Release of Ectoenzymes from Small Intestine Brush Border Membranes of Mice by Phospholipases

This study investigated ectoenzyme release from small intestine brush border membranes (duodenum and jejunum, Preparation A; ileum, Preparation B) of mice by the action of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C or glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D. Most of the alkaline phosphatase was solubilized from Preparation A, but about 60% was released from Preparation B. As for alkaline phosphodiesterase I activity, 15 and 10% were released from Preparations A and B, respectively. With Preparation B, octylglucoside treatment followed by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C or glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D completely solubilized the alkaline phosphatase activity. However, this treatment did not change the ratio of release of alkaline phosphodiesterase I from Preparation A or B. These results indicate that the resistance to alkaline phosphatase found in Preparation B is due to hindered accessibility of the bonding splitting by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and not to a modified glycosyl-phosphatidylinositolanchor.