ATP reversible Pi exchange and membrane phosphorylation in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles: activation by silver in the absence of a Ca2+ concentration gradient.

The activation of ATP reversible Pi exchange, normally associated with a Ca2+ concentration gradient in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, can be obtained in "leaky" vesicles in 4-10 mM CaCl2. In the micromolar range, Ag+ activates the ATP reversible Pi exchange two- to fourfold. Similar concentrations of Ag+ promote a parallel inhibition of Ca2+- activated ATP hydrolysis and Ca2+ uptake in intact vesicles. Maximal inhibition of these activities by Ag+ leaves the Mg2+-dependent ATPase unaffected. No net synthesis of ATP was demonstrated in leaky vesicles. The effects of Ag+ depends on the protein concentration and persist after removal of Ag+ from the medium. Membrane phosphorylation from Pi or from ATP is respectively activated or inhibited by Ag+ in reciprocal fashion.