Kinetics of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in isolated rat hearts assessed by 87Rb NMR spectroscopy

Potassium fluxes, energy metabolism, and oxygenation in intact diabetic rat hearts under normal and stress conditions

We evaluated the function of Na+/K+ATPase and sarcolemmal KATPchannels in diabetic rat hearts. Six weeks after streptozotocin (STZ) injection, unidirectional K+fluxes were assayed by using87rubidium (87Rb+) MRS. The hearts were loaded with Rb+by perfusion with Krebs–Henseleit buffer, in which 50% of K+was substituted with Rb+. The rate constant of Rb+uptake via Na+/K+ATPase was reduced. KATP-mediated Rb+efflux was activated metabolically with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP, 50 µmol·L–1) or pharmacologically with a KATPchannel opener, P-1075 (5 µmol·L–1). Cardiac energetics were monitored by using31P MRS and optical spectroscopy. DNP produced a smaller ATP decrease, yet similar Rb+efflux activation in STZ hearts. In K+-arrested hearts, P-1075 had no effect on high-energy phosphates and stimulated Rb+efflux by interaction with SUR2A subunit of KATPchannel; this stimulation was greater in STZ hearts. In normokalemic hearts, P-1075 caused cardiac arrest and ATP decline, and the stimulation of Rb+efflux was lower in normokalemic STZ hearts arrested by P-1075. Thus, the Rb+efflux stimulation in STZ hearts was altered depending on the mode of KATPchannel activation: pharmacologic stimulation (P-1075) was enhanced, whereas metabolic stimulation (DNP) was reduced. Both the basal concentration of phosphocreatine ([PCr]) and [PCr]/[ATP] were reduced; nevertheless, the STZ hearts were more or equally resistant to metabolic stress.

Monitoring of brain potassium with rubidium flame photometry and MRI

An animal model was developed to monitor [K(+)] in the brain using partial K(+) replacement with Rb(+) and (87)Rb MRI. Fifty-one rats were given 0-80 mM of RbCl in the drinking water for up to 90 days. Focal cerebral ischemia was produced in 15 of the animals. Na, K, and Rb content in precision-guided submilligram samples of cortical brain were determined by emission flame photometry. Multinuclear (87)Rb/(23)Na/(1)H MRI was performed on phantoms and rats at 3T using a twisted projection imaging (TPI) scheme for (87)Rb/(23)Na, and custom-built surface or parallel cosine transmit/receive coils. Brain [Rb(+)] was safely brought up to 17-25 mEq/kg within 2-3 weeks of feeding. The characteristic patterns of [K(+)] decrease (with a sharp drop at 3-4 hr of ischemia) and [Na(+)] increase (at a rate of 31%/hr) observed previously in animals without Rb/K substitution were reproduced in ischemic cortex. The Rb/(Rb+K) ratio increased over time in ischemic areas (R = 0.91, P < 0.001), suggesting an additional index of ischemia progression. Preliminary (87)Rb MRI gave an estimate of 20-25 mEq Rb/kg brain weight (N = 2). In conclusion, brain Rb(+) is detectable by (87)Rb MRI and does not significantly interfere with ion dynamics in ischemic brain, which enables (87)Rb MRI studies of K(+) in ischemia.

Rubidium-87 magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging for analysis of mammalian K+ transport

