Erythrocytes L-arginine y+ transporter inhibition by N-ethylmaleimide in ice-bath

Erythrocytes l-arginine uptake is conveyed by y+ and y+L membrane transport systems. Pre-incubation with N-ethylmaleimide for 10 min at 37°C inhibits the y+ system. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal pre-incubation temperature in evaluating y+ and y+L systems. Cells were pre-incubated with or without N-ethylmaleimide for 10 min at 4°C and 37°C. l-Arginine uptake was quantified by radioisotope and standard erythrocytes membrane flux methodology. Results demonstrate that erythrocytes l-arginine content is depleted by pre-incubation at 37°C for 10 min, thus changing the V max measurement. The inhibitory effect of N-ethylmaleimide pre-incubation was temperature independent and already complete after 1 min of incubation. No significant difference in kinetic parameters was detected between cells pre-incubated at 37°C or 4°C, under zero-trans conditions. In conclusion, we suggest that measurement of erythrocytes l-arginine uptake by y+ and y+L systems could be carried out without N-ethylmaleimide pre-incubation at 37°C.