EFFECT OF DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE AND FICOLL ON RAT SKIN.

Authors :: Fine, Albert S.
Stahl, S.
Kopac, M. J.
Source :: Journal of Investigative Dermatology. May72, Vol. 58 Issue 5, p269-273. 5p.
Publication Year :: 1972
Abstract: The cytochrome oxidase of skin has been characterized biochemically in the presence of DMSO and Ficoll. The pH optimum for the oxidation of ferrocytochrome c was found to be very sensitive to changes in ionic strength of the phosphate buffer. Maxima were observed at pH 7.0 in constant molarity (0.033 M and 0.05 M) buffers. There was no apparent pH optima above 6.0 in constant ionic strength (I -= 0.07, 0.11) buffers. Kinetic analysis revealed that the apparent maximal reaction rate (<em>V</em>max) and the (<em>K</em>max) for cytochrome c were greater in the presence of Ficoll than DMSO. These reagents did not inhibit or activate the enzymatic activity at the concentrations utilized in the study. Cytochrome oxidase was inhibited by cyanide and azide in a classical fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]