The Ca2+ permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles II. Ca2+ efflux in the energized state of the calcium pump

Ca2+ efflux from sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles was studied by measurements of net Ca2+ uptake, 45Ca2+ flux and hydrolysis of energy-rich phosphate. The maximal Ca2+ uptake capacity (150-200 nmol/mg protein at pH 6.7, 10 mM MgCl2 and mu = 0.26) was independent of the nature and concentration of the energy-donating substrate (ATP or carbamyl phosphate) and of temperature (15-35 degrees C), suggesting coupling between influx and efflux of Ca2+. In the presence of high concentrations of ATP, this efflux of Ca2+ was much higher than the passive Ca2+ permeation, measured after ATP or Ca2+ depletion of the reaction medium. Ca2+ efflux was imperceptible at vesicle filling levels below 35-40 nmol Ca2+/mg protein, and uncorrelated to the inhibition of the Ca2+-ATPase by high intravesicular Ca2+ concentrations. Analysis of the data indicated that Ca2+ efflux under our conditions probably is associated with one of the Ca2+-ATPase partial reactions, occurring after dephosphorylation, rather than with a reversal of the Ca2+ translocation step in the phosphorylated state of the enzyme. Furthermore, passive Ca2+ permeation may be concurrently reduced during the enzymatically active state. It is proposed that both Ca2+ efflux and passive Ca2+ permeation (Ca2+ outflow) proceed via the same channels which are closed (occluded) during part of the Ca2+-ATPase reaction cycle.