss from erythrocytes. Both actions of lead were blocked by trifluoperazine--an inhibitor of calmodulin function. We propose that some of the toxic effects of lead may be explained by its interaction with calmodulin.
D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000097:blood*; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002147:Calmodulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D014268:Trifluoperazine / Q000494:pharmacology
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D002147:Calmodulin; D014268:Trifluoperazine; D007854:Lead; D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium