Regulation of mitochondrial KATP channel by redox agents

ATP Synthase K+- and H+-Fluxes Drive ATP Synthesis and Enable Mitochondrial K+-"Uniporter" Function: I. Characterization of Ion Fluxes

ATP synthase (F₁F_o) synthesizes daily our body's weight in ATP, whose production-rate can be transiently increased several-fold to meet changes in energy utilization. Using purified mammalian F₁F_o-reconstituted proteoliposomes and isolated mitochondria, we show F₁F_o can utilize both ΔΨ_m-driven H⁺- and K⁺-transport to synthesize ATP under physiological pH = 7.2 and K⁺ = 140 mEq/L conditions. Purely K⁺-driven ATP synthesis from single F₁F_o molecules measured by bioluminescence photon detection could be directly demonstrated along with simultaneous measurements of unitary K⁺ currents by voltage clamp, both blocked by specific F_o inhibitors. In the presence of K⁺, compared to osmotically-matched conditions in which this cation is absent, isolated mitochondria display 3.5-fold higher rates of ATP synthesis, at the expense of 2.6-fold higher rates of oxygen consumption, these fluxes being driven by a 2.7:1 K⁺: H⁺ stoichiometry. The excellent agreement between the functional data obtained from purified F₁F_o single molecule experiments and ATP synthase studied in the intact mitochondrion under unaltered OxPhos coupling by K⁺ presence, is entirely consistent with K⁺ transport through the ATP synthase driving the observed increase in ATP synthesis. Thus, both K⁺ (harnessing ΔΨ_m) and H⁺ (harnessing its chemical potential energy, Δμ_H) drive ATP generation during normal physiology.

Mitochondrial K+ channels and their implications for disease mechanisms

The field of mitochondrial ion channels underwent a rapid development during the last decade, thanks to the molecular identification of some of the nuclear-encoded organelle channels and to advances in strategies allowing specific pharmacological targeting of these proteins. Thereby, genetic tools and specific drugs aided definition of the relevance of several mitochondrial channels both in physiological as well as pathological conditions. Unfortunately, in the case of mitochondrial K⁺ channels, efforts of genetic manipulation provided only limited results, due to their dual localization to mitochondria and to plasma membrane in most cases. Although the impact of mitochondrial K⁺ channels on human diseases is still far from being genuinely understood, pre-clinical data strongly argue for their substantial role in the context of several pathologies, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. Importantly, these channels are druggable targets, and their in-depth investigation could thus pave the way to the development of innovative small molecules with huge therapeutic potential. In the present review we summarize the available experimental evidence that mechanistically link mitochondrial potassium channels to the above pathologies and underline the possibility of exploiting them for therapy.

Signaling pathways targeting mitochondrial potassium channels

In this review, we describe key signaling pathways regulating potassium channels present in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The signaling cascades covered here include phosphorylation, redox reactions, modulation by calcium ions and nucleotides. The following types of potassium channels have been identified in the inner mitochondrial membrane of various tissues: ATP-sensitive, Ca²⁺-activated, voltage-gated and two-pore domain potassium channels. The direct roles of these channels involve regulation of mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential and synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Changes in channel activity lead to diverse pro-life and pro-death responses in different cell types. Hence, characterizing the signaling pathways regulating mitochondrial potassium channels will facilitate understanding the physiological role of these proteins. Additionally, we describe in this paper certain regulatory mechanisms, which are unique to mitochondrial potassium channels.

The effects of bioactive compounds from plant foods on mitochondrial function: a focus on apoptotic mechanisms

Mitochondria are essential organelles for cellular integrity and functionality maintenance and their imparement is implicated in the development of a wide range of diseases, including metabolic, cardiovascular, degenerative and hyperproliferative pathologies. The identification of different compounds able to interact with mitochondria for therapeutic purposes is currently becoming of primary importance. Indeed, it is well known that foods, particularly those of vegetable origin, present several constituents with beneficial effects on health. This review summarizes and updates the most recent findings concerning the mechanisms through which different dietary compounds from plant foods affect mitochondria functionality in healthy and pathological in vitro and in vivo models, paying particular attention to the pathways involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and apoptosis.