This review summarizes results 87Rb MRS/I studies of K+ transport in mammalian cells, organs and in vivo. It provides a brief description of K+ transport systems, their interactions with Rb+ and evidence that Rb+ is a best K+ congener. 87Rb MR studies have focused mostly on isolated perfused rat and pig hearts and to a lesser extent on kidney, skeletal muscle, salivary gland and red blood cells. The method has been used for three purposes: measurements of kinetics of unidirectional Rb+ uptake and efflux and steady-state Rb+ levels. In cardiovascular studies Rb+ has been used in the absence of shift reagent taking advantage of the predominantly intracellular Rb+/K+ distribution (approximately 20:1). Pharmacological analysis of Rb+ uptake and efflux allowed assessment of the contributions of various transporters to the total Rb+ fluxes in rat hearts. It was confirmed that Na+/K+ ATPase is responsible for the majority of K+ influx since Rb+ uptake is 80% ouabain-sensitive and dependent on the intracellular [Na+]. Energy deprivation caused by low-flow ischemia or metabolic inhibition reduced Rb+ uptake rate. Under normal conditions, Rb+ efflux is mediated mainly by voltage-gated K+ channels with a small contribution from the K+/Na+/2Cl- cotransporter. Intracellular alkalosis and osmotic swelling stimulated Rb+ efflux by activation of the putative K+/H+ antiporter. Activity of ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels was revealed by metabolic (2,4-dinitrophenol, ischemia) or pharmacological (K(ATP) opener, P-1075) stimulation of Rb+ efflux, which was reversed by the K(ATP) blocker, glibenclamide. Mitochondrial K+ transport was evaluated in hearts with saponin-permeabilized myocytes and under hypothermic conditions.Three-dimensional (3-D) spectroscopic MRI of isolated beating pig hearts has been used to obtain time series of Rb+ maps of normal and ischemic/infarcted hearts, which showed lower image intensity in the damaged area. Kinetics of Rb+ uptake in the ischemic areas depended on both regional flow and metabolism. The adrenergic agonist dobutamine stimulated Rb+ uptake in normal areas and did not affect uptake in ischemic areas. Drugs that may affect passive Rb+ transport (bumetanide, pinacidil, glibenclamide) did not change Rb+ uptake either in the normal or ischemic zones. 87Rb-MRI was also able to localize ischemia and infarction in blood-perfused hearts. 87Rb MRS/I is an excellent non-invasive research tool for studies of K+ transport in isolated organs and in vivo.

Potassium transport in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts assessed by87Rb NMR spectroscopy

We studied the fluxes of a potassium congener (Rb(+)) in mouse hearts by (87)Rb MRS at 8.4T. The hearts were loaded with Rb(+) by perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit buffer, in which 50% of K(+) was substituted with Rb(+). We initiated Rb(+) efflux by changing the perfusion medium to Rb(+)-free buffer. Spectra were acquired every 1.85 min, and the kinetics of Rb(+) transport were analyzed by means of monoexponential fits. The rate constants of Rb(+) uptake and efflux were 0.0680 +/- 0.0028 and 0.0510 +/- 0.0051 min(-1), respectively (approximately 30% faster than in the rat heart). The ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, P-1075 (5 microM), and mitochondrial uncoupler, 2,4-dintrophenol (50 microM), activated Rb(+) efflux from mouse hearts by approximately 35%. The mechanisms responsible for the differences in Rb(+) uptake and efflux under baseline conditions and stimulation, in comparison with rat hearts, are discussed. These data provide a background for studies of cardiac potassium transport in transgenic mouse strains.

Sarcolemmal and mitochondrial effects of a KATP opener, P-1075, in "polarized" and "depolarized" Langendorff-perfused rat hearts

We investigated consequences of cardiac arrest on sarcolemmal and mitochondrial effects of ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) opener, P-1075, in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Depolarised cardiac arrest (24.7 mM KCl) did not affect glibenclamide-sensitive twofold activation of rubidium efflux by P-1075 (5 microM) from rubidium-loaded hearts, but eliminated uncoupling produced by P-1075 in beating hearts: 40% depletion of phosphocreatine and ATP, 50% increase in oxygen consumption, and reduction of cytochrome c oxidase. Depolarized cardiac arrest by calcium channel blocker, verapamil (5 microM), also prevented uncoupling. Lack of P-1075 mitochondrial effects in depolarized hearts was not due to changes in phosphorylation potential, because 2,4-dintrophenol (10 microM) reversed the [PCr]/[Cr] increase and Pi decrease, characteristic of KCl-arrest, but did not restore uncoupling. In agreement with this conclusion, pyruvate (5 mM) increased [PCr]/[Cr] and decreased Pi, but did not prevent uncoupling in beating hearts. A decrease in mean [Ca2+] in KCl-arrested hearts could not account for lack of P-1075 mitochondrial effects, because calcium channel opener, S-(-)-Bay K8644 (50 nM), and beta-agonist, isoproterenol (0.5 microM), did not facilitate uncoupling. In contrast, in adenosine (1 mM)-arrested hearts (polarized arrest), P-1075 caused 40% phosphocreatine and ATP depletion. In isolated rat liver mitochondria, P-1075 (20 microM) decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) by approximately 14 mV (demonstrated by redistribution of DeltaPsi-sensitive dye, rhodamine 800) in a glibenclamide-sensitive manner. We concluded that cell membrane depolarization does not prevent activation of sarcolemmal KATP by P-1075, but it plays a role in mitochondrial uncoupling effects of P-1075.

