Cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria have a monocarboxylate transporter MCT1

Intracellular shuttle: the lactate aerobic metabolism

Lactate is a highly dynamic metabolite that can be used as a fuel by several cells of the human body, particularly during physical exercise. Traditionally, it has been believed that the first step of lactate oxidation occurs in cytosol; however, this idea was recently challenged. A new hypothesis has been presented based on the fact that lactate-to-pyruvate conversion cannot occur in cytosol, because the LDH enzyme characteristics and cytosolic environment do not allow the reaction in this way. Instead, the Intracellular Lactate Shuttle hypothesis states that lactate first enters in mitochondria and only then is metabolized. In several tissues of the human body this idea is well accepted but is quite resistant in skeletal muscle. In this paper, we will present not only the studies which are protagonists in this discussion, but the potential mechanism by which this oxidation occurs and also a link between lactate and mitochondrial proliferation. This new perspective brings some implications and comes to change our understanding of the interaction between the energy systems, because the product of one serves as a substrate for the other.

Glucose transporter 1 and monocarboxylate transporters 1, 2, and 4 localization within the glial cells of shark blood-brain-barriers

Although previous studies showed that glucose is used to support the metabolic activity of the cartilaginous fish brain, the distribution and expression levels of glucose transporter (GLUT) isoforms remained undetermined. Optic/ultrastructural immunohistochemistry approaches were used to determine the expression of GLUT1 in the glial blood-brain barrier (gBBB). GLUT1 was observed solely in glial cells; it was primarily located in end-feet processes of the gBBB. Western blot analysis showed a protein with a molecular mass of 50 kDa, and partial sequencing confirmed GLUT1 identity. Similar approaches were used to demonstrate increased GLUT1 polarization to both apical and basolateral membranes in choroid plexus epithelial cells. To explore monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) involvement in shark brain metabolism, the expression of MCTs was analyzed. MCT1, 2 and 4 were expressed in endothelial cells; however, only MCT1 and MCT4 were present in glial cells. In neurons, MCT2 was localized at the cell membrane whereas MCT1 was detected within mitochondria. Previous studies demonstrated that hypoxia modified GLUT and MCT expression in mammalian brain cells, which was mediated by the transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-1. Similarly, we observed that hypoxia modified MCT1 cellular distribution and MCT4 expression in shark telencephalic area and brain stem, confirming the role of these transporters in hypoxia adaptation. Finally, using three-dimensional ultrastructural microscopy, the interaction between glial end-feet and leaky blood vessels of shark brain was assessed in the present study. These data suggested that the brains of shark may take up glucose from blood using a different mechanism than that used by mammalian brains, which may induce astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttling and metabolic coupling as observed in mammalian brain. Our data suggested that the structural conditions and expression patterns of GLUT1, MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 in shark brain may establish the molecular foundation of metabolic coupling between glia and neurons.

D-Lactate altered mitochondrial energy production in rat brain and heart but not liver

Background

Substantially elevated blood D-lactate (DLA) concentrations are associated with neurocardiac toxicity in humans and animals. The neurological symptoms are similar to inherited or acquired abnormalities of pyruvate metabolism. We hypothesized that DLA interferes with mitochondrial utilization of L-lactate and pyruvate in brain and heart.

Methods

Respiration rates in rat brain, heart and liver mitochondria were measured using DLA, LLA and pyruvate independently and in combination.

Results

In brain mitochondria, state 3 respiration was 53% and 75% lower with DLA as substrate when compared with LLA and pyruvate, respectively (p < 0.05). Similarly in heart mitochondria, state 3 respiration was 39% and 86% lower with DLA as substrate when compared with LLA or pyruvate, respectively (p < 0.05). However, state 3 respiration rates were similar between DLA, LLA and pyruvate in liver mitochondria. Combined incubation of DLA with LLA or pyruvate markedly impaired state 3 respiration rates in brain and heart mitochondria (p < 0.05) but not in liver mitochondria. DLA dehydrogenase activities were 61% and 51% lower in brain and heart mitochondria compared to liver, respectively, whereas LLA dehydrogenase activities were similar across all three tissues. An LDH inhibitor blocked state 3 respiration with LLA as substrate in all three tissues. A monocarboxylate transporter inhibitor blocked respiration with all three substrates.

Conclusions

DLA was a poor respiratory substrate in brain and heart mitochondria and inhibited LLA and pyruvate usage in these tissues. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether these findings support, in part, the possible neurological and cardiac toxicity caused by high DLA levels.

Effect of training and detraining on monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 in Thoroughbred horses

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of training and detraining on the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 levels in the gluteus medius muscle of Thoroughbred horses. Twelve Thoroughbred horses were used for the analysis. For 18 weeks, all the horses underwent high-intensity training (HIT), with running at 90-110% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max ) for 3 min, 5 days week(-1). Thereafter, the horses either underwent detraining for 6 weeks by either 3 min of moderate-intensity training (MIT) at 70% VO2 max, 5 days week(-1) (HIT-MIT group) or stall rest (HIT-SR group). The horses underwent an incremental exercise test, VO2 max was measured and resting muscle samples were obtained from the middle gluteus muscle at 0, 18 and 24 weeks. The content of MCT1 and MCT4 proteins increased after 18 weeks of HIT. At the end of this period, an increase was noted in the citrate synthase activity, while phosphofructokinase activity remained unchanged. After 6 weeks of detraining, all these indexes returned to the pretraining levels in the HIT-SR group. However, in the HIT-MIT group, the increase in the MCT1 protein content and citrate synthase activity was maintained after 6 weeks of MIT, while the MCT4 protein content decreased to the pretraining value. These results suggest that the content of MCT1 and MCT4 proteins increases after HIT in Thoroughbred horses. In addition, the increase in the MCT1 protein content and oxidative capacity induced by HIT can be maintained by MIT of 70% VO2 max, but the increase in the MCT4 protein content cannot be maintained by MIT.

Inhibition of oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle-derived mitochondria by pinacidil, diazoxide, and glibenclamide, but not by 5-hydroxydecanoate

Cell intermediary metabolism and energy production succeeds by means of mitochondria, whose activity is in relation to transmembrane potential and/or free radical production. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent potassium channels (K(ATP)) in several cell types have shown to couple cell metabolism to membrane potential and ATP production. In this study, we explore whether oxygen consumption in isolated skeletal-muscle mitochondria differs in the presence of distinct respiration substrates and whether these changes are affected by K(ATP)-channel inhibitors such as glibenclamide, 5-Hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), and K(ATP) channel activators (pinacidil and diazoxide). Results demonstrate a concentration-dependent diminution of respiration rate by glibenclamide (0.5-20 microM), pinacidil (1-50 microM), and diazoxide (50-200 microM), but no significant differences were found when the selective mitochondrial K(ATP)-channel inhibitor (5-HD, 10-500 microM) was used. These results suggest that these K(ATP)-channel agonists and antagonists exert an effect on mitochondrial respiration and that they could be acting on mito-K(ATP) or other respiratory-chain components.

