Membrane-bound cytochrome b5 reductase (methemoglobin reductase) in human erythrocytes. Study in normal and methemoglobinemic subjects.

In this study we present evidence that in human erythrocytes NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase (methemoglobin reductase) is not only soluble but also tightly bound to the membrane. The membrane methemoglobin reductase-like activity is unmasked by Triton X-100 treatment, and represents about half of the total activity in the erythrocytes. Like the amphiphilic microsomal-bound cytochrome b5 reductase, the erythrocyte membrane-bound enzyme is solubilized by cathepsin D. Because this treatment is effective on unsealed ghosts but not on resealed (inside-in) ghosts, it is concluded that the enzyme is strongly bound to the inner face of the membrane. The erythrocyte membrane enzyme is antigenically similar to the soluble enzyme. The two forms of enzyme are specified by the same gene, in that both were found defective in six patients with recessive congenital methemoglobinemia. We suggest that the cytochrome b5 reductase of the erythrocyte membrane is the primary gene product. A posttranslational partial proteolysis probably gives rise to the soluble form of the enzyme, which serves as a methemoglobin reductase.