ABSTRACT
5-Phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate synthetase (PRibPP synthetase EC 2.7.6.1) isolated from rat intestinal mucosa was found to be membrane associated. The subcellular distribution of PRibPP synthetase activity seems to parallel that of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, indicating it to be in the brush border. The tip cells of rat intestinal mucosa were richer in PRibPP synthetase than the crypt cells. Chromatography of a Triton-solubilized particulate fraction unmasked a peak of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase activity that was not detectable before. The activity, too, was concentrated in the brush border. The coexistence of these two activities in the fraction of the bowl involved in absorption has led to the suggestin that the synthetase and phosphoribosyl-transferase are part of a coupled transport system.