Cell-cell and intracellular lactate shuttles

Once thought to be the consequence of oxygen lack in contracting skeletal muscle, the glycolytic product lactate is formed and utilized continuously in diverse cells under fully aerobic conditions. 'Cell-cell' and 'intracellular lactate shuttle' concepts describe the roles of lactate in delivery of oxidative and gluconeogenic substrates as well as in cell signalling. Examples of the cell-cell shuttles include lactate exchanges between between white-glycolytic and red-oxidative fibres within a working muscle bed, and between working skeletal muscle and heart, brain, liver and kidneys. Examples of intracellular lactate shuttles include lactate uptake by mitochondria and pyruvate for lactate exchange in peroxisomes. Lactate for pyruvate exchanges affect cell redox state, and by itself lactate is a ROS generator. In vivo, lactate is a preferred substrate and high blood lactate levels down-regulate the use of glucose and free fatty acids (FFA). As well, lactate binding may affect metabolic regulation, for instance binding to G-protein receptors in adipocytes inhibiting lipolysis, and thus decreasing plasma FFA availability. In vitro lactate accumulation upregulates expression of MCT1 and genes coding for other components of the mitochondrial reticulum in skeletal muscle. The mitochondrial reticulum in muscle and mitochondrial networks in other aerobic tissues function to establish concentration and proton gradients necessary for cells with high mitochondrial densities to oxidize lactate. The presence of lactate shuttles gives rise to the realization that glycolytic and oxidative pathways should be viewed as linked, as opposed to alternative, processes, because lactate, the product of one pathway, is the substrate for the other.

200th anniversary of lactate research in muscle

This year, 2008, marks the bicentennial of research into lactate metabolism in muscle. Berzelius linked lactate accumulation to exercise in 1807/1808 when he noted the presence of lactate in the muscles of "hunted stags." Today, the exact mechanism of intramuscular lactate oxidation and the relationship of lactate dehydrogenase to mitochondria remain unresolved as animated debate surrounds the intracellular lactate shuttle.

A lactatic perspective on metabolism

The cell-to-cell lactate shuttle was introduced in 1984 and has been repeatedly supported by studies using a variety of experimental approaches. Because of its large mass and metabolic capacity, skeletal muscle is probably the major component of the lactate shuttle in terms of both production and consumption. Muscles exercising in a steady state are avid consumers of lactate, using most of the lactate as an oxidative fuel. Cardiac muscle is highly oxidative and readily uses lactate as a fuel. Lactate is a major gluconeogenic substrate for the liver; the use of lactate to form glucose increases when blood lactate concentration is elevated. Illustrative of the widespread shuttling of lactate, even the brain takes up lactate when the blood level is increased. Recently, an intracellular lactate shuttle has also been proposed. Although disagreements abound, current evidence suggests that lactate is the primary end-product of glycolysis at cellular sites remote from mitochondria. This lactate could subsequently diffuse to areas adjacent to mitochondria. Evidence is against lactate oxidation within the mitochondrial matrix, but a viable hypothesis is that lactate could be converted to pyruvate by a lactate oxidation complex with lactate dehydrogenase located on the outer surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane. In another controversial area, the role of lactic acid in acid-base balance has been hotly debated in recent times. Careful analysis reveals that lactate, not lactic acid, is the substrate/product of metabolic reactions. One view is that lactate formation alleviates acidosis, whereas another is that lactate is a causative factor in acidosis. Surprisingly, there is little direct mechanistic evidence regarding cause and effect in acid-base balance. However, there is insufficient evidence to discard the term "lactic acidosis."

Lactate, fructose and glucose oxidation profiles in sports drinks and the effect on exercise performance

Exogenous carbohydrate oxidation was assessed in 6 male Category 1 and 2 cyclists who consumed CytoMax™ (C) or a leading sports drink (G) before and during continuous exercise (CE). C contained lactate-polymer, fructose, glucose and glucose polymer, while G contained fructose and glucose. Peak power output and VO₂ on a cycle ergometer were 408±13 W and 67.4±3.2 mlO₂·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. Subjects performed 3 bouts of CE with C, and 2 with G at 62% VO₂peak for 90 min, followed by high intensity (HI) exercise (86% VO₂peak) to volitional fatigue. Subjects consumed 250 ml fluid immediately before (−2 min) and every 15 min of cycling. Drinks at −2 and 45 min contained 100 mg of [U-¹³C]-lactate, -glucose or -fructose. Blood, pulmonary gas samples and ¹³CO₂ excretion were taken prior to fluid ingestion and at 5,10,15,30,45,60,75, and 90 min of CE, at the end of HI, and 15 min of recovery. HI after CE was 25% longer with C than G (6.5±0.8 vs. 5.2±1.0 min, P<0.05). ¹³CO₂ from the −2 min lactate tracer was significantly elevated above rest at 5 min of exercise, and peaked at 15 min. ¹³CO₂ from the −2 min glucose tracer peaked at 45 min for C and G. ¹³CO₂ increased rapidly from the 45 min lactate dose, and by 60 min of exercise was 33% greater than glucose in C or G, and 36% greater than fructose in G. ¹³CO₂ production following tracer fructose ingestion was greater than glucose in the first 45 minutes in C and G. Cumulative recoveries of tracer during exercise were: 92%±5.3% for lactate in C and 25±4.0% for glucose in C or G. Recoveries for fructose in C and G were 75±5.9% and 26±6.6%, respectively. Lactate was used more rapidly and to a greater extent than fructose or glucose. CytoMax significantly enhanced HI.

Negligible direct lactate oxidation in subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria obtained from red and white rat skeletal muscle

We examined the controversial notion of whether lactate is directly oxidized by subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria obtained from red and white rat skeletal muscle. Respiratory control ratios were normal in SS and IMF mitochondria. At all concentrations (0.18-10 mm), and in all mitochondria, pyruvate oxidation greatly exceeded lactate oxidation, by 31- to 186-fold. Pyruvate and lactate oxidation were inhibited by alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, while lactate oxidation was inhibited by oxamate. Excess pyruvate (10 mm) inhibited the oxidation of palmitate (1.8 mm) as well as lactate (1.8 mm). In contrast, excess lactate (10 mm) failed to inhibit the oxidation of either palmitate (1.8 mm) or pyruvate (1.8 mm). The cell-permeant adenosine analogue, AICAR, increased pyruvate oxidation; in contrast, lactate oxidation was not altered. The monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and 4 were present on SS mitochondria, but not on IMF mitochondria, whereas, MCT2, a high-affinity pyruvate transporter, was present in both SS and IMF mitochondria. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity associated with SS and IMF mitochondria was 200- to 240-fold lower than in whole muscle. Addition of LDH increased the rate of lactate oxidation, but not pyruvate oxidation, in a dose-dependent manner, such that lactate oxidation approached the rates of pyruvate oxidation. Collectively, these studies indicate that direct mitochondrial oxidation of lactate (i.e. an intracellular lactate shuttle) does not occur within the matrix in either IMF or SS mitochondria obtained from red or white rat skeletal muscle, because of the very limited quantity of LDH within mitochondria.

Lactate sensitive transcription factor network in L6 cells: activation of MCT1 and mitochondrial biogenesis

We hypothesized that in addition to serving as a fuel source and gluconeogenic precursor, lactate anion (La-) is a signaling molecule. Therefore, we screened genome-wide responses of L6 cells to elevated (10 and 20 mM) sodium-La- added to buffered, high-glucose media. Lactate increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and up-regulated 673 genes, many known to be responsive to ROS and Ca2+. The induction of genes encoding for components of the mitochondrial lactate oxidation complex was confirmed by independent methods (PCR and EMSA). Specifically, lactate increased monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT1) mRNA and protein expression within 1 h and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) mRNA and protein expression in 6 h. Increases in COX coincided with increases in peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC1alpha) expression and the DNA binding activity of nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)-2. We conclude that the lactate signaling cascade involves ROS production and converges on transcription factors affecting mitochondrial biogenesis.