The Gárdos channel: a review of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel in human erythrocytes

Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) efflux from human erythrocytes was first described in the 1950s. Subsequent studies revealed that a K(+)-specific membrane protein (the Gárdos channel) was responsible for this phenomenon (the Gárdos effect). In recent years several types of Ca-activated K(+) channel have been identified and studied in a wide range of cells, with the erythrocyte Gárdos channel serving as both a model for a broader physiological perspective, and an intriguing component of erythrocyte function. The existence of this channel has raised a number of questions. For example, what is its role in the establishment and maintenance of ionic distribution across the red cell membrane? What role might it play in erythrocyte development? To what extent is it active in circulating erythrocytes? What are the cell-physiological implications of its dysfunction?This review summarises current knowledge of this membrane protein with respect to its function and structure, its physiological roles (some putative) and its contribution to various disease states, and it provides an introduction to adaptable NMR methods, which is our own area of technical expertise, for such ion transport analysis.

Cardioselective sulfonylthiourea HMR 1098 blocks mitochondrial uncoupling induced by a KATP channel opener, P-1075, in beating rat hearts

We investigated effects of blockade of cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) with a novel cardioselective sulfonylthiourea, HMR 1098, on metabolic uncoupling caused by a potent KATP opener, P-1075, in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. We used (1) 87Rb-NMR to detect activation-deactivation of sarcolemmal KATP, (2) 31P-NMR to monitor high-energy phosphates, (3) oxygen uptake measurements to monitor cellular respiration, and (4) myocardial optical absorbance measurements at 603 nm to follow changes in cytochrome c oxidase redox state. Activation of sarcolemmal KATP by P-1075 (5 microM) and a mitochondrial uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) (50 microM) stimulated Rb+ efflux from the hearts by 130% and 60%, respectively. HMR 1098 (5 and 30 microM) blocked activation of sarcolemmal KATP in situ. HMR 1098 also prevented cardiac arrest and mitochondrial uncoupling induced by P-1075, such as (a) depletion of phosphocreatine and ATP by 40%, (b) two-fold decrease in venous oxygen, and (c) reduction of cytochrome c oxidase (demonstrated by an increase in 603 nm optical absorbance). The metabolic effects of P-1075 can be readily explained by activation of putative mitochondrial KATP. We concluded that blockade of mitochondrial uncoupling by HMR 1098 included an inhibiting effect of HMR 1098 on sarcolemmal and mitochondrial KATP in beating rat hearts.

Hyposmotic shock: effects on rubidium/potassium efflux in normal and ischemic rat hearts, assessed by 87Rb and 31P NMR

The study evaluated effects of hyposmotic shock on the rate of Rb(+)/K(+) efflux, intracellular pH and energetics in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts with the help of 87Rb- and 31P-NMR. Two models of hyposmotic shock were compared: (1) normosmotic hearts perfused with low [NaCl] (70 mM) buffer, (2) hyperosmotic hearts equilibrated with additional methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside (Me-GPD, 90 or 33 mM) or urea (90 mM) perfused with normosmotic buffer. Four minutes after hyposmotic shock, Rb(+) efflux rate constant transiently increased approximately two-fold, while pH transiently decreased by 0.08 and 0.06 units, in the first and the second models, respectively, without significant changes in phosphocreatine and ATP. Hyposmotic shock (second model) did not change the rate of Rb(+)/K(+) uptake, indicating that the activity of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase was not affected. Dimethylamiloride (DMA) (10 microM) abolished activation of the Rb(+)/K(+) efflux in the second model; however, Na(+)/H(+) exchanger was not involved, because intracellular acidosis induced by the hyposmotic shock was not enhanced by DMA treatment. After 12 or 20 min of global ischemia, the rate of Rb(+)/K(+) efflux increased by 120%. Inhibitor of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels, glibenclamide (5 microM), partially (40%) decreased the rate constant; however, reperfusion with hyperosmolar buffer (90 mM Me-GPD) did not. We concluded that the shock-induced stimulation of Rb(+)/K(+) efflux occurred, at least partially, through the DMA-sensitive cation/H(+) exchanger and swelling-induced mechanisms did not considerably contribute to the ischemia-reperfusion-induced activation of Rb(+)/K(+) efflux.

