Sulfhydryl-reactive heavy metals increase cell membrane K+ and Ca2+ transport in renal proximal tubule

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.

Silver nanoparticles and silver ions indistinguishably decrease sperm motility in Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) after short-term direct exposure

The present study aimed to evaluate the reprotoxicity of environmental (0.25μg.L^-1) and supra-environmental (25μg.L^-1 and 250μg.L^-1) levels of silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) on the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas), by determining sperm quality. For that, we evaluated sperm motility, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. To determine whether the Ag toxicity was related to the NP or its dissociation into Ag ions (Ag⁺), we tested the same concentrations of Ag⁺. We observed no dose-dependent responses for Ag NP and Ag⁺, and both impaired sperm motility indistinctly without affecting mitochondrial function or inducing membrane damage. We hypothesize that the toxicity of Ag NP is mainly due to adhesion to the sperm membrane. Blockade of membrane ion channels may also be a mechanism by which Ag NP and Ag⁺ induce toxicity. The presence of Ag in the marine ecosystem is of environmental concern as it may affect reproduction in oysters.

Modelling chronic toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of copper in mussels considering ionoregulatory homeostasis and oxidative stress

Chronic toxicity of copper (Cu) at sublethal levels is associated with ionoregulatory disturbance and oxidative stress. These factors were considered in a toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic model in the present study. The ionoregulatory disturbance was evaluated by the activity of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme (NKA), while oxidative stress was presented by lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. NKA activity was related to the binding of Cu²⁺ and Na ⁺ to NKA. LPO and GST activity were linked with the simulated concentration of unbound Cu. The model was calibrated using previously reported data and empirical data generated when zebra mussels were exposed to Cu. The model clearly demonstrated that Cu might inhibit NKA activity by reducing the number of functional pump sites and the limited Cu-bound NKA turnover rate. An ordinary differential equation was used to describe the relationship between the simulated concentration of unbound Cu and LPO/GST activity. Although this method could not explain the fluctuations in these biomarkers during the experiment, the measurements were within the confidence interval of estimations. Model simulation consistently shows non-significant differences in LPO and GST activity at two exposure levels, similar to the empirical observation.

Modelling copper toxicokinetics in the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, under chronic exposures at various pH and sodium concentrations

The stenohaline zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is uniquely sensitive to the ionic composition of its aquatic environment. Waterborne copper (Cu) uptake and accumulation in zebra mussels were examined at various conditions in an environmentally relevant range in freshwater, i.e. Cu exposure levels (nominal concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/L), pH (5.8-8.3), and sodium (Na⁺) concentrations (up to 4.0 mM). Copper accumulation was simulated by a kinetic model covering two compartments, the gills and the remaining tissues. The Cu uptake rate constant decreased with decreasing pH from 8.3 down to 6.5, indicating interactions between H⁺ and Cu at uptake sites. The kinetic simulation showed dose-dependent effects of Na⁺ on Cu uptake. At 25 μg/L Cu, addition of Na⁺ at 0.5 mM significantly inhibited the Cu uptake rate, while no significant differences were found in the uptake rate upon further addition of Na⁺ up to a concentration of 4.0 mM. At 50 μg/L Cu, the Cu uptake rate was not influenced by Na⁺ addition. Calibration results exhibited dose-dependent elimination rates with more profound elimination with increasing exposure levels. With kinetic parameters calibrated at environmentally relevant conditions, in terms of pH and Na⁺ concentrations, the model performed well in predicting Cu accumulation based on independent data sets. Estimates of the Cu concentration in mussels were within a factor of 2 of the measurements. This demonstrates potential application of kinetic models that are calibrated in environmentally relevant freshwater conditions.

Tl(+) showed negligible interaction with inner membrane sulfhydryl groups of rat liver mitochondria, but formed complexes with matrix proteins

The effects of Tl(+) on protein sulfhydryl (SH) groups, swelling, and respiration of rat liver mitochondria (RLM) were studied in a medium containing TlNO3 and sucrose, or TlNO3 and KNO3 as well as glutamate plus malate, or succinate plus rotenone. Detected with Ellman's reagent, an increase in the content of the SH groups was found in the inner membrane fraction, and a simultaneous decline was found in the content of the matrix-soluble fraction for RLM, incubated and frozen in 25-75 mM TlNO3 . This increase was greater in the medium containing KNO3 regardless of the presence of Ca(2+) . It was eliminated completely for RLM injected in the medium containing TlNO3 and then washed and frozen in the medium containing KNO3 . Calcium-loaded RLM showed increased swelling and decreased respiration. These results suggest that a ligand interaction of Tl(+) with protein SH groups, regardless of the presence of calcium, may underlie the mechanism of thallium toxicity.