Physiology of potassium channels in the inner membrane of mitochondria

The inner membrane of the ATP-producing organelles of endosymbiotic origin, mitochondria, has long been considered to be poorly permeable to cations and anions, since the strict control of inner mitochondrial membrane permeability is crucial for efficient ATP synthesis. Over the past 30 years, however, it has become clear that various ion channels--along with antiporters and uniporters--are present in the mitochondrial inner membrane, although at rather low abundance. These channels are important for energy supply, and some are a decisive factor in determining whether a cell lives or dies. Their electrophysiological and pharmacological characterisations have contributed importantly to the ongoing elucidation of their pathophysiological roles. This review gives an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the functions of the mitochondrial potassium channels identified so far. Open issues concerning the possible molecular entities giving rise to the observed activities and channel protein targeting to mitochondria are also discussed.

Redox regulation of the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel in cardioprotection

The mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mK(ATP)) is important in the protective mechanism of ischemic preconditioning (IPC). The channel is reportedly sensitive to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and the aim of this study was to compare such species in parallel, to build a more comprehensive picture of mK(ATP) regulation. mK(ATP) activity was measured by both osmotic swelling and Tl(+) flux assays, in isolated rat heart mitochondria. An isolated adult rat cardiomyocyte model of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury was also used to determine the role of mK(ATP) in cardioprotection by nitroxyl. Key findings were as follows: (i) mK(ATP) was activated by O(2)(-) and H(2)O(2) but not other peroxides. (ii) mK(ATP) was inhibited by NADPH. (iii) mK(ATP) was activated by S-nitrosothiols, nitroxyl, and nitrolinoleate. The latter two species also inhibited mitochondrial complex II. (iv) Nitroxyl protected cardiomyocytes against IR injury in an mK(ATP)-dependent manner. Overall, these results suggest that the mK(ATP) channel is activated by specific reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and inhibited by NADPH. The redox modulation of mK(ATP) may be an underlying mechanism for its regulation in the context of IPC. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondria and Cardioprotection.

Functioning of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel in rats varying in their resistance to hypoxia. Involvement of the channel in the process of animal's adaptation to hypoxia

The mechanism of tissue protection from ischemic damage by activation of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent K(+) channel (mitoK(ATP)) remains unexplored. In this work, we have measured, using various approaches, the ATP-dependent mitochondrial K(+) transport in rats that differed in their resistance to hypoxia. The transport was found to be faster in the hypoxia-resistant rats as compared to that in the hypoxia-sensitive animals. Adaptation of animals to the intermittent normobaric hypoxia increased the rate of transport. At the same time, the intramitochondrial concentration of K(+) in the hypoxia-sensitive rats was higher than that in the resistant and adapted animals. This indicates that adaptation to hypoxia stimulates not only the influx of potassium into mitochondria, but also K(+)/H(+) exchange. When mitoK(ATP) was blocked, the rate of the mitochondrial H(2)O(2) production was found to be significantly higher in the hypoxia-resistant rats than that in the hypoxia-sensitive animals. The natural flavonoid-containing adaptogen Extralife, which has an evident antihypoxic effect, increased the rate of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent K(+) transport in vitro and increased the in vivo tolerance of hypoxia-sensitive rats to acute hypoxia 5-fold. The involvement of the mitochondrial K(+) transport in the mechanism of cell adaptation to hypoxia is discussed.

Novel channels of the inner mitochondrial membrane

Along with a large number of carriers, exchangers and "pumps", the inner mitochondrial membrane contains ion-conducting channels which endow it with controlled permeability to small ions. Some have been shown to be the mitochondrial counterpart of channels present also in other cellular membranes. The manuscript summarizes the current state of knowledge on the major inner mitochondrial membrane channels, properties, identity and proposed functions. Considerable attention is currently being devoted to two K(+)-selective channels, mtK(ATP) and mtBK(Ca). Their activation in "preconditioning" is considered by many to underlie the protection of myocytes and other cells against subsequent ischemic damage. We have recently shown that in apoptotic lymphocytes inner membrane mtK(V)1.3 interacts with the pro-apoptotic protein Bax after the latter has inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane. Whether the just-discovered mtIK(Ca) has similar cellular role(s) remains to be seen. The Ca(2+) "uniporter" has been characterized electrophysiologically, but still awaits a molecular identity. Chloride-selective channels are represented by the 107 pS channel, the first mitochondrial channel to be observed by patch-clamp, and by a approximately 400 pS pore we have recently been able to fully characterize in the inner membrane of mitochondria isolated from a colon tumour cell line. This we propose to represent a component of the Permeability Transition Pore. The available data exclude the previous tentative identification with porin, and indicate that it coincides instead with the still molecularly unidentified "maxi" chloride channel.

