23Na and 1H NMR studies on melittin channels activated by tricyclic tranquilizers.

A dynamic 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique was applied to the exchange system of Na+ ions present inside and outside large unilamellar vesicles at an equivalent concentration. Addition of melittin to phosphatidylcholine vesicles did not induce any detectable Na+ transport across the membrane but subsequent addition of a trace of chlorpromazine or imipramine did induce Na+ transport. Because the formation of a drug-melittin adduct in a solution was detected by 1H NMR, the activation of melittin channels was assumed to originate from the direct interaction of the drug and melittin.