Possible Involvement of the 29 KDa Protein in H+-ATPase in the Action of Cationic Uncoupler of Oxidative Phosphorylation. Effect of the (o-phenanthroline)2-Cu2+ Complex As a Cationic Uncoupler

The divalent cation (o-phenanthroline)2-Cu2+ complex was found to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Its uncoupling activity depended on inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the incubation medium, and was inhibited by the SH-reagent N-ethylmaleimide, and retarded by ATP. The uncoupling by the (o-phenanthroline)2-Cu2+ complex was suggested to be due to its modification of sulfhydryl groups in the 29 kDa protein in H+-ATPase.