Testosterone increases lactate transport, monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 in rat skeletal muscle

We have examined the effects of administration of testosterone for 7 days on monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 mRNAs and proteins in seven metabolically heterogeneous rat hindlimb muscles and in the heart. In addition, we also examined the effects of testosterone treatment on plasmalemmal MCT1 and MCT4, and lactate transport into giant sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from red and white hindlimb muscles and the heart. Testosterone did not alter MCT1 or MCT4 mRNA, except in the plantaris muscle. Testosterone increased MCT1 (20%-77%, P < 0.05) and MCT4 protein (29%-110%, P< 0.05) in five out of seven muscles examined. In contrast, in the heart MCT1 protein was not increased (P> 0.05), and MCT 4 mRNA and protein were not detected. There was no correlation between the testosterone-induced increments in MCT1 and MCT4 proteins. Muscle fibre composition was not associated with testosterone-induced increments in MCT1 protein. In contrast, there was a strong positive relationship between the testosterone-induced increments in MCT4 protein and the fast-twitch fibre composition of rat muscles. Lactate transport into giant sarcolemmal vesicles was increased in red (23%, P< 0.05) and white muscles (21%, P< 0.05), and in the heart (58%, P< 0.05) of testosterone-treated animals (P< 0.05). However, plasmalemmal MCT1 protein (red, +40%, P< 0.05; white, +39%, P< 0.05) and plasmalemmal MCT4 protein (red, +25%, P< 0.05; white, +48%, P< 0.05) were increased only in skeletal muscle. In the heart, plasmalemmal MCT1 protein was reduced (-20%, P< 0.05). In conclusion, these studies have shown that testosterone induces an increase in both MCT1 and MCT4 proteins and their plasmalemmal content in skeletal muscle. However, the testosterone-induced effect was tissue-specific, as MCT1 protein expression was not altered in the heart. In the heart, the testosterone-induced increase in lactate transport cannot be explained by changes in plasmalemmal MCT1 content, but in skeletal muscle the increase in the rate of lactate transport was associated with increases in plasmalemmal MCT1 and MCT4.

Colocalization of MCT1, CD147, and LDH in mitochondrial inner membrane of L6 muscle cells: evidence of a mitochondrial lactate oxidation complex

Results of previous studies suggested a role of mitochondria in intracellular and cell-cell lactate shuttles. Therefore, by using a rat-derived L6 skeletal muscle cell line and confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM), we examined the cellular locations of mitochondria, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the lactate-pyruvate transporter MCT1, and CD147, a purported chaperone protein for MCT1. CLSM showed that LDH, MCT1, and CD147 are colocalized with the mitochondrial reticulum. Western blots showed that cytochrome oxidase (COX), NADH dehydrogenase, LDH, MCT1, and CD147 are abundant in mitochondrial fractions of L6 cells. Interactions among COX, MCT1, and CD147 in mitochondria were confirmed by immunoblotting after immunoprecipitation. These findings support the presence of a mitochondrial lactate oxidation complex associated with the COX end of the electron transport chain that might explain the oxidative catabolism of lactate and, hence, mechanism of the intracellular lactate shuttle.

Training-induced changes in membrane transport proteins of human skeletal muscle

Training improves human physical performance by inducing structural and cardiovascular changes, metabolic changes, and changes in the density of membrane transport proteins. This review focuses on the training-induced changes in proteins involved in sarcolemmal membrane transport. It is concluded that the same type of training affects many transport proteins, suggesting that all transport proteins increase with training, and that both sprint and endurance training in humans increase the density of most membrane transport proteins. There seems to be an upper limit for these changes: intense training for 6-8 weeks substantially increases the density of membrane proteins, whereas years of training (as performed by athletes) have no further effect. Studies suggest that training-induced changes at the protein level are important functionally. The underlying factors responsible for these changes in transport proteins might include changes in substrate concentration, but the existence of "exercise factors" mediating these responses is more likely. Exercise factors might include Ca(2+), mitogen-activated protein kinases, adenosine monophosphate kinases, other kinases, or interleukin-6. Although the magnitudes of training-induced changes have been investigated at the protein level, the underlying signal mechanisms have not been fully described.

The effects of short-term sprint training on MCT expression in moderately endurance-trained runners

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of short-term sprint training on transient changes in monocarboxylate lactate transporter 1 (MCT1) and MCT4 protein and mRNA content. Seven moderately endurance-trained runners (mean +/- SE; age 27.7+/-2.9 years, body mass 81.1+/-5.9 kg, .VO(2max) 58.1+/-2.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) completed a .VO(2max) and a supramaximal running test to exhaustion (RTE) before and after a 6-week period of sprint training. The sprint training was progressive and consisted of 18 sessions of near maximal short duration (5-15 s) sprints to compliment the athlete's endurance training. Prior to the training period there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in MCT1, but not MCT4 protein, 2 h after the RTE. This occurred without any change in corresponding mRNA levels. After the training period, there was a significant increase in MCT1 protein but no significant change in the MCT4 isoform. Both MCT1 and MCT4 mRNA was significantly lower at rest and 2 h post-RTE after the completion of the training period. After the training period, there was a significant increase in the time to exhaustion and distance covered during the RTE. This study demonstrates that sprint training of this length and type results in an upregulation of MCT1 protein, but not MCT4 content. Additionally, this study shows conflicting adaptations in MCT1 and MCT4 protein and mRNA levels following training, which may indicate post-transcriptional regulation of MCT expression in human muscle.

Mitochondrial tissue specificity of substrates utilization in rat cardiac and skeletal muscles

As energetic metabolism is crucial for muscles, they develop different adaptations to respond to fluctuating demand among muscle types. Whereas quantitative characteristics are known, no study described simultaneously quantitative and qualitative differences among muscle types in terms of substrates utilization patterns. This study thus defined the pattern of substrates preferential utilization by mitochondria from glycolytic gastrocnemius (GAS) and oxidative soleus (SOL) skeletal muscles and from heart left ventrical (LV) in rats. We measured in situ, ADP (2 mM)-stimulated, mitochondrial respiration rates from skinned fibers in presence of increasing concentrations of pyruvate (Pyr) + malate (Mal), palmitoyl-carnitine (Palm-C) + Mal, glutamate (Glut) + Mal, glycerol-3-phosphate (G3-P), lactate (Lact) + Mal. Because the fibers oxygen uptake (Vs) followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics in function of substrates level we determined the Vs and Km, representing maximal oxidative capacity and the mitochondrial sensibility for each substrate, respectively. Vs were in the order GAS < SOL < LV for Pyr, Glu, and Palm-C substrates, whereas in the order SOL = LV < GAS with G3-P. Moreover, the relative capacity to oxidize Palm-C is extremely higher in LV than in SOL. Vs was not stimulated by the Lact substrate. The Km was equal for Pyr among muscles, but much lower for G3-P in GAS and lower for Palm-C in LV. These results demonstrate qualitative mitochondrial tissue specificity for metabolic pathways. Mitochondria of glycolytic muscle fibers are well adapted to play a central role for maintaining a satisfactory cytosolic redox state in these fibers, whereas mitochondria of LV developed important capacities to use fatty acids.

