The mechanism of lead-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux

Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Is the General Reason for Apoptosis Induced by Different-Valence Heavy Metals in Cells and Mitochondria

This review analyzes the causes and consequences of apoptosis resulting from oxidative stress that occurs in mitochondria and cells exposed to the toxic effects of different-valence heavy metals (Ag+, Tl+, Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, As3+, Sb3+, Cr6+, and U6+). The problems of the relationship between the integration of these toxic metals into molecular mechanisms with the subsequent development of pathophysiological processes and the appearance of diseases caused by the accumulation of these metals in the body are also addressed in this review. Such apoptosis is characterized by a reduction in cell viability, the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Bcl-2), and the activation of protein kinases (ERK, JNK, p53, and p38) by mitogens. Moreover, the oxidative stress manifests as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, mitochondrial swelling, an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and H2O2, lipid peroxidation, cytochrome c release, a decline in the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmito), a decrease in ATP synthesis, and reduced glutathione and oxygen consumption as well as cytoplasm and matrix calcium overload due to Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The apoptosis and respiratory dysfunction induced by these metals are discussed regarding their interaction with cellular and mitochondrial thiol groups and Fe2+ metabolism disturbance. Similarities and differences in the toxic effects of Tl+ from those of other heavy metals under review are discussed. Similarities may be due to the increase in the cytoplasmic calcium concentration induced by Tl+ and these metals. One difference discussed is the failure to decrease Tl+ toxicity through metallothionein-dependent mechanisms. Another difference could be the decrease in reduced glutathione in the matrix due to the reversible oxidation of Tl+ to Tl3+ near the centers of ROS generation in the respiratory chain. The latter may explain why thallium toxicity to humans turned out to be higher than the toxicity of mercury, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc.

MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF LEAD NEUROTOXICITY

Lead (Pb2+) is a non-essential metal with numerous industrial applications that have led to ts ubiquity in the environment. Thus, not only occupational-exposed individuals' health is compromised, but also that of the general population and in particular children. Notably, although the central nervous system is particularly susceptible to Pb2+, other systems are affected as well. The present study focuses on molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects that arise from the presence of Pb2+ in situ in the brain, and the possible toxic effects that follows. As the brain barriers represent the first target of systemic Pb2+, mechanisms of Pb2+ entry into the brain are discussed, followed by a detailed discussion on neurotoxic mechanisms, with special emphasis on theories of ion mimicry, mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, and neuroinflammation. Most importantly, the confluence and crosstalk between these events is combined into a cogent mechanism of toxicity, by intertwining recent and old evidences from humans, in vitro cell culture and experimental animals. Finally, pharmacological interventions, including chelators, antioxidants substances, anti-inflammatory drugs, or their combination are reviewed as integrated approaches to ameliorate Pb2+ harmful effects in both developing or adult organisms.

Associations between childhood and adolescence exposure to air pollution and adult height in polish women

Exposure to airborne substances harmful to health during pre- and postnatal stage may significantly affect the correct development of organs and systems. Many studies analyze the relationship between air quality and health, but data on the impact of air pollution on human biological development are scanty. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between adult body height and air quality in the place of residence during childhood and adolescence. The parameters measured included absolute stature (cm) and relative stature defined as a percentage of mean stature of both parents. The analysis covered data collected from 1257 women. Subject's height was measured. Data on parental height were obtained using a questionnaire. The level of each analysed environmental pollution in the place of residence during childhood and adolescence: particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5)_, sulphur dioxide (SO₂)_, nitric dioxide (NO₂) and benzene (C₆H₆) in the place of residence during childhood and adolescence was determined on the basis of the data made available by the Polish Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. Results of our study show that mean stature decreases with growing air pollution level. Significant differences were observed both in absolute stature and relative stature (expressed as percentage of mean stature of both parents) depending on PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 levels in place of residence during childhood and adolescence as well as on the total index of air quality. The differences remain statistically significant also after adjustment for the degree of urbanisation of the place of residence and factors related to socio-economic status. Our findings suggest that air pollution level in the place of residence during childhood and adolescence has significant impact on the children growth, potentially leading to worse health status later in life.

