Electrochemical Characterisation of Human Adult Kidney Metallothioneins by Differential Pulse Polarography.

Studies on elecrtochemical characterisation for the three isoforms of human adult kidney Cd, Zn-metallothioneins, labelled MT-0, MT-1 and MT-2, have been performed using differential pulse polarography. Two peaks attributed to the reduction of complexed Cd (II) with MTs as well as two peaks attributed to the reduction of ZN (II) complexed with MTs have been detected, which indicates that two different co-ordination forms for Cd (II) and for Zn (II) with MTs exist. The three isoforms exhibit a similar electrochemical behaviour. Studies on the influence of zinc and cadmium additions as well as on the variation of the solution pH have been carried out. The association and dissociation equilibria of zinc and cadmium with MTs are reversible in the studied pH range (4 or 6-10). The apparent association constants have been evaluated. The electrochemical behaviour of human adult kidney MTs is similar to that found with other mammalian human MTs previously studied.

NIETO Palmeiro Oscar;  HELLEMANS Godelieve;  BORDIN Guy;  DE LEY Marc;  RODRIGUEZ-FERNANDEZ Adela; 

1998-10-28

JRC16399