Redox properties of the adenoside triphosphate-sensitive K+ channel in brain mitochondria

Brain mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel (mitoK(ATP)) opening by diazoxide protects against ischemic damage and excitotoxic cell death. Here we studied the redox properties of brain mitoK(ATP) . MitoK(ATP) activation during excitotoxicity in cultured cerebellar granule neurons prevented the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death. Furthermore, mitoK(ATP) activation in isolated brain mitochondria significantly prevented H2O2 release by these organelles but did not change Ca2+ accumulation capacity. Interestingly, the activity of mitoK(ATP) was highly dependent on redox state. The thiol reductant mercaptopropionylglycine prevented mitoK(ATP) activity, whereas exogenous ROS activated the channel. In addition, the use of mitochondrial substrates that led to higher levels of endogenous mitochondrial ROS release closely correlated with enhanced K+ transport activity through mitoK(ATP). Altogether, our results indicate that brain mitoK(ATP) is a redox-sensitive channel that controls mitochondrial ROS release.

Acute antihypertensive action of Tempol in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Acute intravenous Tempol reduces mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in spontaneously hypertensive rats. We investigated the hypothesis that the antihypertensive action depends on generation of hydrogen peroxide, activation of heme oxygenase, glutathione peroxidase or potassium conductances, nitric oxide synthase, and/or the peripheral or central sympathetic nervous systems (SNSs). Tempol caused dose-dependent reductions in MAP and HR (at 174 micromol/kg; DeltaMAP, -57+/- 3 mmHg; and DeltaHR, -50 +/- 4 beats/min). The antihypertensive response was unaffected by the infusion of a pegylated catalase or by the inhibition of catalase with 3-aminotriazole, inhibition of glutathione peroxidase with buthionine sulfoximine, inhibition of heme oxygenase with tin mesoporphyrin, or inhibition of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels with iberiotoxin. However, the antihypertensive response was significantly (P < 0.01) blunted by 48% by the activation of adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels with cromakalim during maintenance of blood pressure with norepinephrine and by 31% by the blockade of these channels with glibenclamide, by 40% by the blockade of nitric oxide synthase with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), and by 40% by the blockade of ganglionic autonomic neurotransmission with hexamethonium. L-NAME and hexamethonium were additive, but glibenclamide and hexamethonium were less than additive. The central administration of Tempol was ineffective. The acute antihypertensive action of Tempol depends on the independent effects of potentiation of nitric oxide and inhibition of the peripheral SNS that involves the activation of K(ATP) channels.

Killer proteases and little strokes--how the things that do not kill you make you stronger

The phenomenon of ischemic preconditioning was initially observed over 20 years ago. The basic tenant is that if stimuli are applied at a subtoxic level, cells upregulate endogenous protective mechanisms to block injury induced by subsequent stress. Since this discovery, many conserved signaling mechanisms that contribute to activation of this potent protective program have been identified in the brain. A clinical correlate of this basic research finding can be found in patients with a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA), who have a decreased morbidity after stroke. In spite of multidisciplinary efforts to design safer, more effective stroke therapies, we have thus far failed to translate our understanding of endogenous protective pathways to treatments for neurodegeneration. This review is designed to provide clinicians and basic scientists with an overview of stress biology after TIA and preconditioning, discuss new therapeutic strategies to target the protein dysfunction that follows ischemic injury, and propose enhanced biochemical profiling to identify individuals at risk of stroke after TIA. We pay particular attention to the unanticipated consequences of overly aggressive intervention after TIA in which we have found that traditional cytotoxic agents such as free radicals and apoptosis associated proteases is essential for neuroprotection and communication in the stressed brain. These data emphasize the importance of understanding the complex interplay between chaperones, apoptotic proteases including caspases, and the proteolytic degradation machinery in adaptation to neurological injury.