Neurotoxicity of low-level lead exposure: History, mechanisms of action, and behavioral effects in humans and preclinical models

Lead is a neurotoxin that produces long-term, perhaps irreversible, effects on health and well-being. This article summarizes clinical and preclinical studies that have employed a variety of research techniques to examine the neurotoxic effects of low levels of lead exposure. A historical perspective is presented, followed by an overview of studies that examined behavioral and cognitive outcomes. In addition, a short summary of potential mechanisms of action is provided with a focus on calcium-dependent processes. The current level of concern, or reference level, set by the CDC is 5 μg/dL of lead in blood and a revision to 3.5 μg/dL has been suggested. However, levels of lead below 3 μg/dL have been shown to produce diminished cognitive function and maladaptive behavior in humans and animal models. Because much of the research has focused on higher concentrations of lead, work on low concentrations is needed to better understand the neurobehavioral effects and mechanisms of action of this neurotoxic metal.

Mitochondrial Redox Dysfunction and Environmental Exposures

SIGNIFICANCE

Mitochondria are structurally and biochemically diverse, even within a single type of cell. Protein complexes localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane synthesize ATP by coupling electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. The organelles produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) from mitochondrial oxygen and ROS can, in turn, alter the function and expression of proteins used for aerobic respiration by post-translational and transcriptional regulation.

RECENT ADVANCES

New interest is emerging not only into the roles of mitochondria in disease development and progression but also as a target for environmental toxicants.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Dysregulation of respiration has been linked to cell death and is a major contributor to acute neuronal trauma, peripheral diseases, as well as chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Here, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the sensitivity of the mitochondrial respiratory complexes to redox modulation, as well as examine the effects of environmental contaminants that have well-characterized mitochondrial toxicity. The contaminants discussed in this review are some of the most prevalent and potent environmental contaminants that have been linked to neurological dysfunction, altered cellular respiration, and oxidation.

Tl+ induces the permeability transition pore in Ca2+-loaded rat liver mitochondria energized by glutamate and malate

It is known that Ca2+ and heavy metals more actively induce MPTP opening in mitochondria, energized by the I complex substrates. Thus, a rise in a Tl+-induced MPTP was proposed in experiments on isolated rat liver mitochondria energized by the complex I substrate (glutamate and malate). Expose of the mitochondria to Ca2+ into a medium containing TlNO3, glutamate, and malate as well as sucrose or KNO3 resulted in a decrease in state 3, state 4, or DNP-stimulated respiration as well as an increase of both mitochondrial swelling and ΔΨmito dissipation. The MPTP inhibitors, CsA and ADP, almost completely eliminated the effect of Ca2+, which was more pronounced in the presence of the complex I substrates than the complex II substrate (succinate) and rotenone (Korotkov and Saris, 2011). The present study concludes that Tl+-induced MPTP opening is more appreciable in mitochondria energized by glutamate and malate but not succinate in the presence of rotenone. We assume that the Tl+-induced MPTP opening along with followed swelling and possible structural deformations of the complex I in Ca2+-loaded mitochondria may be a part of the thallium toxicity mechanism on mitochondria in living organisms. At the same time, oxidation of Tl+ to Tl3+ by mitochondrial oxygen reactive species is proposed for the mechanism.