Immunohistochemical analysis of MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 expression in rat plantaris muscle

We addressed the need for histological assessment of myocellular domains occupied by monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4). From the perspective of lactate shuttle hypotheses we posited that MCT1 would be highly expressed in oxidative fibres, whereas MCT4 would be found in highly glycolytic fibres. Furthermore, we hypothesized that MCT1 would be detected at interfibrillar as well as at subsarcolemmal and sarcolemmal cell domains, whereas MCT2 and MCT4 abundances would be most prominent at the sarcolemma. To test these hypotheses, we examined cellular locations of MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 transporter proteins in different fibre types (slow oxidative, SO; fast oxidative glycolytic, FOG; fast glycolytic, FG) in rat plantaris muscles by the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) as well as other methods. The plantaris was used as it is a mixed fibre skeletal muscle. MCTs, glucose transporter (GLUT4) protein, and mitochondrial constituent cytochrome oxidase (COX) abundances were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting using affinity-purified antibodies. The staining method was specific and stable, which allowed for semiquantitative assessment of MCT expression. As well, confocal laser scanning microscopy assessed MCT isoform localizations. Findings of the present study were: (1) MCT1 is located at the sarcolemma and throughout the cell interior in SO and FOG fibres where the mitochondrial reticulum was present; (2) in contrast, MCT4 was highly expressed in the sarcolemmal domain of FG and FOG fibres but poorly expressed in SO fibres; and (3) confocal laser-scanning microscopy demonstrated that MCT1 and COX are co-localised at both interfibrillar and subsarcolemmal cell domains, whereas MCT2 is only faintly detected at the sarcolemma of oxidative fibres. MCTs and associated proteins are positioned to facilitate the function of the lactate shuttles.

The subcellular compartmentation of fatty acid transporters is regulated differently by insulin and by AICAR

Cellular fatty acid uptake is facilitated by a number of fatty acid transporters, FAT/CD36, FABPpm and FATP1. It had been presumed that FABPpm, was confined to the plasma membrane and was not regulated. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that FABPpm and FATP1 are also present in intracellular depots in cardiac myocytes. While we confirmed previous work that insulin and AICAR each induced the translocation of FAT/CD36 from an intracellular depot to the PM, only AICAR, but not insulin, induced the translocation of FABPpm. Moreover, neither insulin nor AICAR induced the translocation of FATP1. Importantly, the increased plasmalemmal content of these LCFA transporters was associated with a concomitant increase in the initial rate of palmitate uptake into cardiac myocytes. Specifically, the insulin-stimulated increase in the rate of palmitate uptake (+60%) paralleled the insulin-stimulated increase in plasmalemmal FAT/CD36 (+34%). Similarly, the greater AICAR-stimulated increase in the rate of palmitate uptake (+90%) paralleled the AICAR-induced increase in both plasmalemmal proteins (FAT/CD36 (+40%)+FABPpm (+36%)). Inhibition of palmitate uptake with the specific FAT/CD36 inhibitor SSO indicated that FABPpm interacts with FAT/CD36 at the plasma membrane to facilitate the uptake of palmitate. In conclusion, (1) there appears to be tissue-specific sensitivity to insulin-induced FATP1 translocation, as it has been shown elsewhere that insulin induces FATP1 translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and (2) clearly, the subcellular distribution of FABPpm, as well as FAT/CD36, is acutely regulated in cardiac myocytes, although FABPpm and FAT/CD36 do not necessarily respond identically to the same stimuli.

Subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria play distinct roles in regulating skeletal muscle fatty acid metabolism

Skeletal muscle contains two populations of mitochondria that appear to be differentially affected by disease and exercise training. It remains unclear how these mitochondrial subpopulations contribute to fiber type-related and/or training-induced changes in fatty acid oxidation and regulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1beta (CPT1beta), the enzyme that controls mitochondrial fatty acid uptake in skeletal muscle. To this end, we found that fatty acid oxidation rates were 8.9-fold higher in subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SS) and 5.3-fold higher in intermyofibrillar mitochondria (IMF) that were isolated from red gastrocnemius (RG) compared with white gastrocnemius (WG) muscle, respectively. Malonyl-CoA (10 muM), a potent inhibitor of CPT1beta, completely abolished fatty acid oxidation in SS and IMF mitochondria from WG, whereas oxidation rates in the corresponding fractions from RG were inhibited only 89% and 60%, respectively. Endurance training also elicited mitochondrial adaptations that resulted in enhanced fatty acid oxidation capacity. Ten weeks of treadmill running differentially increased palmitate oxidation rates 100% and 46% in SS and IMF mitochondria, respectively. In SS mitochondria, elevated fatty acid oxidation rates were accompanied by a 48% increase in citrate synthase activity but no change in CPT1 activity. Nonlinear regression analyses of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation rates in the presence of 0-100 muM malonyl-CoA indicated that IC(50) values were neither dependent on mitochondrial subpopulation nor affected by exercise training. However, in IMF mitochondria, training reduced the Hill coefficient (P < 0.05), suggesting altered CPT1beta kinetics. These results demonstrate that endurance exercise provokes subpopulation-specific changes in mitochondrial function that are characterized by enhanced fatty acid oxidation and modified CPT1beta-malonyl-CoA dynamics.

Presence and localization of three lactic acid transporters (MCT1, -2, and -4) in separated human granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes

We fractionated leukocytes from three donors into >90% pure samples of granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes and tested them for transcriptional and translational expression of three physiologically-proven lactate transporters, monocarboxylate transporter 1(MCT1), MCT2, and MCT4, using RT-PCR and affinity-purified rabbit antibody (Ab) to the C-terminal segment of each human MCT. Transcripts of all three MCTs were identified in each leukocyte fraction by RT-PCR and proven by sequencing of fragments extracted after isolation on agarose gels. Transporter protein of the appropriate size was demonstrated for each of the monocarboxylate transporters MCTs in lymphocytes and monocytes by Western blot, while lower-molecular-weight bands were found in granulocytes and are presumed to be degraded forms, because they were blocked by antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) preincubation. IHC demonstrated all three MCTs in methanol-fixed droplets of all three leukocyte fractions; stain was abolished on omission of the primary Ab. Plasmalemmal staining occurred with all MCTs in all leukocyte fractions. Because the K(m) for lactate increases approximately fivefold at each step, with MCT2<1<4, leukocytes must use the full range of lactate binding to survive in acidic and hypoxic environments. Except for MCT4 in lymphocytes, all the MCTs also stained leukocyte cytoplasm, often with distinct granularity. Nuclear membrane staining was also seen with MCT1 and MCT2, while platelet plasmalemma stained only with MCT2.