Diazoxide-induced respiratory inhibition - a putative mitochondrial K(ATP) channel independent mechanism of pharmacological preconditioning

The ischemic preconditioning biological phenomenon has been explored to identify putative pharmacologic agents to mimic this cytoprotective program against cellular ischemic injury. Diazoxide administration confers this cytoprotection, however, whether this is via direct activation of the putative mitochondrial K(ATP) (mK(ATP)) channel which was originally proposed has been questioned. Here, we present data supporting an alternate hypothesis evoking mitochondrial respiratory inhibition rather than mK(ATP) channel activation, as a mediating event in the diazoxide-activated cytoprotective program. Mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured in digitonin-permeabilized C2C12 myotubes, allowing for the modulation of mK(ATP) conductance by changing the potassium concentration of the medium (0-130 mM). Diazoxide dose-dependently attenuated succinate-supported respiration, an effect that was independent of mK(ATP) channel conductance. Similarly, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), a putative mK(ATP) channel blocker, released diazoxide-induced respiratory inhibition independently of potassium concentration. Since diazoxide-induced cytoprotection and respiratory inhibition are both integrally linked to ROS generation we repeated above experiments following ROS generation using DCF fluorescence. Cytoprotective doses of diazoxide increased ROS generation independently of potassium concentration and 5-HD inhibited ROS production under the same conditions. Collectively these data support the hypothesis that diazoxide-mediated cytoprotection is independent of the conductance of the mK(ATP) channel and rather implicate mitochondrial respiratory inhibition-triggered ROS signaling.

Reactions with dye free radicals reveal weak redox properties of drugs

The calcium release channel (CRC) of the skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum is rich in thiol groups and is strongly regulated by covalent modification of these thiols. Oxidizing reagents activate the release channel, whereas reducing reagents inhibit the channel. However, most CRC regulators are not thiol reagents. Here, we propose that reversible redox interactions are involved in regulation of the CRC by nonthiol reagents. This hypothesis was tested with several CRC regulators. The local anesthetics tetracaine, procaine and QX-314, which block the CRC, behaved as electron donors in reactions with dye free radicals. In contrast, ryanodine, caffeine, doxorubicin and daunorubicin, compounds known to activate the release channel, all accepted electrons from dye anion radicals. Moreover, release of Ca2+ from SR initiated by doxorubicin (acceptor) was antagonized by local anesthetics (donors). Based on the redox characterization of CRC modulators, we propose a functional model in which channel inhibitors and activators act as weak electron donors and acceptors, respectively, and shift the thiol-disulfide balance within the release protein. The consequence of this model is that, in spite of the chemical diversity of CRC modulators, a common mechanism of channel regulation involves the transient exchange of electrons between the activator/inhibitor and the CRC.

The cardioprotective effect of uridine and uridine-5'-monophosphate: the role of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel

The activity of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel (mitoKATP) of rat heart and liver mitochondria was shown to decrease during aging. This partially explains the increase of risk of ischemia at a mature age since mitoKATP activation provides cardioprotection. We demonstrated that uridine-5'-diphosphate (UDP) possesses the property to activate mitoKATP. At a concentration of 30 microM, it reactivated mitoKATP in mitochondria, and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) eliminated this effect. In experimental animals, UDP precursors uridine and uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) (both 30 mg/kg, administered intravenously 5 min before coronary occlusion) decreased the myocardium ischemic alteration index (1.9 and 3.5 times, respectively) and the T-wave amplitude within 60 min after occlusion. Both effects were inhibited by Glibenclamide (Glib) and 5-HD. UMP and uridine decreased the number of premature ventricular beats 5.6 and 1.9 times and the duration of ventricular tachycardia 9.4 and 4.1 times, respectively. Glib and 5-HD inhibited the anti-arrhythmic parameters, 5-HD being less effective. Uridine and UMP decreased the duration of fibrillation 10.8 and 3.6 times, respectively, and this effect was not abolished by Glib and 5-HD. Thus, uridine and UMP, which are the precursors of UDP in the cell, possess cardioprotective properties. MitoKATP prevents mainly ischemic injuries and partially rhythm disorders.