Imaging of ischemia and infarction in blood-perfused pig hearts using 87Rb MRI

87Rb-MRI was used to measure Rb(+) uptake in blood-perfused pig hearts during complete occlusion (120 and 70 min) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and subsequent reperfusion (120 and 170 min). The Rb(+) uptake rate and maximal Rb image intensity during 120-min occlusion were significantly lower in the ischemic anterior left ventricular (LV) wall (0.35 +/- 0.14%/min and 26 +/- 4.7%) relative to those in the remote posterior LV wall (2.43 +/- 0.33%/min and 98 +/- 10%). Reperfusion after 120 and 70 min of occlusion resulted in formation of damaged areas, which had 40 +/- 4 and 73 +/- 10% of the (87)Rb image intensity observed in the remote posterior wall. The infarct sizes determined histologically by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were 9.6 +/- 3.4 and 5.6 +/- 4.6% of the total ventricular mass (LV + RV) in the 120- and 70-min occlusion groups, respectively. The sizes determined by MRI were 13.1 +/- 2 and 2.8 +/- 4.3% of the total number of pixels, respectively. The Rb(+) uptake in the anterior wall during 120-min occlusion was somewhat lower than that previously observed in crystalloid-perfused hearts. It is concluded that blood does not interfere with the ability of (87)Rb MRI to detect ischemic and infarct areas.

The effects of drugs modulating K(+) transport on Rb(+) uptake and distribution in pig hearts following regional ischemia: (87)Rb MRI study

The effects of drugs that can modulate passive permeability of K(+) into cardiomyocytes in normal and reperfusion-damaged cardiac muscle were assessed. Rubidium ion (Rb(+)) was used as a K(+) tracer and (87)Rb-MRI as a detection method. The left anterior descending artery (LAD) of isolated pig hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB) was occluded for 2 h and subsequently reperfused for 2 h with KHB containing 4.7 mM RbCl instead of KCl. The buffer contained either a blocker of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP)), glibenclamide (Glib, 3 micro M), a K(ATP) opener, pinacidil (Pin, 10 micro M), a K(+)/Na(+)/2Cl(-) co-transporter inhibitor, bumetanide (Bum, 10 micro M) or no drug (control). Upon reperfusion three-dimensional (87)Rb MR images were acquired to obtain kinetics of Rb(+) uptake and its distribution. Areas at risk (AAR) and areas of necrosis were determined by Evans Blue and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, respectively. Rb(+) uptake kinetics in the remote posterior (Pos) wall were similar in all groups. The kinetics remained monoexponential in the affected anterior (Ant) wall and the uptake rates were 32, 36, 37 and 21% of that in the Pos wall in the control, Glib, Pin and Bum groups, respectively. Infarct sizes determined histologically as a percentage of total ventricular (left + right) mass (14-22%) corresponded to sizes of areas with 20-40% of maximal Rb image intensity [I(Rb)(max), 15-22%], except for the Pin group (12.5 vs 21%). The sizes of areas with 20-50% of I(Rb)(max) (30-36%) closely correlated with those of AAR determined histologically (31-33%). Lactate dehydrogenase release did not differ in all groups. We conclude that: (1) reperfusion damage quickly inhibits Rb(+) uptake; (2) Rb(+) uptake in normal and reperfused tissue does not significantly depend on K(ATP) or the K(+)/Na(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter; (3) areas with 20-40% of maximal image intensity correspond to infarct areas.