Disturbances of energetic metabolism in rat epididymal epithelial cells as a consequence of chronic lead intoxication

Adult male Wistar rats were intoxicated with 1% lead acetate (PbAc) administered in drinking water for nine months, which amounts to a period five times longer than the duration of one spermatogenesis. There were mitochondrial ultrastructure disorders of epididymal epithelial cells observed in PbAc-treated rats; also a significant lead-induced decrease in ATP concentration in epididymal epithelial cells (by 32%, P < 0.05), Adenylate Energy Charge value (AEC) (by 8%, P < 0.05) and an increase in ADP (28.5%, P < 0.05), AMP (27%, P < 0.05) and adenosine (by 56%, P < 0.05). The results were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and detected even at low lead concentrations in whole blood (M:7.03 μg/dL; Q1-Q3: 2.99-7.65). The function of mitochondria in cultured epididymal epithelial cells of control and PbAc-treated animals were evaluated using fluorophores: Mitotracker Green FM and JC-1. After incubation with Mitotracker Green FM, we observed active mitochondria producing bright green fluorescence in the cytoplasm of cultured epididymal epithelial cells, both in the control group and the Pb-treated animals. Incubation of cultured epididymal epithelial cells of animals from both groups produced red-orange fluorescence with the mitochondrial JC-1 probe indicating mitochondria with high membrane potential (ΔΨm > 80-100 mV) and green fluorescence in the mitochondria with low membrane potential (ΔΨm < 80 mV). The results showed that a chronic low-level exposure to lead, even without severe clinical symptoms of contamination, disrupted the ultrastructure and energy metabolism of mitochondria in epididymal epithelial cells.

Human health effects of air pollution

Hazardous chemicals escape to the environment by a number of natural and/or anthropogenic activities and may cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. Increased combustion of fossil fuels in the last century is responsible for the progressive change in the atmospheric composition. Air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone (O(3)), heavy metals, and respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), differ in their chemical composition, reaction properties, emission, time of disintegration and ability to diffuse in long or short distances. Air pollution has both acute and chronic effects on human health, affecting a number of different systems and organs. It ranges from minor upper respiratory irritation to chronic respiratory and heart disease, lung cancer, acute respiratory infections in children and chronic bronchitis in adults, aggravating pre-existing heart and lung disease, or asthmatic attacks. In addition, short- and long-term exposures have also been linked with premature mortality and reduced life expectancy. These effects of air pollutants on human health and their mechanism of action are briefly discussed.

On the role of the respiratory complex I on membrane permeability transition

In this work we studied permeability transition by incubating mitochondria in the presence of 50 muM Ca(2+) and malate/glutamate as substrates. This condition, besides inducing the release of pyridine nucleotides, promotes the generation of reactive oxygen-derived species by the complex I of the respiratory chain. The latter leads to the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Ca(2+) release, mitochondrial swelling and collapse of the transmembrane electric potential, were analyzed to assess this process. We propose that the mechanism for pore opening, in addition to the oxidative stress, involves the uncoupling effect of fatty acids providing activation of phospholipase A2, lipid peroxidation, and the oxidation of membrane thiols. This proposal emerges from the data indicating the protective effect of bovine serum albumin and N-ethylmaleimide. The key role of reactive oxygen species was implied based on the fact that the scavenger alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone inhibited pore opening.

Differential ototoxicities induced by lead acetate and tetraethyl lead

Lead poisoning disrupts many biological structures and functions, including those of the auditory system. This study examined the ototoxic effects of lead acetate (LA) and tetraethyl lead (TEL) of equal lead content on cochlear function and the ability of alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl-nitrone (PBN) to attenuate such effects. Baseline 1.0 microV cochlear microphonic (CM) and compound action potential (CAP) responses were recorded and animals administered either PBN (100 mg/kg, i.p.) or an equal volume of 0.9% saline, followed by an i.p. injection of LA (50 mg/kg) in an ethanol vehicle, TEL (42.7 mg/kg) in a corn oil vehicle, corn oil or ethanol vehicle alone. Two hours after administration, post-exposure CM and CAP responses were recorded. CAP threshold shifts in the saline-LA group were elevated by 5-10 dB at mid to high frequencies relative to controls (20-24 kHz, P<0.05). Mean CAP threshold shifts in the saline-TEL were significantly greater than those of both control groups at all tested frequencies except 2 kHz (P<0.001). However, threshold shifts in the group receiving PBN prior to TEL were significantly smaller than shifts in the group receiving saline prior to TEL (P<0.01). These data suggest that TEL is more ototoxic than is LA and that free radicals partially mediate TEL-induced CAP disruption.