Cytoprotective Channels in Mitochondria

Several ion channels are expressed in the inner and outer membranes of mitochondria, but the exact function of these channels is not completely understood. The opening of certain channels is thought to induce the process of cell death or apoptosis. However, other channels of the inner mitochondrial membrane help protect against ischemic injury and oxidative stress. Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (mitoK(ATP)) and mitochondrial Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (mitoK(Ca)) are the primary protective channels that have been identified. In addition to their thermogenic role, certain isoforms of uncoupling proteins are also shown to have protective roles in certain experimental models. This review attempts to provide an updated overview of the proposed mechanism for the protective function of these membrane proteins. Controversies and unanswered questions regarding these channels will also be discussed.

Mitochondrial K(ATP) channels in cell survival and death

Since the discovery of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK(ATP)) more than 13 years ago, it has been implicated in the processes of ischemic preconditioning (IPC), apoptosis and mitochondrial matrix swelling. Different approaches have been employed to characterize the pharmacological profile of the channel, and these studies strongly suggest that cellular protection well correlates with the opening of mitoK(ATP). However, there are many questions regarding mitoK(ATP) that remain to be answered. These include the very existence of mitoK(ATP) itself, its degree of importance in the process of IPC, its response to different pharmacological agents, and how its activation leads to the process of IPC and protection against cell death. Recent findings suggest that mitoK(ATP) may be a complex of multiple mitochondrial proteins, including some which have been suggested to be components of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. However, the identity of the pore-forming unit of the channel and the details of the interactions between these proteins remain unclear. In this review, we attempt to highlight the recent advances in the physiological role of mitoK(ATP) and discuss the controversies and unanswered questions.

The kinder side of killer proteases: caspase activation contributes to neuroprotection and CNS remodeling

Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases that are expressed as inactive zymogens and undergo proteolytic maturation in a sequential manner in which initiator caspases cleave and activate the effector caspases 3, 6 and 7. Effector caspases cleave structural proteins, signaling molecules, DNA repair enzymes and proteins which inhibit apoptosis. Activation of effector, or executioner, caspases has historically been viewed as a terminal event in the process of programmed cell death. Emerging evidence now suggests a broader role for activated caspases in cellular maturation, differentiation and other non-lethal events. The importance of activated caspases in normal cell development and signaling has recently been extended to the CNS where these proteases have been shown to contribute to axon guidance, synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. This review will focus on the adaptive roles activated caspases in maintaining viability, the mechanisms by which caspases are held in check so as not produce apoptotic cell death and the ramifications of these observations in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Evidence for mitochondrial K+ channels and their role in cardioprotection

Twenty years after the discovery of sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive K+ channels and 12 years after the discovery of mitochondrial K(ATP) (mitoK(ATP)) channels, progress has been remarkable, but many questions remain. In the case of the former, detailed structural information is available, and it is well accepted that the channel couples bioenergetics to cellular electrical excitability; however, in the heart, a clear physiological or pathophysiological role has yet to be defined. For mitoK(ATP), structural information is lacking, but there is abundant evidence linking the opening of the channel to protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury or apoptosis. This review updates recent progress in understanding the physiological role of mitoK(ATP) and highlights outstanding questions and controversies, with the intent of stimulating additional investigation on this topic.

Functional distinctions between the mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ channel (mitoKATP) and its inward rectifier subunit (mitoKIR)

The ATP-sensitive potassium channel from the inner mitochondrial membrane (mitoK(ATP)) is a highly selective conductor of K(+) ions. When isolated in the presence of nonionic detergent and reconstituted in liposomes, mitoK(ATP) is inhibited with high affinity by ATP (K((1/2)) = 20-30 microM). We have suggested that holo-mitoK(ATP) is a heteromultimer consisting of an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel (mitoKIR) and a sulfonylurea receptor (Grover, G. J., and Garlid, K. D. (2000) J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 32, 677-695). Here, we show that a 55-kDa protein isolated by ethanol extraction and reconstituted in bilayer lipid membranes and liposomes is the mitoKIR. This protein, which lacks the sulfonylurea receptor subunit, is inhibited with low affinity by ATP, with K(1/2) approximately 550 microM. ATP inhibition of both mitoKIR and holo-mitoK(ATP) is reversed by UDP (K((1/2))1/2 = 10-15 microM). Holo-mitoK(ATP) is and diazoxide, and the opened by cromakalim flux through the open channel is inhibited by glibenclamide and 5-hydroxydecanoate. None of these agents has any effect upon mitoKIR. We have identified two compounds that act specifically on mitoKIR. p-diethylaminoethylbenzoate reverses inhibition of mitoKIR by ATP and ADP at micromolar concentrations and also opens mitoK(ATP) in isolated mitochondria. Tetraphenylphosphonium inhibits K(+) flux through both mitoKIR and mitoK(ATP) with the same apparent affinity. These findings support the hypothesis that the 55-kDa mitoKIR is the channel component of mitoK(ATP).