Cadmium impairs ion homeostasis by altering K+ and Ca2+ channel activities in rice root hair cells

Cadmium (Cd2+) interferes with the uptake, transport and utilization of several macro- and micronutrients, which accounts, at least in part, for Cd2+ toxicity in plants. However, the mechanisms underlying Cd2+ interference of ionic homeostasis is not understood. Using biophysical techniques including membrane potential measurements, scanning ion-selective electrode technique for non-invasive ion flux assays and patch clamp, we monitored the effect of Cd2+ on calcium (Ca2+) and potassium (K+) transport in root hair cells of rice. Our results showed that K+ and Ca2+ contents in both roots and shoots were significantly reduced when treated with exogenous Cd2+. Further studies revealed that three cellular processes may be affected by Cd2+, leading to changes in ionic homeostasis. First, Cd2+ -induced depolarization of the membrane potential was observed in root hair cells, attenuating the driving force for cation uptake. Second, the inward conductance of Ca2+ and K+ was partially blocked by Cd2+, decreasing uptake of K+ and Ca2+ . Third, the outward K+ conductance was Cd2+ -inducible, decreasing the net content of K+ in roots. These results provide direct evidence that Cd2+ impairs uptake of Ca2+ and K+, thereby disturbing ion homeostasis in plants.

Octylguanidine ameliorates the damaging effect of mercury on renal functions

Mercurials are known to induce morphological and functional modifications in kidney. The protective effect of octylguanidine on the injury induced by Hg(2+) on renal functions was studied. Octylguanidine administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight prevented the damage induced by Hg(2+) administration at a dose of 3 mg/kg body weight. The findings indicate that octylguanidine spared mitochondria from Hg(2+)-poisoning by preserving their ability to retain matrix content, such as accumulated Ca(2+) and pyridine nucleotides. The hydrophobic amine also protected mitochondria from the Hg(2+)-induced loss of the transmembrane potential, and from the oxidative injury of mitochondrial DNA. In addition, octylguanidine maintained renal functions, such as normal values of creatinine clearance and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine after Hg(2+) administration. It is proposed that octylguanidine protects kidney by inhibiting Hg(2+) uptake to kidney tissue, and in consequence its binding to mitochondrial membrane through a screening phenomenon, in addition to its known action as inhibitor of permeability transition.

Juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) strive to maintain physiological functions after waterborne copper exposure

Juvenile tilapia were acutely exposed to 0.2 and 2 mg/L Cu(2+) for up to 144 h. The Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase (NKA)-specific activity in the gills of tilapia exposed to 0.2 mg/L Cu(2+) significantly decreased over 48-72 h and was restored to the control level after 96 h, but was again depressed during 120-144 h. The whole-body Cl(-) levels significantly decreased after 48 h, but recovered shortly afterwards and continued to do so until 144 h with 0.2 mg/L Cu exposure. During 48-72 h, the numbers of the wavy-convex type of mitochondria-rich (MR) cells appeared to significantly increase and the cortisol content also significantly increased. Changes in MR cell morphology might be necessary in order to enhance Cl(-) uptake, and this might be related to changes in cortisol levels. Whole-body Na(+) concentrations had significantly decreased by 72 h, but recovered during 96-144 h. Whole-body Cu(2+) concentrations also significantly increased compared to the initial concentration during 72-144 h of Cu exposure. All measured parameters (NKA activity, Na(+) concentration, and MR cell numbers) significantly decreased in fish exposed to 2 mg/L Cu, and no recovery was observed. These data demonstrate that juvenile tilapia strived to maintain physiological functions after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of Cu.