Lead reduces the nephrotoxicity of mercuric chloride

The nephrotoxic effect of a single intraperitoneal dose of mercuric chloride (HgCl(2); 6 mg/kg) on adult CD-1 female mice was reduced at 24 and 48 h after injection, by a 48-h pretreatment nontoxic dose of lead acetate (Pb; 5 mg/kg) delivered by intravenous tail-vein injection (intravenous). While protection is temporally associated with lead-induced mitosis, occurring about 39 h after intracardiac lead injection (D. D Choie and G. W. Richter, 1974, Lab. Invest. 30, 447-451), the mechanism of the observed protection remains to be established.

Exocrine cell mitochondria of the rat pancreas after lead intoxication

The aim of the study was to evaluate alterations in exocrine cell mitochondria of the rat pancreas after lead acetate intoxication. The experiment used 45 rats divided into 2 experimental groups receiving lead acetate to drink, of lead concentration 50 and 500 mg/dm3 (ppm), and a control group given tap water. The animals from the experimental group were decapitated after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, 5 rats from the control group after 8 weeks of the experiment. Rats from experimental groups decapitated after 8 weeks had lead administration stopped after six weeks and then, for two weeks tap water was given. Pancreatic sections were examined with biochemical methods for the activity of cytochrome oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase. Ultrastructural and morphometric examinations were also performed. It was demonstrated that: a) exocrine cell mitochondria are particularly predisposed to lead effect, b) intoxication of rats with lower lead doses (50 ppm) causes reversible adaptative or compensatory changes in these organelles, c) intoxication of rats with higher lead doses (500 ppm) induces irreversible ultrastructural alterations in numerous mitochondria, including damage to inner and to outer mitochondrial membranes, d) structural changes in the mitochondria in the course of lead intoxication are the morphological expression of the impairment of metabolic processes, associated with the inhibited activity of the respiratory enzymes: succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase.

Regional protein alterations in rat kidneys induced by lead exposure

Lead is a potent neuro- and nephrotoxin in humans and a renal carcinogen in rats. Previous studies have detected lead-induced increases in the activities of specific detoxification enzymes in distinct kidney cell types preceding irreversible renal damage. While preferential susceptibility of the highly vascularized cortex to the effects of lead is clear, lead effects on the medullary region have remained unexplored. The present study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which regional renal protein expression differs and to determine which, if any, regionally distinct protein markers indicative of lead's renotoxic mechanism might be detected in kidney cortical and medullary cytosols. We examined protein expression in these two functionally and anatomically distinct regions, and identified several proteins that are differentially expressed in those regions and were significantly altered by lead. Kidney cytosols from rats injected with lead acetate (114 mg/kg, three consecutive daily injections) were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Lead exposure significantly (P<0.001) altered the abundance (either or) of 76 proteins in the cortex and only 13 in the medulla. Eleven of the proteins altered in the protein patterns were conclusively identified either by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS/ESI-MS) analysis of peptide digests, immunological methods, or by gel matching. Several of the cortical proteins altered by lead were unchanged in the medulla while others underwent similar but lesser alterations. These observations reflect the complexity of lead's nephrotoxicity and endorse the application of proteomics in mechanistic studies as well as biomarker development in a variety of toxicologic paradigms.

Hypothyroidism renders liver mitochondria resistant to the opening of membrane permeability transition pore

Membrane permeability was examined in liver mitochondria isolated from hypothyroid rats. It was found that such a thyroid status provides substantial protection from membrane leakiness as induced by Ca2+ loading. Thus, these mitochondria are less prone to undergoing permeability transition than mitochondria from euthyroid rats. The above conclusion was reached on the basis of the following two facts: (1) hypothyroid mitochondria are not strictly dependent on the addition of ADP to retain high matrix Ca2+ concentrations, and (2) carboxyatractyloside, antimycin A or carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone failed to promote Ca2+ efflux. We discuss the possible relevance of the low content of membrane cardiolipin as well as the low expression of the adenine nucleotide translocase as responsible for the resistance to membrane damage.