Reactive oxygen species as mediators of signal transduction in ischemic preconditioning

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a most powerful endogenous mechanism for myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. It is now apparent that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the mitochondrial respiratory chain act as a trigger of IPC. ROS mediate signal transduction in the early phase of IPC through the posttranslational modification of redox-sensitive proteins. ROS-mediated activation of Src tyrosine kinases serves a scaffold for interaction of proteins recruited by G protein-coupled receptors and growth factor receptors that is necessary for amplification of cardioprotective signal transduction. Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a central role in this signaling cascade. A crucial target of PKC is the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel, which acts as a trigger and a mediator of IPC. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 MAP kinase, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase) are thought to exist downstream of the Src-PKC signaling module, although the role of MAP kinases in IPC remains undetermined. The late phase of IPC is mediated by cardioprotective gene expression. This mechanism involves redox-sensitive activation of transcription factors through PKC and tyrosine kinase signal transduction pathways that are in common with the early phase of IPC. The effector proteins then act against myocardial necrosis and stunning presumably through alleviation of oxidative stress and Ca(2+) overload. Elucidation of IPC-mediated complex signaling processes will help in the development of more effective pharmacological approaches for prevention of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Primary and secondary signaling pathways in early preconditioning that converge on the mitochondria to produce cardioprotection

Cardioprotective mechanisms such as acute or early preconditioning activate several primary signaling pathways that seem to converge on mitochondrial targets, leading to altered cell metabolism and inhibition of apoptosis. Acute preconditioning leads to generation of agonists, which bind to G protein-coupled receptors, and initiates a signaling cascade that involves activation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase, endothelial NO synthase, protein kinase C, glycogen synthase kinase 3beta, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and other signaling pathways. Activation of these signaling pathways along with generation of reactive oxygen species leads to alterations in the activity of key mitochondrial proteins such as mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channels, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and bcl-2 family members. Alterations in these mitochondrial proteins results in altered metabolism and inhibition of cell death, thus resulting in cardioprotection.

Mitochondrial potassium transport: the K(+) cycle

Potassium transport plays three distinct roles in mitochondria. Volume homeostasis to prevent excess matrix swelling is a housekeeping function that is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the organelle. This function is mediated by the K(+)/H(+) antiporter and was first proposed by Peter Mitchell. Volume homeostasis to prevent excess matrix contraction is a recently discovered function that maintains a fully expanded matrix when diffusive K(+) influx declines due to membrane depolarization caused by high rates of electron transport. Maintaining matrix volume under these conditions is important because matrix contraction inhibits electron transport and also perturbs the structure-function of the intermembrane space (IMS). This volume regulation is mediated by the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (mitoK(ATP)). Cell signaling functions to protect the cell from ischemia-reperfusion injury and also to trigger transcription of genes required for cell growth. This function depends on the ability of mitoK(ATP) opening to trigger increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review discusses the properties of the mitochondrial K(+) cycle that help to understand the basis of these diverse effects.

Modulation of a plant mitochondrial K+ATP channel and its involvement in cytochrome c release

Pea stem mitochondria, resuspended in a KCl medium (de-energized mitochondria), underwent a swelling, as a consequence of K+ entry, that was inhibited by ATP. This inhibition was partially restored by GTP and diazoxide (K+ATP channel openers). In addition, glyburide and 5-hydroxydecanate (K+ATP channel blockers) induced an inhibition of the GTP-stimulated swelling. Mitochondrial swelling was inhibited by H2O2, but stimulated by NO. The same type of responses was also obtained in succinate-energized mitochondria. When the succinate-dependent transmembrane electrical potential (deltapsi) had reached a steady state, the addition of KCl induced a dissipation that was inhibited by H2O2 and stimulated by NO. The latter stimulation was prevented by carboxy-PTIO, a NO scavenger. Phenylarsine oxide (a thiol oxidant) and NEM (a thiol blocker) stimulated the KCl-induced dissipation of deltapsi, while DTE prevented this effect in both cases. In addition, DTE transiently inhibited the NO-induced dissipation of deltapsi, but then it caused a more rapid collapse. These results, therefore, show that the plant mitochondrial K+ATP channel resembles that present in mammalian mitochondria and that it appears to be modulated by dithiol-disulfide interconversion, NO and H2O2. The aperture of this channel was linked to the partial rupture of the outer membrane. The latter effect led to a release of cytochrome c, thus suggesting that this release may be involved in the manifestation of programmed cell death.