Effects of K(ATP) channel openers, P-1075, pinacidil, and diazoxide, on energetics and contractile function in isolated rat hearts

We investigated the metabolic effects of a potent opener of ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels, P-1075, in perfused rat hearts with the help of(31)P NMR spectroscopy. A 20 min infusion of 5 microm P-1075 depleted phosphocreatine and ATP by approximately 40%, concomitantly with a two-fold increase in inorganic phosphate, while oxygen consumption by the hearts increased by 50%. P-1075 induced a cardiac contracture (left ventricular end diastolic pressure increased from 6 to 60 mmHg) and a cardiac arrest after an infusion of approximately 9 min. The effects were fully reversed by glibenclamide (5 microm), but not by sodium 5-hydroxydecanoate (0.4 m m). A P-1075-related K(ATP) opener, pinacidil (0.3 m m), partially reversed the effects of P-1075, but a structurally unrelated opener, diazoxide (0.5 m m), had no effect. Pinacidil and diazoxide alone did not significantly affect PCr and ATP levels. Bioenergetic and functional effects similar to those of P-1075 were induced by infusion of a classic mitochondrial uncoupler, 2,4-dinitrophenol (50 microm); however, they were not abolished by glibenclamide. In addition, it was shown, using(87)Rb NMR, that both agents, P-1075 and 2,4-dinitrophenol, resulted in a stimulation of Rb(+) efflux from the Rb(+) loaded rat hearts by approximately 130 and 65%, respectively, in a glibenclamide-sensitive manner. An inhibitory effect of P-1075 on ATP synthesis cannot be explained by its well-known action on sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels. We concluded that, unlike an uncoupling effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol, an inhibitory effect of P-1075 is produced by uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation through the activation of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels.

Effects of regional hypoxia and acidosis on Rb(+) uptake and energetics in isolated pig hearts: (87)Rb MRI and (31)P MR spectroscopic study

The study compared the effects of regional hypoxia and acidosis on Rb(+) uptake and energetics in isolated pig hearts perfused by the Langendorff method. The left anterior descending artery (LAD) was cannulated and the LAD bed was perfused with the same specific flow as the whole heart. Following equilibration with normal Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB, pO(2) 568 mm Hg, pH 7.42) the perfusate was switched to one that contained Rb(+) (Rb-KHB). Simultaneously, perfusion through the LAD was carried out with hypoxic (pO(2)=31 mm Hg), an acidemic (pH 7.12) or normal (pO(2)=550 mm Hg) Rb-KHB for 120 min. (87)Rb images of the entire heart or localized (31)P spectra from the left ventricular anterior wall were acquired. Hypoxia decreased the maximal (87)Rb image intensity and Rb(+) flux in the anterior wall to 79+/-9% and 85+/-7%, respectively, of that in the posterior wall. Extracellular acidosis did not affect (87)Rb image intensity and reduced Rb(+) flux (83+/-10%). During hypoxia phosphocreatine and ATP decreased to 36+/-10 and 50+/-15% of baseline, respectively and intracellular pH (pHi) decreased to 6.90+/-0.05. Extracellular acidosis did not affect the phosphocreatine or ATP levels but reduced pHi (7.06+/-0.18 vs. 7.26+/-0.06 in control). We suggest that intracellular acidosis plays a role in the inhibition of Rb(+) uptake during hypoxia.