Megalin mediates renal uptake of heavy metal metallothionein complexes

Although several heavy metal toxins are delivered to the kidney on the carrier protein metallothionein (MT), uncertainty as to how MT enters proximal tubular cells limits treatment strategies. Prompted by reports that MT-I interferes with renal uptake of the megalin ligand β2-microglobulin in conscious rats, we tested the hypothesis that megalin binds MT and mediates its uptake. Three lines of evidence suggest that binding of MT to megalin is critical in renal proximal tubular uptake of MT-bound heavy metals. First, MT binds megalin, but not cubilin, in direct surface plasmon resonance studies. Binding of MT occurs at a single site with a Kd∼10−4and, as with other megalin ligands, depends on divalent cations. Second, antisera and various known megalin ligands inhibit the uptake of fluorescently labeled MT in model cell systems. Anti-megalin antisera, but not control sera, displace >90% bound MT from rat renal brush-border membranes. Megalin ligands including β2-microglobulin and also recombinant MT fragments compete for uptake by megalin-expressing rat yolk sac BN-16 cells. Third, megalin and fluorescently labeled MT colocalize in BN-16 cells, as shown by fluorescent microscopic techniques. Follow-up surface plasmon resonance and flow cytometry studies using overlapping MT peptides and recombinant MT fragments identify the hinge SCKKSCC region of MT as a critical site for megalin binding. These findings suggest that disruption of the SCKKSCC motif can inhibit proximal tubular MT uptake and thereby eliminate much of the renal accumulation and toxicity of heavy metals such as cadmium, gold, copper, and cisplatinum.

Inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport by mercury

Mercury alters the function of proteins by reacting with cysteinyl sulfhydryl (SH(-)) groups. The inorganic form (Hg(2+)) is toxic to epithelial tissues and interacts with various transport proteins including the Na(+) pump and Cl(-) channels. In this study, we determined whether the Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter type 1 (NKCC1), a major ion pathway in secretory tissues, is also affected by mercurial substrates. To characterize the interaction, we measured the effect of Hg(2+) on ion transport by the secretory shark and human cotransporters expressed in HEK-293 cells. Our studies show that Hg(2+) inhibits Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransport, with inhibitor constant (K(i)) values of 25 microM for the shark carrier (sNKCC1) and 43 microM for the human carrier. In further studies, we took advantage of species differences in Hg(2+) affinity to identify residues involved in the interaction. An analysis of human-shark chimeras and of an sNKCC1 mutant (Cys-697-->Leu) reveals that transmembrane domain 11 plays an essential role in Hg(2+) binding. We also show that modification of additional SH(-) groups by thiol-reacting compounds brings about inhibition and that the binding sites are not exposed on the extracellular face of the membrane.

Kinetics of Cu2+ inhibition of Na+/K(+)-ATPase

The interaction of Cu2+ with enzymatic activity of rabbit kidney Na+/K(+)-ATPase was studied in media with buffered, defined free Cu2+ levels. The IC50-values are 0.1 mumol/l for Na+/K(+)-ATPase and 1 mumol/l for K(+)-pNPPase. Dithiothreitol (DTT) reverses the inhibitory effect of Cu2+ in vitro. Cu2+ exerts non-competitive effects on the enzyme with respect to Na+, K+, ATP or pNPP, but has a mixed-type inhibitory effect with respect to Mg2+. It is concluded that the appreciation of the inhibitory effect of Cu2+ on this enzyme requires carefully composed assay media that include a buffer for Cu2+, and that the IC50-values calculated according to this model indicate that Cu2+ may be more toxic than previously anticipated.

Copper toxicity in cultured human skeletal muscle cells: the involvement of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and the Na+/Ca(2+)-exchanger

Copper (Cu2+) intoxication has been shown to induce pathological changes in various tissues. The mechanism underlying Cu2+ toxicity is still unclear. It has been suggested that the Na+/K(+)-ATPase and/or a change of the membrane permeability may be involved. In this study we examined the effects of Cu2+ on the Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis of cultured human skeletal muscle cells using the ion-selective fluorescent probes Na(+)-binding benzofuran isophatalate (SBFI) and Fura-2, respectively. In addition, we measured the effect of Cu2+ on the Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity. Cu2+ and ouabain increase the cytoplasmic free Na+ concentration ([Na+]i). Subsequent addition of Cu2+ after ouabain does not affect the rate of [Na+]i increase. Cu2+ inhibits the Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity with an IC50 of 51 microM. The cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) remains unaffected for more than 10 min after the administration of Cu2+. Thereafter, [Ca2+]i increases as a result of the Na+/Ca(2+)-exchanger operating in the reversed mode. The effects of Cu2+ on the Na+ homeostasis are reversed by the reducing and chelating agent dithiothreitol and the heavy metal chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN). In conclusion, SBFI is a good tool to examine Na+ homeostasis in cultured human skeletal muscle cells. Under the experimental conditions used, Cu2+ does not modify the general membrane permeability, but inhibits the Na+/K(+)-pump leading to an increase of [Na+]i. As a consequence the operation mode of the Na+/Ca(2+)-exchanger reverses and [Ca2+]i rises.