Characteristics and superoxide-induced activation of reconstituted myocardial mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK(ATP)) channels have been suggested as triggers and end effectors in myocardial ischemic preconditioning. However, the intracellular mechanism regulating mitoK(ATP) channels remains unclear. In the present study, mitoK(ATP) channels from bovine ventricular myocardium were reconstituted using planar lipid bilayers, and the effect of superoxide (O(2-.)) on the activity of these reconstituted channels was examined. After incorporation, a potassium-selective current was recorded. The mean conductance of this current was 56 pS at 150 mmol/L KCl, which was substantially inhibited by 1 mmol/L MgATP. 5-Hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 10 to 100 micromol/L), a selective mitoK(ATP) antagonist, reduced the open state probability (NPo) of these channels in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas diazoxide (10 micromol/L), a selective mitoK(ATP) agonist, significantly increased channel activity. HMR-1098 (100 micromol/L), a selective sarcolemmal K(ATP) antagonist, had no effect on the activity of reconstituted channels. Addition of xanthine/xanthine oxidase (100 micromol/L per 0.038 U/mL), an O(2-.)-generating system, resulted in a marked activation of mitoK(ATP) channels; the NPo of the channels was increased from 0.60+/-0.10 to 1.94+/-0.02. This O(2)(-.)-induced channel activation was completely abolished by pretreatment with 5-HD (100 micromol/L) or a sulfhydryl alkylating compound, N-ethylmaleimide (2 mmol/L). It is concluded that myocardial mitoK(ATP) channels can be reconstituted into lipid bilayers and that O(2-.) activates these channels. The effect of O(2-.) may be associated with its direct action on the sulfhydryl groups of the channel protein.

Selective blockade of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels does not impair myocardial oxygen consumption

Opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels has been postulated to prevent inhibition of respiration resulting from matrix contraction during high rates of ATP synthesis. Glibenclamide, which blocks K(ATP) channels on the sarcolemma of vascular smooth muscle cells and myocardial myocytes as well as on the inner mitochondrial membrane, results in a decrease of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) both at rest and during exercise. This study examined whether this represents a primary effect of blockade of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels or occurs secondary to coronary resistance vessel constriction with a decrease of coronary blood flow (CBF) and myocardial oxygen availability. MVO2 was measured at rest and during treadmill exercise in 10 dogs during control conditions, after selective mitochondrial K(ATP) channel blockade with 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), and after nonselective K(ATP) channel blockade with glibenclamide. During control conditions, exercise resulted in progressive increases of CBF and MVO2. Glibenclamide (50 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) ic) resulted in a 17 +/- 6% decrease of resting CBF with a downward shift of CBF during exercise and a decrease of coronary venous PO2, indicating increased myocardial oxygen extraction. In contrast with the effects of glibenclamide, 5-HD (0.7 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1) ic) had no effect on CBF, MVO2, or myocardial oxygen extraction. These findings suggest that glibenclamide decreased MVO2 by causing resistance vessel constriction with a decrease of CBF and oxygen available to the myocardium rather than to a primary reduction of mitochondrial respiration.

