The interaction of aluminum and other metal ions with calcium-calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase.

In the search for the mode of action of aluminum ions in dialysis encephalopathy, their interaction with calmodulin has been assessed, and compared with those of Ca2+, Pb2+, Mn2+, Hg2+ and Cd2+. The basal and calmodulin-dependent activity of phosphodiesterase was measured in the presence of the ions, and their binding to calmodulin was assessed by competition with 45Ca2+ in flow dialysis. Al3+, Mn2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+ cannot be regarded as exclusive calmodulin antagonists or agonists, but rather interact with the phosphodiesterase itself. Pb2+ however, mimicks Ca2+ in every system tested, and is active in the same concentration range as Ca2+. Our results indicate that the assumed role of Al3+ ions in dialysis encephalopathy or other neurological disturbances is not linked with calmodulin.