Na+ overload-induced mitochondrial damage in the ischemic heart

Ischemia induces a decrease in myocardial contractility that may lead more or less to contractile dysfunction in the heart. When the duration of ischemia is relatively short, myocardial contractility is immediately reversed to control levels upon reperfusion. In contrast, reperfusion induces myocardial cell death when the heart is exposed to a prolonged period of ischemia. This phenomenon is the so-called "reperfusion injury". Numerous investigators have reported the mechanisms underlying myocardial reperfusion injury such as generation of free radicals, disturbance in the intracellular ion homeostasis, and lack of energy for contraction. Despite a variety of investigations concerning the mechanisms for ischemia and ischemia–reperfusion injury, ionic disturbances have been proposed to play an important role in the genesis of the ischemia–reperfusion injury. In this present study, we focused on the contribution of Na+ overload and mitochondrial dysfunction during ischemia to the genesis of this ischemia–reperfusion injury.Key words: mitochondria, myocardial ischemia, Na+ channels, Na+/H+ exchanger, Na+ overload.

Monocarboxylate transporters, blood lactate removal after supramaximal exercise, and fatigue indexes in humans

The present study investigated whether muscular monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and 4 contents are related to the blood lactate removal after supramaximal exercise, fatigue indexes measured during different supramaximal exercises, and muscle oxidative parameters in 15 humans with different training status. Lactate recovery curves were obtained after a 1-min all-out exercise. A biexponential time function was then used to determine the velocity constant of the slow phase (gamma(2)), which denoted the blood lactate removal ability. Fatigue indexes were calculated during 1-min all-out (FI(AO)) and repeated 10-s (FI(Sprint)) cycling sprints. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle. MCT1 and MCT4 contents were quantified by Western blots, and maximal muscle oxidative capacity (V(max)) was evaluated with pyruvate + malate and glutamate + malate as substrates. The results showed that the blood lactate removal ability (i.e., gamma(2)) after a 1-min all-out test was significantly related to MCT1 content (r = 0.70, P < 0.01) but not to MCT4 (r = 0.50, P > 0.05). However, greater MCT1 and MCT4 contents were negatively related with a reduction of blood lactate concentration at the end of 1-min all-out exercise (r = -0.56, and r = -0.61, P < 0.05, respectively). Among skeletal muscle oxidative indexes, we only found a relationship between MCT1 and glutamate + malate V(max) (r = 0.63, P < 0.05). Furthermore, MCT1 content, but not MCT4, was inversely related to FI(AO) (r = -0.54, P < 0.05) and FI(Sprint) (r = -0.58, P < 0.05). We concluded that skeletal muscle MCT1 expression was associated with the velocity constant of net blood lactate removal after a 1-min all-out test and with the fatigue indexes. It is proposed that MCT1 expression may be important for blood lactate removal after supramaximal exercise based on the existence of lactate shuttles and, in turn, in favor of a better tolerance to muscle fatigue.

Monocarboxylate transporters in subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria

Whether subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria contain monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) is controversial. We have examined the presence of MCT1, 2, and 4 in highly purified SS and IMF mitochondria. These mitochondria were not contaminated with plasma membrane, sarcoplasmic reticulum or endosomal compartments, as the marker proteins for these sub-cellular compartments (Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and the transferrin receptor) were not present in SS or IMF mitochondria. MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4 were all present at the plasma membrane. However, MCT1 and MCT4 were associated with SS mitochondria. In contrast, the IMF mitochondria were completely devoid of MCT1 and MCT4. However, MCT2 was associated with both SS and IMF mitochondria. These observations suggest that SS and IMF mitochondria have different capacities for metabolizing monocarboxylates. Thus, the controversy as to whether mitochondria can take up and oxidize lactate will need to take account of the different distribution of MCTs between SS and IMF mitochondria.

Exercise rapidly increases expression of the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT4 in rat muscle

We examined the effect of a single exercise session on the protein and mRNA expression of the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT4 in rat soleus (SOL), and red (RG) and white gastrocnemius (WG) muscles. Muscle samples were obtained at rest before 2 h of treadmill exercise (21 m min(-1), 15% grade) and immediately after exercise, as well as 5, 10 and 24 h after exercise. During the 2 h exercise bout, MCT1 proteins in RG (+60%) and WG (+56%) were increased (P < 0.05). MCT1 protein was further increased thereafter, with peak increments occurring 10 h after exercise in RG (+157%), WG (+193%) and SOL (+179%) (P < 0.05). Twenty-four hours after exercise, MCT1 protein was still up-regulated in WG (+100%) and SOL (+55%) (P < 0.05), but not in RG. MCT1 mRNA was up-regulated during exercise in RG (+53%) and WG (+98%) and remained elevated until 24 h post-exercise in RG (P < 0.05), but in WG, MCT1 mRNA decreased transiently to pre-exercise levels at 5 and 10 h after exercise, before increasing again at 24 h (+150%) (P < 0.05). MCT4 protein and mRNA were not increased in WG muscle during and after exercise (P > 0.05). In contrast, during exercise, in RG (+41%) and SOL (+98%) MCT4 protein was increased (P < 0.05). Peak increases in MCT4 protein were observed 10 h after exercise in RG (+131%) and SOL (+323%) (P < 0.05). MCT4 protein was still up-regulated 24 h after exercise (RG: +106%; SOL +225%) (P < 0.05). MCT4 mRNA in RG was not increased until 10 (+132%) and 24 h after exercise (+55%) (P < 0.05). These studies have shown that MCT1 and 4 proteins are transiently up-regulated by a single bout of exercise, involving post-transcriptional and transcriptional mechanisms. Thus, MCT1 and MCT4 belong to a class of selected metabolic genes that are very rapidly up-regulated with an exercise stimulus.

MCT1 confirmed in rat striated muscle mitochondria

We sought to test the hypothesis that monocarboxylate transporter isoform 1 (MCT1) is the inner mitochondrial membrane lactate/pyruvate transporter, and, as such, contributes to functioning of the intracellular lactate shuttle. However, presence of a mammalian mitochondrially localized MCT1 (mMCT1) has been contested. We sought to confirm by Western blotting the mitochondrial localization of MCT1 in rat cardiac, soleus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles utilizing three different cell fractionation methods and three different antibodies. We performed Western blotting using antibodies to cell membrane glucose transporter isoform GLUT1, inner mitochondrial constituent cytochrome oxidase, the monocarboxylate transporter protein chaperone CD147, as well as custom and commercially available MCT1 antibodies. Western blots demonstrated similar results with each MCT1 antibody and two of three methods of fractionation. MCT1 was found in the mitochondria, as well as in the sarcolemmal membrane and whole muscle homogenates. Probing with GLUT1 and CD147 demonstrated that mitochondrial fractions were not contaminated with sarcolemmal remnants. Probing with cytochrome oxidase showed mitochondrial localization of MCT1. Comparison of these results to the findings of others indicates that the most likely source of discrepancy is the cell fractionation procedure utilized.

