Chang_1980_Neurochem.Int_2C_269

We have identified and investigated factors that alter the equilibrium acetylcholine binding properties of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) upon its isolation from Torpedo electric tissue. Among these are 1) chemical modification of the disulfide cross-linked AChR dimer giving rise to a monomeric form having lower dissociation constants for acetylcholine during the initial tissue homogenization; 2) changes in the hydrophobic environment of the receptor molecule due to displacement of phospholipids from the receptor by detergents; and 3) the degree to which endogenous reactive receptor sulfhydryl groups are maintained in the unoxidized form.