Effects of ischemia on intracellular rubidium in pig and rat hearts: (87)Rb NMR imaging and spectroscopic study

87Rb MR imaging and spectroscopy were used to study the effects of ischemia on the properties of K(+) in cardiac tissue. Isolated pig and rat hearts perfused by the Langendorff method with Krebs-Henseleit buffer were preloaded with Rb(+). Ischemia (Isc) was induced by 120-min occlusion of the left anterior descending artery in the pig hearts or by stopping perfusion for 33 min in the rat hearts. Serial (87)Rb MR images or spectra from the anterior (An) LV wall of pig hearts were acquired continuously. The intensities of the Rb images of the An and posterior (Pos) walls were similar and stable during the first 45 min of ischemia. The intensity of signal from the An wall (Isc) then gradually increased by 60 +/- 8% relative to the preischemic value (vs. 31 +/- 5% increase in Pos wall) and necrosis (19 +/- 5% of the LV wall mass) developed upon reperfusion. The Rb(+) content was lower in the ischemic (An) than in the normal (Pos) area (22.3 +/- 3 vs. 28.4 +/- 1.3 mmol/g wet wt). A similar pattern was observed in the peak heights of (87)Rb spectra from the An wall, which increased by 40 +/- 16% (vs. 21 +/- 11% in control) due to a 12% decrease in the apparent Rb linewidth (LW) and a 24 +/- 14% increase in the peak area. The Rb peak comprised narrow (297 +/- 21 Hz) and broad (1098 +/- 40 Hz, 59 +/- 3% of total area) Lorentzian components. The LW of the broad component decreased by 14%, while the narrow component did not change markedly. In the rat hearts ischemia caused a 33 +/- 4% increase in the (87)Rb peak height as a result of peak narrowing (13 +/- 1%), and an increase in peak area (17 +/- 5%). The decreases in LW and increases in Rb(+) visibility can be explained by an increase in Rb(+) mobility caused by displacement of Rb(+) from anionic binding sites by H(+) (ischemic acidosis) and changes in intracellular compartmentalization of Rb(+). Magn Reson Med 44:193-200, 2000.

Nuclear magnetic resonance and oxygen affinity study of cesium binding in human erythrocytes

We investigated the interaction of the cesium ion (Cs(+)) with the anionic intracellular components of human red blood cells (RBCs); the components studied included 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG), ADP, ATP, inorganic phosphate (P(i)), carbonmonoxy hemoglobin (COHb), and RBC membranes. We used spin-lattice (T(1)) and spin-spin (T(2)) (133)Cs NMR relaxation measurements to probe Cs(+) binding, and we found that Cs(+) bound more strongly to binding sites in BPG and in RBC membranes than in any other intracellular component in RBCs at physiologic concentrations. By using James-Noggle plots, we obtained Cs(+) binding constants per binding site in BPG (66 +/- 8 M(-1)), ADP (19 +/- 1 M(-1)), ATP (25 +/- 3 M(-1)), and RBC membranes (55 +/- 2 M(-1)) from the observed T(1) values. We also studied the effect of Cs(+) on the oxygen (O(2)) affinity of purified Hb and of Hb in intact RBCs in the absence and in the presence of BPG. In the absence of BPG, the O(2) affinity of Hb decreased upon addition of Cs(+). However, in the presence of BPG, the O(2) affinity of Hb increased upon addition of Cs(+). The O(2) affinity of Cs(+)-loaded human RBCs was larger than that of Cs(+)-free cells at the same BPG level. (31)P NMR studies on the pH dependence of the interaction between BPG and Hb indicated that the presence of Cs(+) resulted in a smaller fraction of BPG available to bind to the cleft of deoxyHb. Our NMR and O(2) affinity data indicate that a strong binding site for Cs(+) in human RBCs is BPG. A partial mechanism for Cs(+) toxicity might arise from competition between Cs(+) and deoxyHb for BPG, thereby increasing oxygenation of Hb in RBCs, and thus decreasing the ability of RBCs to give up oxygen in tissues. The presence of Cs(+) at 12.5 mM in intact human RBCs containing BPG at normal concentrations did not, however, alter significantly the O(2) affinity of Hb, thus ruling out the possibility of Cs(+)-BPG interactions accounting for Cs(+) toxicity in this cell type.

pH regulation of K(+) efflux from myocytes in isolated rat hearts: (87)Rb, (7)Li, and (31)P NMR studies