Expression of MHC-beta and MCT1 in cardiac muscle after exercise training in myocardial-infarcted rats

To evaluate the hypothesis that increasing the potential for glycolytic metabolism would benefit the functioning of infarcted myocardium, we investigated whether mild exercise training would increase the activities of oxidative enzymes, expression of carbohydrate-related transport proteins (monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 and glucose transporter GLUT4), and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms. Myocardial infarction (MI) was produced by occluding the proximal left coronary artery in rat hearts for 30 min. After the rats performed 6 wk of run training on a treadmill, the wall of the left ventricle was dissected and divided into the anterior wall (AW; infarcted region) and posterior wall (PW; noninfarcted region). MI impaired citrate synthase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities in the AW (P < 0.01) but not in the noninfarcted PW. No differences in the expression of MCT1 were found in either tissues of AW and PW after MI, whereas exercise training significantly increased the MCT1 expression in all conditions, except AW in the MI rats. Exercise training resulted in an increased expression of GLUT4 protein in the AW in the sham rats and in the PW in the MI rats. The relative amount of MHC-beta was significantly increased in the AW and PW in MI rats compared with sham rats. However, exercise training resulted in a significant increase of MHC-alpha expression in both AW and PW in both sham and MI rats (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that mild exercise training enhanced the potential for glycolytic metabolism and ATPase activity of the myocardium, even in the MI rats, ensuring a beneficial role in the remodeling of the heart.

Lactate metabolism: a new paradigm for the third millennium

For much of the 20th century, lactate was largely considered a dead-end waste product of glycolysis due to hypoxia, the primary cause of the O2 debt following exercise, a major cause of muscle fatigue, and a key factor in acidosis-induced tissue damage. Since the 1970s, a 'lactate revolution' has occurred. At present, we are in the midst of a lactate shuttle era; the lactate paradigm has shifted. It now appears that increased lactate production and concentration as a result of anoxia or dysoxia are often the exception rather than the rule. Lactic acidosis is being re-evaluated as a factor in muscle fatigue. Lactate is an important intermediate in the process of wound repair and regeneration. The origin of elevated [lactate] in injury and sepsis is being re-investigated. There is essentially unanimous experimental support for a cell-to-cell lactate shuttle, along with mounting evidence for astrocyte-neuron, lactate-alanine, peroxisomal and spermatogenic lactate shuttles. The bulk of the evidence suggests that lactate is an important intermediary in numerous metabolic processes, a particularly mobile fuel for aerobic metabolism, and perhaps a mediator of redox state among various compartments both within and between cells. Lactate can no longer be considered the usual suspect for metabolic 'crimes', but is instead a central player in cellular, regional and whole body metabolism. Overall, the cell-to-cell lactate shuttle has expanded far beyond its initial conception as an explanation for lactate metabolism during muscle contractions and exercise to now subsume all of the other shuttles as a grand description of the role(s) of lactate in numerous metabolic processes and pathways.

Pyruvate shuttling during rest and exercise before and after endurance training in men

We describe the isotopic exchange of lactate and pyruvate after arm vein infusion of [3-(13)C]lactate in men during rest and exercise. We tested the hypothesis that working muscle (limb net lactate and pyruvate exchange) is the source of the elevated systemic lactate-to-pyruvate concentration ratio (L/P) during exercise. We also hypothesized that the isotopic equilibration between lactate and pyruvate would decrease in arterial blood as glycolytic flux, as determined by relative exercise intensity, increased. Nine men were studied at rest and during exercise before and after 9 wk of endurance training. Although during exercise arterial pyruvate concentration decreased to below rest values (P < 0.05), pyruvate net release from working muscle was as large as lactate net release under all exercise conditions. Exogenous (arterial) lactate was the predominant origin of pyruvate released from working muscle. With no significant effect of exercise intensity or training, arterial isotopic equilibration [(IE(pyruvate)/IE(lactate)).100%, where IE is isotopic enrichment] decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 60 +/- 3.1% at rest to an average value of 12 +/- 2.7% during exercise, and there were no changes in femoral venous isotopic equilibration. These data show that 1). the isotopic equilibration between lactate and pyruvate in arterial blood decreases significantly during exercise; 2). working muscle is not solely responsible for the decreased arterial isotopic equilibration or elevated arterial L/P occurring during exercise; 3). working muscle releases similar amounts of lactate and pyruvate, the predominant source of the latter being arterial lactate; 4). pyruvate clearance from blood occurs extensively outside of working muscle; and 5). working muscle also releases alanine, but alanine release is an order of magnitude smaller than lactate or pyruvate release. These results portray the complexity of metabolic integration among diverse tissue beds in vivo.

Activation of mitochondrial lactate uptake by flavone induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells

Lactate production from glucose even in the presence of oxygen is a characteristic of cancer cell metabolism and an important feature for tumor progression. Here, we describe that an increased uptake of lactate into mitochondria of HT-29 human colon cancer cells by treatment of cells with the flavonoid flavone is associated with an increased production of mitochondrial superoxide anions and apoptotic cell death. In search of the mitochondrial transporter that could promote enhanced lactate uptake and energetic flow through the electron transport chain, we used fluorescein as a model substrate. Flavone increased fluorescein uptake at pH 7.4 into mitochondria of HT-29 cells almost tenfold while lactate inhibited uptake significantly. Uptake of fluorescein in the absence or presence of flavone was strongly increased by lowering pH from 7.4 to 6.0 and almost abolished by the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). The lactate-sensitive part of fluorescein transport was completely blocked by p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid (pCMBS), a specific inhibitor of the monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT-1) that by Western blotting and immunofluorescence was identified in mitochondria of HT-29 cells. Finally, lactate increased and pCMBS inhibited the flavone-induced generation of mitochondrial O2-* radicals and in turn blunted the apoptotic response. In conclusion, our studies provide evidence that flavone reverts the metabolic phenotype of transformed colonocytes towards a phenotype characteristic for normal cells. Transformed colonocytes, however, seem especially vulnerable to O2-*, produced in mitochondria as a consequence of these metabolic alterations, and respond with the induction of apoptosis.

Pyruvate shuttle in muscle cells: high-affinity pyruvate transport sites insensitive to trans-lactate efflux

The specificity of the transport mechanisms for pyruvate and lactate and their sensitivity to inhibitors were studied in L6 skeletal muscle cells. Trans- and cis-lactate effects on pyruvate transport kinetic parameters were examined. Pyruvate and lactate were transported by a multisite carrier system, i.e., by two families of sites, one with low affinity and high capacity (type I sites) and the other with high affinity and low capacity (type II). The multisite character of transport kinetics was not modified by either hydroxycinnamic acid (CIN) or p-chloromercuribenzylsulfonic acid (PCMBS), which exert different types of inhibition. The transport efficiency (TE) ratios of maximal velocity to the trans-activation dissociation constant (Kt) showed that lactate and pyruvate were preferentially transported by types I and II sites, respectively. The cis-lactate effect was observed with high Ki values for both sites. The trans-lactate effect on pyruvate transport occurred only on type I sites and exhibited an asymmetric interaction pattern (Kt of inward lactate > Kt of outward lactate). The inability of lactate to trans-stimulate type II sites suggests that intracellular lactate cannot recruit these sites. The high-affinity type II sites act as a specific pyruvate shuttle and constitute an essential relay for the intracellular lactate shuttle.

