Chapter 6 Oxidase control of plasma membrane proton transport

Publisher Summary Plasma membranes contain electron transport systems. Some of these systems, such as the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase of neutrophils, are well-known. Others, such as the NADH oxidase found in all cells, are not fully defined . Still others, such as glutathione oxidase, have barely been recognized. Electron transport across the plasma membrane results in proton release from cells. It is clear that some of this release in some cells is based on activation of the Na + /H + exchanger by electron flow. Activation of other channels or the proton-exporting ATPase may also be involved. Direct proton transport through the electron transport components may also account for a small part of the proton movement in plasma membranes. The activation of the proton movement by plasma membrane electron transport shows interaction with hormones or growth factors. It can be controlled by oncogene products associated with the plasma membrane and are susceptible to inhibition by known antitumor agents.