Classical and channel-like urate transporters in rabbit renal brush border membranes

The precise mechanism by which urate is transported across rabbit renal proximal tubule luminal membranes has not been defined. To determine whether urate flux across this membrane represents simple diffusion or transport on specific carriers, urate uptake was examined in brush border membrane vesicles that were prepared by a Mg+(+)-aggregation technique and then exposed to CuCl2. Na(+)-independent, voltage sensitive urate transport was demonstrated in these Cu+(+)-exposed vesicles. Transport was trans-stimulated by urate and cis inhibited by pyrazinoic acid and oxonate. A small fraction of transported urate and urate in the extravesicular fluid was oxidized to allantoin. Kinetic analysis revealed the presence of two kinetically distinct transporters; a channel-like carrier that was inhibited by pyrazinoic acid and oxonate, and a high-affinity, classical, saturable carrier that was inhibited by higher concentrations of oxonate. These studies provide the first direct evidence for carrier-mediated urate transport in rabbit renal brush-border membranes and demonstrate that the rabbit transporter(s) share a number of properties with the urate uniporter in rat proximal tubule cell membranes.

N-ethylmaleimide-inhibited electrogenic K+ secretion in the ampulla of the frog semicircular canal

1. The mechanisms of K+ secretion into endolymph were studied on a preparation of isolated semicircular canal with different pharmacological inhibitors. Three periods of 5 or 30 min were performed, the first as control, the second in the presence of the drugs added to the apical or the basolateral bathing solution, and the third as recovery. Apical fluid was sampled at the beginning and the end of each period, transepithelial potential was recorded, Na+, K+, and Cl- concentrations, and K+ efflux, with 86Rb+ as a tracer, were measured and K+ fluxes were calculated. 2. When both sides of the epithelium were bathed with perilymph-like solution, the epithelium absorbed Na+, secreted K+, and generated a lumen positive potential. 3. The ATPases inhibitors, ouabain (10(-5) and 10(-3) M) and N-ethylmaleimide (10(-4) and 10(-3) M) inhibited the electrogenic K+ secretion when added to the basolateral fluid. N-ethylmaleimide (10(-3) M) applied to the apical fluid during a 5 min period decreased the K+ influx by 43% and the transepithelial potential by 66%. Other ATPase inhibitors, harmaline (10(-3) M), omeprazole (10(-4) M), vanadate (10(-4) M and 10(-3) M), N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC, 10(-5) M), 7-chloro-4-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl, 5 x 10(-6) M and 5 x 10(-5) M), and bafilomycin (10(-7) M) did not affect the K+ transport nor the transepithelial potential when they were added to the apical fluid. 4. The Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- co-transporter inhibitor, bumetanide, decreased both the transepithelial potential and the K+ transport when added to the basolateral solution but not to the apical one. At 10(-6) M, bumetanide maximally decreased the K+ influx by about 60%. 5. K+ channel blockers, quinine (10(-4) M), TEA (5 x 10(-3) M), added to the apical solution and barium (2 x 10(-3) M) added to either the apical or the basolateral solutions, did not affect the K+ transport and the transepithelial potential. 6. The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide (10(-3) M) added to both apical and basolateral solutions did not affect the K+ transport and the transepithelial potential. 7. It is concluded that, in the ampulla of the semicircular canal, a basolateral Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- co-transporter energized by the Na+, K(+)-ATPase was involved for 60% in the K+ secretion into endolymph. The electrogenic K+ transport would partly depend on a N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive protein possibly located at the apical plasma membrane or intracellularly.

