Cytochemical localization of ouabain-sensitive (K+)-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (transport ATPase) in human blood platelets.

The ultrastructural cytochemical localization of a potassium-dependent oubain-sensitive nitrophenyl phosphatase (transport ATPase) activity in human blood platelets is described. This potassium-dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase activity was not affected by 5 mM levamisole, indicating that the reaction product identified was not due to nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity. The K+-dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase was strictly localized to the platelet plasma membrane, while the open canalicular system and dense tubular system were devoid of reaction product. In contrast, (Ca2+,Mg2+)-activated ATPase activity was predominantly localized in the open canalicular system and dense tubular system with very little cytochemical activity expressed at the plasma membrane. These data demonstrate a relative segregation of these enzymes into unique membrane compartments of the human platelet. Such data may be useful with regard to identification of purified membrane fractions from platelets and may be significant with regard to the understanding of the function(s) of the different membrane compartments of the human platelet.