The sulfoxide Ro 18-5364, a potential metabolite of the IND Ro 18-5362, is a powerful inhibitor of gastric mucosal (H+ + K+)-ATPase, decreasing enzymatic activity with an apparent K i, of 0.1 μM. Exposure of Ro 18-5364-treated gastric membranes to dithiothreitol fully restored (H+ + K+)-ATPase activity. ATP protected the enzyme against Ro 18-5364-induced inactivation of enzymatic activity. In addition, Ro 18-5364 inhibited vesicular proton uptake. In proton translocation experiments reduced lipoic acid methyl ester partially restored transport properties. Dithiothreitol and mercaptoethanol were without effect. The results are discussed with respect to the possible location of essential sulfhydryl groups for enzyme activity and proton transport.
