RESUMO
Isatin (15-25 mM) inhibited rat brush border sucrase by 40% in presence of Na+ and the inhibition was enhanced to over 60% in sodium free medium. Sucrase inhibition by isatin was dependent on pH. Kinetic analysis revealed a pure capacity type (Vmax-effect) inhibition of sucrase activity by isatin in presence of sodium. But it changed to affinity type (K-effect) in sodium free medium. The value of Ki was around 20-25 mM under these conditions. Enzyme inhibition by isatin was alleviated by increasing Na+ or sucrose concentrations. Other monovalent cations like K+, Li+ and Cs+ were also effective in restoring the enzyme activity to control levels. The effectiveness of the metal ions in alleviating the enzyme inhibition was in the order of Na+ > Cs+ > K+ > Li+.