Reaction kinetic model of a proposed plasma membrane two-cycle H(+)-transport system of Chara corallina

Biophysical and numerical analysis methods were used to characterize and model the transport protein that gives rise to the acid and alkaline regions of Chara. A measuring system that permits the detection of area-specific current-voltage curves was used. These current-voltage curves, obtained from the inward current regions of Chara, underwent a parallel shift when the alkaline region was inverted by means of an acid pH treatment. In this situation the reversal potential of this area shifted from -120 mV to -340 mV. Together with data obtained from experiments using a divided chamber system, these results suggest that a common transport protein generates inward and outward current regions of Chara. On the basis of these experimental findings, a reaction kinetic model is proposed that assigns two operational modes to the proposed transport protein. Switching between these modes generates either acid or alkaline behavior. Since the observed pH dependence of the postulated transporter is rather complex, a reaction kinetic saturation mechanism had to be incorporated into the model. This final 10-state reaction kinetic model provides an appropriate set of mathematical relations to fit the measured current-voltage curves by computer.

Comparative effect of metals on antidiuretic hormone induced transport in toad bladder: specificity of mercuric inhibition of water channels

We previously reported that HgCl2 inhibits water and urea flux in tissues fixed with glutaraldehyde after antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation and suggested that the ADH-induced water channel may share characteristics of the red blood cell and proximal tubule water transport pathway. To determine the specificity of mercury's action, we examined the effect of numerous other metals. In tissues fixed after ADH stimulation, water flow and urea and sucrose permeabilities are maintained from mucosal bath pH 2.5 through pH 12. Several metals including Ba, Co, Fe, Sr and Zn did not alter flux. Al, Cd, La, Li, Pb and U inhibited urea permeability but not water flow. At pH 2.8, Cu inhibited water flow by 30% and urea permeability by 50%. At pH 4.9-7.4, Cu inhibited urea permeability but not water flow. At pH less than or equal to 3.0, Pt inhibited flow in ADH-pretreated tissues. The inhibitory effect was not present at pH greater than 3.0. At pH less than 3.0, Au inhibited flow by 90% in tissues fixed after pretreatment with ADH but increased the permeability of tissues fixed in the absence of ADH. Ag inhibited flow by 70% but also increased sucrose, urea, and basal permeabilities. This suggests that Ag and Au disrupt epithelial integrity. These results indicate that at physiologic pH, the ADH-induced water channel is specifically blocked by Hg but not by other metals. This specificity may reflect the presence of a large number of sulfhydryl groups in the water channel.

Effect of sulfhydryl compounds on ATP-stimulated H+ transport and Cl- uptake in rabbit renal cortical endosomes

The vacuolar H+ ATPase is inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a sulfhydryl compound, suggesting the involvement of a sulfhydryl group in this transport process. We have examined the effects of several sulfhydryl-containing compounds on the vacuolar H+. ATPase of rabbit renal cortical endosomes. A number of such compounds were effective inhibitors of endosomal H+ transport at 10(-5)-10(-6) M, including NEM, mersalyl, aldrithiol, 5,5' dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid), p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) and p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid (PCMBS). NEM, mersalyl, aldrithiol and PCMBS had no effect on pH-gradient dissipation, whereas PCMB decreased the pH gradient faster than control. In the absence of ATP, PCMB (10(-4) M) stimulated endosomal 36Cl- uptake, particularly in the presence of an inside-alkaline pH gradient (pHin = 7.6/pHout = 5.5). This result was not an effect of PCMB on the Cl(-)-conductive pathway. The less permeable PCMBS did not stimulate 36Cl- uptake. The effects of PCMB were concentration dependent and were prevented by dithioerithritol. ATP-dependent 36Cl- uptake was decreased by addition of PCMB. Finally, PCMB had no effect on 45Ca2+ uptake. These results support the presence of two functionally important sulfhydryl groups in this endosomal preparation. One such group is involved with ATP-driven H+ transport and must be located on the cytoplasmic surface of the endosomal membrane. The second sulfhydryl group must reside on the internal surface of the endosomal membrane and relates to a PCMB-activated Cl-/OH- exchanger that is functional both in the presence and absence of ATP. This endosomal transporter is similar to the PCMB-activated Cl-/OH- exchanger recently described in rabbit renal brush-border membranes.