What do proton pump inhibitors do?

Question

I know that sodium azide and 2,4-DNPH inhibit proton pumps. The azide is called an inhibitor and 2,4-DNP is called uncoupler. I want to know what's the difference between the mechanisms of action of sodium azide and 2,4-DNPH in proton pumps. Why is one called an inhibitor and the other an uncoupler?

Answer 1

So it seems that what you're asking about is the mechanism of action between an inhibitor and an uncoupler. Both of these effects will serve to block the H/K ATPase in the stomach and decrease the production of acid. The way I think about the different mechanisms of action is like this: An inhibitor will inhibit the pump via competitive or non-competitive inhibition. An uncoupling agent is one that I think of like this: if you have two gears linked together so that when you spin one, the other one spins, an uncoupling agent is something that will "uncouple" the two gears so that when you spin one, the other one DOES NOT spin. Make sense? This is a very basic way to conceptualize the difference between an inhibitor and an uncoupler. Message me if you need more information or help. Cheers! -Dr.B-