The interaction between chronic low-level lead and the amyloid beta precursor protein

Chronic low-level lead exposure is toxic to the developing nervous system. The amyloid beta precursor protein (A beta PP) plays a pivotal role in this developmental process, both as a neurotrophic/neuroprotective factor and as a mediator of cell adhesion. In this study, we have used an in vitro system to examine the interaction between chronic low-level lead and the expression and function of A beta PP. Chronic exposure of the HN9 mouse hippocampal cell line to lead chloride (10(-14) M to 10(-6) M) for 96 hours resulted in a 50% increase in the levels of the particulate form of the protein with a parallel decrease in the soluble form (A beta PP). This effect of lead was reversible following the removal of the toxin. This increase in membrane-bound A beta PP was also paralleled by an increase in cell adhesivity to a fibronectin substrate. In addition, A beta PP also acted to attenuate lead toxicity. Cells which secreted high levels of the protein were resistant to lead toxicity when compared with control cells suggesting that the protein may be acting to chelate the metal and thus attenuating its toxic action within the cell.

Lead exposure causes generation of reactive oxygen species and functional impairment in rat sperm

The relationships between blood lead, sperm lead, sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and sperm fertile capability were investigated to understand the effects of lead exposure on sperm function and the mechanism of these effects. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 7 weeks old, were randomly divided into control group and lead-treated group. The controls and lead-treated animals received intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg sodium acetate and 10 mg lead acetate/kg body weight, respectively, weekly for 6 or 9 weeks. The blood lead and epididymal sperm lead were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Chemiluminescence was measured to evaluate the generation of sperm ROS. Sperm-oocyte penetration rate (SOPR) was measured to evaluate sperm function. After 6 weeks of lead exposure, the rats had average blood lead levels of 32 microg/dl, sperm lead levels of 0.67 +/- 0.11 microg/10(9) sperm, unchanged epididymal sperm counts, percent of motile sperms, and motile epididymal sperm counts compared with control animals. However, after 9 weeks of lead exposure, the rats had average blood lead levels of 48.0 +/- 4.3 microg/dl, sperm lead levels of 0.88 +/- 0.16 microg/10(9) sperm, statistically lower epididymal sperm counts, and lower motile epididymal sperm counts. There was a good correlation between the blood lead and sperm lead(r2 = 0.946, P < 0.001). The sperms of lead-exposed rats produced significantly higher counts ofchemiluminescence than did those from the control rats (P < 0.001). The chemiluminescence counts were positively associated with sperm lead level (r2 = 0.613, P < 0.001). Epididymal sperm counts, motility and motile epididymal sperm counts were negatively associated with sperm chemiluminescence (r2 = 0.255, 0.152, and 0.299; P < 0.01, 0.05, and 0.01, respectively). The SOPR were positively associated with epididymal sperm counts, motility and motile epididymal sperm counts (r2 = 0.136, 0.285, and 0.264; P < 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001, respectively). The sperm chemiluminescence was negatively associated with SOPR (r2 = 0.519, P < 0.001). It is concluded that lead exposure probably affected the sperm function by activating one of the pathways of ROS generation.

Intramitochondrial K+ as activator of carboxyatractyloside-induced Ca2+ release

The role of intramitochondrial K+ content on the increase in membrane permeability to Ca2+, as induced by carboxyatractyloside was studied. In mitochondria containing a high K+ concentration (83 nmol/mg), carboxyatractyloside induced a fast and extensive mitochondrial Ca2+ release, membrane de-energization, and swelling. Conversely, in K(+)-depleted mitochondria (11 nmol/mg), carboxyatractyloside was ineffective. The addition of 40 mM K+ to K(+)-depleted mitochondria restored the capability of atractyloside to induce an increase in membrane permeability to Ca2+ release. The determination of matrix free Ca2+ concentration showed that, at an external free-Ca2+ concentration of 0.8 microM, control mitochondria contained 3.9 microM of free Ca2+ whereas K(+)-depleted mitochondria contained 0.9 microM free Ca2+. It is proposed that intramitochondrial K+ affects the matrix free Ca2+ concentration required to induce a state of high membrane permeability.