The concept of maximal lactate steady state: a bridge between biochemistry, physiology and sport science

The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is defined as the highest blood lactate concentration (MLSSc) and work load (MLSSw) that can be maintained over time without a continual blood lactate accumulation. A close relationship between endurance sport performance and MLSSw has been reported and the average velocity over a marathon is just below MLSSw. This work rate delineates the low- to high-intensity exercises at which carbohydrates contribute more than 50% of the total energy need and at which the fuel mix switches (crosses over) from predominantly fat to predominantly carbohydrate. The rate of metabolic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) turnover increases as a direct function of metabolic power output and the blood lactate at MLSS represents the highest point in the equilibrium between lactate appearance and disappearance both being equal to the lactate turnover. However, MLSSc has been reported to demonstrate a great variability between individuals (from 2-8 mmol/L) in capillary blood and not to be related to MLSSw. The fate of enhanced lactate clearance in trained individuals has been attributed primarily to oxidation in active muscle and gluconeogenesis in liver. The transport of lactate into and out of the cells is facilitated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) which are transmembrane proteins and which are significantly improved by training. Endurance training increases the expression of MCT1 with intervariable effects on MCT4. The relationship between the concentration of the two MCTs and the performance parameters (i.e. the maximal distance run in 20 minutes) in elite athletes has not yet been reported. However, lactate exchange and removal indirectly estimated with velocity constants of the individual blood lactate recovery has been reported to be related to time to exhaustion at maximal oxygen uptake.

[Na+ overload-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury]

An accumulation of Na+ is induced in the ischemic myocardium, which is so-called "Na+ overload". The exact role of Na+ overload in the genesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unclear except for the role as a driving force of Ca2+ overload in the reperfused myocardium. Excessive activation of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) and Na+ channels may contribute to Na+ influx into the ischemic myocardium, resulting in sodium overload under ischemic conditions. A decrease in energy-producing ability of mitochondria in the ischemic myocardium is also observed in an ischemic duration-dependent manner. Attenuation of Na+ overload by an NHE inhibitor or a Na+ channel blocker preserved mitochondrial energy production in the ischemic myocardium and enhanced post-ischemic contractile recovery. To mimic Na+ overload in the ischemic myocardium, isolated mitochondria were incubated with sodium lactate, a possible end product of anaerobic glycolysis. Sodium lactate induced an irreversible reduction in the mitochondrial energy production. The mitochondrial damage induced by sodium lactate was not attenuated by the NHE inhibitor or the Na+ channel blocker, suggesting that these agents may indirectly preserve mitochondrial function in the ischemic myocardium. Taken together, Na+ overload in the ischemic myocardium may induce mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to contractile failure of the reperfused myocardium.

Peroxisomal membrane monocarboxylate transporters: evidence for a redox shuttle system?

One of the many functions of liver peroxisomes is the beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. It is essential for the continuation of peroxisomal beta-oxidation that a redox shuttle system exist across the peroxisomal membrane to reoxidize NADH. We propose that this redox shuttle system consists of a substrate cycle between lactate and pyruvate. Here we present evidence that purified peroxisomal membranes contain both monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT 1) and MCT 2 and that along with peroxisomal lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) form a Peroxisomal Lactate Shuttle. Peroxisomal beta-oxidation was greatly stimulated by the addition of pyruvate and this increase was partially inhibited by the addition of the MCT blocker alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (CINN). We also found that peroxisomes generated lactate in the presence of pyruvate. Together these data provide compelling that the Peroxisome Lactate Shuttle helps maintain organelle redox and the proper functioning of peroxisomal beta-oxidation.

Human skeletal muscle and erythrocyte proteins involved in acid-base homeostasis: adaptations to chronic hypoxia

Chronic hypoxia is accompanied by changes in blood and skeletal muscle acid-base control. We hypothesized that the underlying mechanisms include altered protein expression of transport systems and the enzymes involved in lactate, HCO3- and H+ fluxes in skeletal muscle and erythrocytes. Immunoblotting was used to quantify densities of the transport systems and enzymes. Muscle and erythrocyte samples were obtained from eight Danish lowlanders at sea level and after 2 and 8 weeks at 4100 m (Bolivia). For comparison, samples were obtained from eight Bolivian natives. In muscle membranes there were no changes in fibre-type distribution, lactate dehydrogenase isoforms, Na+,K+-pump subunits or in the lactate-H+ co-transporters MCT1 and MCT4. The Na+-H+ exchanger protein NHE1 was elevated by 39 % in natives compared to lowlanders. The Na+-HCO3- co-transporter density in muscle was elevated by 47-69 % after 2 and 8 weeks at altitude. The membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase (CA) IV in muscle increased in the lowlanders by 39 %, whereas CA XIV decreased by 23-47 %. Levels of cytosolic CA II and III in muscle and CA I and II in erythrocytes were unchanged. The erythrocyte lactate-H+ co-transporter MCT1 increased by 230-405 % in lowlanders and was 324 % higher in natives. The erythrocyte inorganic anion exchanger (Cl--HCO3- exchanger AE1) was increased by 149-228 %. In conclusion, chronic hypoxia induces dramatic changes in erythrocyte proteins, but only moderate changes in muscle proteins involved in acid-base control. Together, these changes suggest a hypoxia-induced increase in the capacity for lactate, HCO3- and H+ fluxes from muscle to blood and from blood to erythrocytes.

The role of mitochondrial transport in energy metabolism

Since mitochondria are closed spaces in the cell, metabolite traffic across the mitochondrial membrane is needed to accomplish energy metabolism. The mitochondrial carriers play this function by uniport, symport and antiport processes. We give here a survey of about 50 transport processes catalysed by more than 30 carriers with a survey of the methods used to investigate metabolite transport in isolated mammalian mitochondria. The role of mitochondria in metabolic pathways including ammoniogenesis, amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial shuttles etc. is also reported in more detail, mainly in the light of the existence of new transport processes.

Effect of food restriction on lactate sarcolemmal transport

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of food restriction (FR) on sarcolemmal lactate transport in rats. The daily food consumption of rats was monitored for 10 days, after which they were assigned to either a control group (CTL, n = 7) that consumed food ad libitum or an FR group (n = 7) that received a daily ration equal to 60% of their predetermined baseline food intake. After the 6-week period, we observed in red gastrocnemius (RG) a fall of 48% in glycogen content (P <.01) and a reduction in glutathione peroxidase activity (P <.05), confirming that the FR program was well executed. FR resulted in a reduction in muscle lactate (P <.05) and liver glycogen contents (P <.01). Moreover, hyperlactatemia was noted in the FR group: 1.77 +/- 0.24 versus 2.67 +/- 0.29 mmol/L (P <.05). Lactate transport capacity was significantly increased (P <.05) in FR rats, although monocarboxylate transporter isoforms (MCT1 and MCT4) did not change significantly. We conclude that FR alters sarcolemmal lactate transport activity without affecting MCT1 and MCT4 expression.

Leg and arm lactate and substrate kinetics during exercise

To study the role of muscle mass and muscle activity on lactate and energy kinetics during exercise, whole body and limb lactate, glucose, and fatty acid fluxes were determined in six elite cross-country skiers during roller-skiing for 40 min with the diagonal stride (Continuous Arm + Leg) followed by 10 min of double poling and diagonal stride at 72-76% maximal O(2) uptake. A high lactate appearance rate (R(a), 184 +/- 17 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1)) but a low arterial lactate concentration ( approximately 2.5 mmol/l) were observed during Continuous Arm + Leg despite a substantial net lactate release by the arm of approximately 2.1 mmol/min, which was balanced by a similar net lactate uptake by the leg. Whole body and limb lactate oxidation during Continuous Arm + Leg was approximately 45% at rest and approximately 95% of disappearance rate and limb lactate uptake, respectively. Limb lactate kinetics changed multiple times when exercise mode was changed. Whole body glucose and glycerol turnover was unchanged during the different skiing modes; however, limb net glucose uptake changed severalfold. In conclusion, the arterial lactate concentration can be maintained at a relatively low level despite high lactate R(a) during exercise with a large muscle mass because of the large capacity of active skeletal muscle to take up lactate, which is tightly correlated with lactate delivery. The limb lactate uptake during exercise is oxidized at rates far above resting oxygen consumption, implying that lactate uptake and subsequent oxidation are also dependent on an elevated metabolic rate. The relative contribution of whole body and limb lactate oxidation is between 20 and 30% of total carbohydrate oxidation at rest and during exercise under the various conditions. Skeletal muscle can change its limb net glucose uptake severalfold within minutes, causing a redistribution of the available glucose because whole body glucose turnover was unchanged.

