THE HYDROLYSIS OF MONOPHOSPHOINOSITIDE BY EXTRACTS OF BRAIN

Abstract

The hydrolysis of monophosphoinositide by soluble extracts from rat brain is described. Diglyceride and inositol monophosphate are liberated along with a small amount of free fatty acids. Hydrolysis of the lipid is optimal at pH 5.4 in acetate buffer. The reaction is stimulated by calcium ions or by high concentration of monovalent cations and, to a less extent, by long-chain cationic amphipathic compounds. Enzyme activity is lost on dialysis of the brain extract and can be restored by diffusible factor(s). Some differences in the conditions for hydrolysis of mono- and tri-phosphoinositides are noted.