Calcium- and phosphate-dependent release and loading of glutathione by liver mitochondria

The status of glutathione (GSH) was studied in isolated rat liver mitochondria under conditions which induce a permeability transition. This transition, which is inhibited by cyclosporin A (CyA), requires the presence of Ca2+ and an inducing agent such as near physiological levels (3 mM) of inorganic phosphate (Pi). The transition is characterized by an increased inner membrane permeability to some low molecular weight solutes and by large amplitude swelling under some experimental conditions. Addition of 70 microM Ca2+ and 3 mM Pi to mitochondria resulted in mitochondrial swelling and extensive release of GSH that was recovered in the extramitochondrial medium as GSH. Both swelling and the efflux of mitochondrial GSH were prevented by CyA. Incubation of mitochondria in the presence of Ca2+, Pi, and GSH followed by addition of CyA provided a mechanism to load mitochondria with exogenous GSH that was greater than the rate of uptake by untreated mitochondria. Thus, GSH efflux from mitochondria may occur under toxicological and pathological conditions in which mitochondria are exposed to elevated Ca2+ in the presence of near physiological concentrations of Pi through a nonspecific pore. Cyclical opening and closing of the pore could also provide a mechanism for uptake of GSH by mitochondria.

Protective role of chlorpromazine on lead-induced damage to heart mitochondria

1. The protective effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on the toxic effects of lead in mitochondrial functions was studied. 2. The findings indicate that CPZ at a concentration of 50 microM protects heart mitochondria against lead-induced Ca2+ uptake inhibition. 3. In addition, CPZ inhibits the drop of the transmembrane potential, as well as mitochondrial swelling as induced by 10 microM Pb2+. 4. It is proposed that the protective effect of chlorpromazine can be due to its stabilizing action on biological membranes.

Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as inducer of mitochondrial Ca2+ release

The effect of the alkylating reagent dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) on mitochondrial Ca2+ content was studied. The results obtained indicate that DCCD at a concentration of 100 microM induces mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux. This reaction is accompanied by an increasing energy drain on the system, stimulation of oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial swelling. These DCCD effects can be partially suppressed by supplementing the incubation medium with 1 mM phosphate. By electrophoretic analysis on polyacrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfate, it was found that DCCD binds to a membrane component with an Mr of 20 to 29 kDa.

Mechanisms by which mitochondria transport calcium

It has been firmly established that the rapid uptake of Ca2+ by mitochondria from a wide range of sources is mediated by a uniporter which permits transport of the ion down its electrochemical gradient. Several mechanisms of Ca2+ efflux from mitochondria have also been extensively discussed in the literature. Energized mitochondria must expend a significant amount of energy to transport Ca2+ against its electrochemical gradient from the matrix space to the external space. Two separate mechanisms have been found to mediate this outward transport: a Ca2+/nNa+ exchanger and a Na(+)-independent efflux mechanism. These efflux mechanisms are considered from the perspective of available energy. In addition, a reversible Ca2(+)-induced increase in inner membrane permeability can also occur. The induction of this permeability transition is characterized by swelling of the mitochondria, leakiness to small ions such as K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. It has been suggested that the permeability transition and its reversal may also function as a mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux mechanism under some conditions. The characteristics of each of these mechanisms are discussed, as well as their possible physiological functions.

