Cofactor interactions in the activation of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase: Synergistic effects of Zn²⁺ and Mg<i>2+</i> ions

Abstract

The interactions of Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions in the activation of non-specific tissue alkaline phosphatase were investigated using crude extracts of rat kidney. Activation of alkaline phosphatase by the metal ions was accompanied by changes in the kinetic parameters of  nitrophenylphosphate hydrolysis. The results suggest some synergistic interactions between Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions in promoting the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylphosphate by alkaline phosphatase. The results show that assays of alkaline phosphatase activity in homogenised tissue
samples will give better responses if both Mg2+ and Zn2+ ions are included in the reactions