No abstract

Hexokinase isoenzyme type I was purified from various rat tissues, and was subjected to kinetic studies in the presence or the absence of p-chloromercuribenzenesulphonate. The mode of the inhibition by the thiol inhibitor was different for the type I isoenzymes obtained from different tissues, suggesting that the type I isoenzymes from different tissues were not identical proteins.

A difference in the mode of inhibition of hexokinase [EC 2.7.1.1] isoenzymes by p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate was confirmed with respect to glucose between two Type I isoenzyme preparations purified from the kidney and spleen of rat. Essentially the same difference was observed when galactose was used as the substrate in place of glucose, as the kidney Type I isoenzyme was inhibited in a competitive manner while the spleen counterpart was inhibited in a non-competitive manner by sulfhydryl inhibitor. Both the Type I isoenzymes, however, were competitively inhibited by other mercurial sulfhydryl inhibitors, methyl and butyl mercuric chlorides. On the other hand, the Type II hexokinase isoenzymes purified from the muscle, heart, and spleen were all inhibited competitively by p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate with respect to glucose. The mechanism of competitive inhibition of the hexokinase isoenzymes by sulfhydryl inhibitors was discussed in view of the difference in the mode of action of the mercurials with different isoenzymes.