Heart sarcolemmal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase has an essential amino group in the potassium binding site on the enzyme molecule.

Selective modification of primary amino groups of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) resulted in a considerable inhibition of the specific activity of the enzyme. Investigation by means of enzyme and sorption kinetics of activation of heart sarcolemmal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase by its monovalent cationic ligands added simultaneously with TNBS revealed: a considerable competition between K+-ions and TNBS for the potassium binding site on the enzyme molecule; a non-competitive type of inhibition of Na+-induced activation of the enzyme. Both, potassium and sodium ions depressed, and magnesium ions enhanced the initial rate of TNBS-sorption; however, none of the above cations influenced the equilibrium value of TNBS sorption onto isolated sarcolemmal membranes. Ouabain, on the other hand, did not inhibit the initial rate and decreased the equilibrium value of TNBS sorption onto the membranes. The results obtained enabled the identification of an essential amino group in the potassium binding site of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase molecule.