This study investigates the effects of intracellular (pH(i)) and extracellular pH (pH(e)) on the efflux of Rb(+) and Li(+) in isolated rat hearts. (87)Rb and (7)Li NMR were used to measure Rb(+) and Li(+) content, respectively, of hearts, and (31)P NMR was used to monitor pH(i), pH(e), and phosphate levels. After 30-min equilibration with Rb(+) or Li(+), effluxes were initiated by switching perfusion to a Rb(+)- or Li(+)-free, high-K(+) (20.7 mM) Krebs-Henseleit buffer with 15 microM bumetanide. Monensin (2 microM) increased pH(i) from 7.10 +/- 0.05 to 7.32 +/- 0.07 and resulted in activation of Rb(+) efflux; the first-order rate constant (k x 10(3), in min(-1)) increased from 42 +/- 2 to 116 +/- 16. Glibenclamide (4 microM) did not inhibit monensin-activated Rb(+) efflux (k = 110 +/- 17), whereas quinine (0.2 mM) slightly inhibited it by 19 +/- 9%. Infusion of 15 mM NH(4)Cl during Rb(+) washout increased k for Rb(+) efflux by 93% (81 +/- 8), which was glibenclamide and quinine insensitive, and caused a transient increase in pH(i) to 7.25 +/- 0.08. Intracellular Li(+) inhibited NH(4)Cl-stimulated Rb(+) efflux by 55%. Monensin and NH(4)Cl stimulated Li(+) efflux by 40%, increasing k from 29 +/- 3 to 43 +/- 7 and 41 +/- 3, respectively. The stimulation was not sensitive to 10 microM dimethylamiloride. Intracellular acidosis that resulted from the washout of NH(4)Cl (pH 6.86 +/- 0.2) slightly inhibited Rb(+) efflux (k = 36 +/- 5), whereas NH(4)Cl itself in the absence of pH(i) changes did not markedly affect Rb(+) efflux. A moderate increase in pH(i) (7.17 +/- 0.06) produced by washout of 15 mM 2, 2-dimethylpropionate (DMP)-Tris from hearts preequilibrated with DMP did not markedly affect Rb(+) efflux. Neither global alkalosis (pH(i) 7.4, pH(e) 7.55) nor acidosis (pH(i) approximately pH(e) 6.8) produced by 3 mM Tris base or 5 mM MES, respectively, affected Rb(+) efflux. We suggest that intracellular alkalosis stimulates Rb(+) (K(+)) and Li(+) effluxes by activating a nonselective sarcolemmal K(+) (Li(+))/cation exchanger or a K(+) (Li(+))-anion symporter.

Measurements of mitochondrial K+ fluxes in whole rat hearts using 87Rb-NMR

The rubidium efflux from hypothermic rat hearts perfused by the Langendorff method at 20 degreesC was studied. At this temperature 87Rb-NMR efflux experiments showed the existence of two 87Rb pools: cytoplasmic and mitochondrial. Rat heart mitochondria showed a very slow exchange of mitochondrial Rb+ for cytoplasmic K+. After washout of cytosolic Rb+, mitochondria kept a stable Rb+ level for >30 min. Rb+ efflux from mitochondria was stimulated with 0.1 mM 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP), by sarcolemmal permeabilization and concomitant cellular energy depletion by saponin (0.01 mg/ml for 4 min) in the presence of a perfusate mimicking intracellular conditions, or by ATP-sensitive K (KATP) channel openers. DNP, a mitochondrial uncoupler, caused the onset of mitochondrial Rb+ exchange; however, the washout was not complete (80 vs. 56% in control). Energy deprivation by saponin, which permeabilizes the sarcolemma, resulted in a rapid and complete Rb+ efflux. The mitochondrial Rb+ efflux rate constant (k) decreased in the presence of glibenclamide, a KATP channel inhibitor (5 microM; k = 0.204 +/- 0.065 min-1; n = 8), or in the presence of ATP plus phosphocreatine (1.0 and 5.0 mM, respectively; k = 0.134 +/- 0.021 min-1; n = 4) in the saponin experiments (saponin only; k = 0.321 +/- 0.079 min-1; n = 3), indicating the inhibition of mitochondrial KATP channels. Thus hypothermia in combination with 87Rb-NMR allowed the probing of the mitochondrial K+ pool in whole hearts without mitochondrial isolation.