Characterization by Hg2+ of two different pathways for mitochondrial Ca2+ release

The addition of Hg2+ to loaded kidney mitochondria induces the fast release of the accumulated cation. The Ca2+-efflux reaction exhibits kinetics characteristics that depend on the extent of the binding of Hg2+ to the membrane. At high levels of Hg2+ bound (approx. 11 nmol/mg), Ca2+ efflux rate is highly insensitive to the temperature of incubation, and the efflux seems to be directly related to the internal free Ca2+ concentration. At these levels of bound Hg2+, accumulated Sr2+ is released with characteristics similar to those observed with Ca2+. At lower levels of Hg2+ binding (2.5 nmol/mg), the efflux reaction is highly dependent on the incubation temperature and on the internal free Ca2+ concentration; under these conditions Sr2+ is not released. NAD(P)H oxidation as induced by the low Hg2+ concentration is inhibited at the lower temperatures. Radiolabeled Hg2+ incorporates into two clearly defined regions of membrane proteins separated through sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. One of the regions corresponds to proteins of apparent high molecular mass (i.e., 150 kDa), and the other to proteins with apparent molecular masses of 37-25 kDa. Mitochondria incubated with 2 microM 203Hg2+ incorporate the radionuclide in proteins that have molecular masses of around 41 and 26 kDa. The results indicate that, depending on the amount of Hg2+ bound to the inner membrane, two clearly distinct Ca2+ release mechanisms can be distinguished.

Extensive Ca2+ release from energized mitochondria induced by disulfiram

The effect of the alcohol-deterrent drug, disulfiram, on mitochondrial Ca2+ content was studied. Addition of this drug (20 microM) to mitochondria induces a complete loss of accumulated Ca2+. The calcium release is accompanied by a collapse of the transmembrane potential, mitochondrial swelling, and a diminution of the NAD(P)H/NAD(P) radio. These effects of disulfiram depend on Ca2+ accumulation; thus, ruthenium red reestablished the membrane delta psi and prevents the oxidation of pyridine nucleotides. The binding of disulfiram to the membrane sulfhydryls appeared to depend on the metabolic state of mitochondria, as well as on the mitochondrial configuration. In addition, it is shown that modification of 9 nmol -SH groups per mg protein suffices to induce the release of accumulated Ca2+.

Induction of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by mersalyl

1. The addition of mersalyl to aged mitochondria from rat kidneys, is followed by induction of an ATP-driven Ca2+ uptake which is sensitive to Ruthenium Red. 2. This Ca2+ influx requires Mg2+, albumin, and is accomplished by membrane energization. 3. The activation of Ca2+ uptake by the mercurial in the presence of ATP can be explained if it is assumed that the inorganic phosphate generated by ATPase activity, and trapped in the matrix by the thiol reagent, provides the negative potential which results in an electrophoresis cation influx.

Mitochondrial sulfhydryl group modification by adriamycin aglycones

Induction of Ca2+ release from isolated, preloaded rat heart mitochondria by low concentrations (less than 5 micrM) of adriamycin aglycones, has recently been reported [(1988) Biochem. Pharmacol. 37, 803]. Ca2+ release occurs via a generalized, Ca2+-dependent increase in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane to small molecules. The process is antagonized by dithiothreitol, suggesting thiol involvement. This communication demonstrates modification of mitochondrial sulfhydryl groups, detected as decreased 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) reactivity, by adriamycin aglycones. Ca2+ release and sulfhydryl modification are shown to depend similarly on aglycone concentration and on the C-7 substituent of the anthracycline ring. In addition, DTNB elicits Ca2+ release. It can therefore be proposed that adriamycin aglycones alter mitochondrial membrane permeability by altering mitochondrial thiol status.

Silymarin-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ release

The effect of silymarin on different functions of mitochondria isolated from rat kidneys was studied. Addition of silymarin to mitochondria oxidizing succinate, induced stimulation of the respiratory State 4; while in mitochondria oxidizing NAD-dependent substrates, the drug produced inhibition of the oxygen consumption. It is also shown that silymarin induces mitochondrial swelling, a drop in the transmembrane potential, as well as Ca2+ release. It is proposed that due to its hydrophobic character, silymarin produces an alteration in the lipidic milieu of the inner membrane which is conductive to an inhibition of the electron transport in the NAD-CoQ span of the respiratory chain, as well as to the loss of the energy dependent accumulated Ca2+.