Relative distribution of three major lactate transporters in frozen human tissues and their localization in unfixed skeletal muscle

We have prepared affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibodies to the near-C-terminal peptides of human monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) 1, 2, and 4 coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Each antiserum reacted only with its specific peptide antigen and gave a distinct molecular weight band (blocked by preincubation with antigen) after chemiluminescence reaction on Western blots from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of tissue membrane proteins. Densitometry showed distinctive expression patterns for each MCT in a panel of 15 frozen human tissues, with the distribution of MCT1 >>MCT2>MCT4. Fluorescence microscopy of unfixed skeletal muscle using fluorescein-conjugated secondary antibody was correlated with reverse adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) stained sequential sections to identify fiber-type localization. MCT1 expression was high in the sarcolemma of type 1 fibers, modest to low in type 2a fibers, and almost absent in type 2b fibers. In contrast, MCT4 expression was low to absent in the membrane of most type 1 fibers, but high in most 2a and in all 2b fibers, favoring the view that their high lactate levels during work may be channeled in part to neighboring type 1 (and perhaps 2a) fibers for oxidation, thereby delaying fatigue. MCT2 expression was limited to the sarcolemma of a type 1 fiber subset, which varied from <5 to 40%, depending on the specific muscle under study. Quantitative chemiluminescent densitometry of 10 muscle biopsies for their MCT2 and MCT4 content, each normalized to MCT1, confirmed the unique variation of MCT2 expression with biopsy site. The application of these antibodies should add to the understanding of motor unit physiology, and may contribute to the muscle-biopsy assessment of low-level denervation.

L-Lactate transport into rat heart mitochondria and reconstruction of the L-lactate/pyruvate shuttle

In vitro reconstruction of the L-lactate/pyruvate shuttle has been performed, which allows NADH oxidation outside rat heart mitochondria. Such a shuttle occurs due to the combined action of the novel mitochondrial L-lactate/pyruvate antiporter, which differs from the monocarboxylate carrier, and the mitochondrial L-lactate dehydrogenase. The rate of L-lactate/pyruvate antiport proved to regulate the shuttle in vitro.

Muscle contraction increases lactate transport while reducing sarcolemmal MCT4, but not MCT1

Rates of lactate uptake into giant sarcolemmal vesicles were determined in vesicles collected from rat muscles at rest and immediately after 10 min of intense muscle contraction. This contraction period reduced muscle glycogen rapidly by 37-82% in all muscles examined (P < 0.05) except the soleus muscle (no change P > 0.05). At an external lactate concentration of 1 mM lactate, uptake into giant sarcolemmal vesicles was not altered (P > 0.05), whereas at an external lactate concentration of 20 mM, the rate of lactate uptake was increased by 64% (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, the plasma membrane content of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)1 was reduced slightly (-10%, P < 0.05), and the plasma membrane content of MCT4 was reduced further (-25%, P < 0.05). In additional studies, the 10-min contraction period increased the plasma membrane GLUT4 (P < 0.05) while again reducing MCT4 (-20%, P < 0.05) but not MCT1 (P > 0.05). These studies have shown that intense muscle contraction can increase the initial rates of lactate uptake, but only when the external lactate concentrations are high (20 mM). We speculate that muscle contraction increases the intrinsic activity of the plasma membrane MCTs, because the increase in lactate uptake occurred while plasma membrane MCT4 was decreased and plasma membrane MCT1 was reduced only minimally, or not at all.

The precrystalline cytoplasmic granules of alveolar soft part sarcoma contain monocarboxylate transporter 1 and CD147

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an unusual tumor of young adults with the characteristic presence on ultrastructural analysis of rhomboid or rectangular cytoplasmic crystals. These membrane-bound crystals are known to form within specific PAS-diastase-resistant electron-dense cytoplasmic granules. The composition of these crystals and the dense granules from which they are derived has remained elusive. After the detection of strong discrete granular cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in ASPS for monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in the course of a broad immunohistochemical characterization of an MCT1 antibody, we studied the expression of MCT1 and its interacting partner, CD147, in a panel of 10 ASPS cases using appropriate antibodies. MCT1 is one of a family of widely expressed proton-linked transporters for monocarboxylates such as lactate and pyruvate. In all normal and neoplastic tissues studied to date, MCT1 immunoreactivity is limited to the cell surface. We find that the periodic acid-Schiff-diastase-resistant cytoplasmic granules of ASPS are strongly immunoreactive for MCT1 and CD147. Specifically, intense cytoplasmic granular positivity for MCT1 and CD147 was found in 7 of 10 and 8 of 10 ASPSs, respectively. Ultrastructural immunohistochemistry with immunogold labeling confirmed that the MCT1 immunoreactivity localized to the cytoplasmic electron-dense granules in ASPS. Western blot analysis of several ASPS cases confirmed that the protein reactive with the MCT1 antibody and that reactive with the CD147 antibody both migrated at the size expected for MCT1 and CD147, respectively. Thus, ASPS cells seem to accumulate MCT1-CD147 complexes in the specific cytoplasmic granules known to undergo crystallization. The possible basis for the overproduction or impaired surface localization of these proteins in ASPS remains unclear.

Changes in MCT 1, MCT 4, and LDH expression are tissue specific in rats after long-term hypobaric hypoxia

Little is known about the effect of chronic hypobaric hypoxia on the enzymes and transporters involved in lactate metabolism. We looked at the protein expression of monocarboxylate transporters MCT 1, MCT 2, and MCT 4, along with total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and LDH isozymes in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and liver. Expression of these components of the lactate shuttle affects the ability to transport and oxidize lactate. We hypothesized that the expression of MCTs and LDH would increase after acclimation to high altitude (HA). The response to acclimation to HA was, however, tissue specific. In addition, the response was different in whole muscle (Mu) and mitochondria-enriched (Mi) fractions. Heart, soleus, and plantaris muscles showed the greatest response to HA. Acclimation resulted in a 34% increase in MCT 4 in heart and a decrease in MCT 1 (-47%) and MCT 4 (-47%) in plantaris Mu. In Mi fractions, the heart had an increase (+40%) and soleus a decrease (-40%) in LDH. HA also had a significant effect on the LDH isozyme composition of both the Mu and Mi fractions. Mitochondrial density was decreased in both the soleus (-17%) and plantaris (-44%) as a result of chronic hypoxia. We conclude that chronic hypoxia had a tissue-specific effect on MCTs and LDH (that form the lactate shuttle) but did not produce a consistent increase in these components in all tissues.