Diazoxide-induced cardioprotection requires signaling through a redox-sensitive mechanism

Diazoxide, a selective opener of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel, has been shown to elicit tolerance to ischemia in cardiac myocytes and in perfused heart. However, the mechanism of this cardioprotection is poorly understood. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) are recognized as important intracellular signaling molecules and have been implicated in ischemic preconditioning, we examined diazoxide-induced ROS production in adult cardiomyocytes. Cells treated with 50 micromol/L diazoxide showed a 173% increase in ROS production relative to baseline. 5-Hydroxydecanoate was found to attenuate the diazoxide-induced increase in ROS generation. The diazoxide-induced increase in ROS also was abrogated by the addition of either the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or N-mercaptopropionylglycine. We also examined the ability of NAC to block the protective effects of diazoxide in the perfused rat heart. After 20 minutes of global ischemia and 20 minutes of reflow, hearts perfused with 100 micromol/L diazoxide before ischemia showed significantly improved postischemic contractile function relative to untreated hearts (84% versus 29% of initial left ventricular developed pressure, respectively). Hearts treated with diazoxide in the presence of 4 mmol/L NAC recovered 53% of initial left ventricular developed pressure, whereas hearts treated with NAC alone recovered 46% of preischemic function. Using (31)P NMR spectroscopy, we found that, similar to preconditioning, diazoxide significantly attenuated ischemia-induced intracellular acidification and enhanced post- ischemic recovery of phosphocreatine levels, both of which were blocked by cotreatment with NAC. These data suggest that the cardioprotective actions of diazoxide are mediated by generation of a pro-oxidant environment.

Cyclosporin A induces the opening of a potassium-selective channel in higher plant mitochondria

The immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), induces the generation of a transmembrane electrical potential difference (deltapsi) in deenergized plant mitochondria incubated in sucrose-based media. Build up of deltapsi is prevented by external monovalent cations in the order K+ > Rb+ = Li+ > Na+, or by the protonophore carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, which also collapses the deltapsi generated by CsA. Entry of K+ into mitochondria can be monitored as swelling by incubating the organelles in a medium containing KCl to maintain constant osmolarity. This swelling is inhibited by ATP and stimulated by CsA or valinomycin. In addition, in mitochondria energized by succinate, KCl causes a dissipation of deltapsi, with sigmoidal kinetics, which is favored by CsA. Therefore, plant mitochondria appear to possess a K+ selective, voltage-dependent channel, which is opened by CsA, regulated by the redox state, and inhibited by nucleotides. The hypothetical roles of this new K+ATP channel are discussed in relation to its potential involvement in mitochondrial volume regulation, thermogenesis, apoptosis, and/or prevention of reactive oxygen species formation in plants.

Do modulators of the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel change the function of mitochondria in situ?

Pharmacological opening of mitochondrial cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels has the chance to be a promising but still controversial cardioprotective mechanism. Physiological roles of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels in the myocardium remain unclear. We studied the effects of diazoxide, a specific opener of these channels, on the function of rat mitochondria in situ in saponin-permeabilized fibers using an ionic medium that mimics the cytosol. In the presence of NADH-producing substrates (malate + glutamate), neither 100 microm diazoxide nor 100 microm glibenclamide (a K(ATP) channel blocker) changed the mitochondrial respiration in the absence or presence of ADP. Because the K(ATP) channel function could be modified by changes in adenine nucleotide concentrations near the mitochondria, we studied the effects of diazoxide and glibenclamide on the functional activity of mitochondrial kinases. Both diazoxide and glibenclamide did not change the in situ ADP sensitivity in the presence or absence of creatine (apparent K(m) values for ADP were, respectively, 59 +/- 9 and 379 +/- 45 microm). Similarly, stimulation of the mitochondrial respiration with AMP in the presence of ATP due to adenylate kinase activity was not affected by the modulators of K(ATP) channels. However, when succinate was used as substrate, diazoxide significantly inhibited basal respiration by 22% and maximal respiration by 24%. Thus, at a cardioprotective dose, the main functional effect of diazoxide depends on respiratory substrates and seems not to be related to K(ATP) channel activity.

Modification of the mitochondrial sulfonylurea receptor by thiol reagents

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects exerted by thiol-modifying reagents on themitochondrial sulfonylurea receptor. The thiol-oxidizing agents (timerosal and 5, 5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid)) were found to produce a large inhibition (70% to 80%) of specific binding of [(3)H]glibenclamide to the beef heart mitochondrial membrane. Similar effects were observed with membrane permeable (N-ethylmaleimide) and non-permeable (mersalyl) thiol modifying agents. Glibenclamide binding was also decreased by oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide) but not by reducing agents (reduced gluthatione, dithiothreitol and the 2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-dithiolbutane). The results suggest that intact thiol groups, facing the mitochondrial matrix, are essential for glibenclamide binding to the mitochondrial sulfonylurea receptor.