An Endogenous Uncoupling and Swelling Agent in Liver Mitochondria and Its Enzymic Formation

L-carnitine co-administration prevents colistin-induced mitochondrial permeability transition and reduces the risk of acute kidney injury in mice

Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic currently experiencing renewed clinical interest due to its efficacy in the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. The frequent onset of acute dose-dependent kidney injury, with the potential of leading to long-term renal damage, has limited its use and hampered adequate dosing regimens, increasing the risk of suboptimal plasma concentrations during treatment. The mechanism of colistin-induced renal toxicity has been postulated to stem from mitochondrial damage, yet there is no direct evidence of colistin acting as a mitochondrial toxin. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether colistin can directly induce mitochondrial toxicity and, if so, uncover the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that colistin leads to a rapid permeability transition of mitochondria isolated from mouse kidney that was fully prevented by co-incubation of the mitochondria with desensitizers of the mitochondrial transition pore cyclosporin A or L-carnitine. The protective effect of L-carnitine was confirmed in experiments in primary cultured mouse tubular cells. Consistently, the relative risk of colistin-induced kidney damage, calculated based on histological analysis as well as by the early marker of tubular kidney injury, Kim-1, was halved under co-administration with L-carnitine in vivo. Notably, L-carnitine neither affected the pharmacokinetics of colistin nor its antimicrobial activity against relevant bacterial strains. In conclusion, colistin targets the mitochondria and induces permeability transition thereof. L-carnitine prevents colistin-induced permeability transition in vitro. Moreover, L-carnitine co-administration confers partial nephroprotection in mice treated with colistin, without interfering with its pharmacokinetics and antibacterial activity.

Calcium Overload and Mitochondrial Metabolism

Mitochondria calcium is a double-edged sword. While low levels of calcium are essential to maintain optimal rates of ATP production, extreme levels of calcium overcoming the mitochondrial calcium retention capacity leads to loss of mitochondrial function. In moderate amounts, however, ATP synthesis rates are inhibited in a calcium-titratable manner. While the consequences of extreme calcium overload are well-known, the effects on mitochondrial function in the moderately loaded range remain enigmatic. These observations are associated with changes in the mitochondria ultrastructure and cristae network. The present mini review/perspective follows up on previous studies using well-established cryo-electron microscopy and poses an explanation for the observable depressed ATP synthesis rates in mitochondria during calcium-overloaded states. The results presented herein suggest that the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation is not caused by a direct decoupling of energy metabolism via the opening of a calcium-sensitive, proteinaceous pore but rather a separate but related calcium-dependent phenomenon. Such inhibition during calcium-overloaded states points towards mitochondrial ultrastructural modifications, enzyme activity changes, or an interplay between both events.

The mitochondrial permeability transition: Recent progress and open questions

Major progress has been made in defining the basis of the mitochondrial permeability transition, a Ca²⁺ -dependent permeability increase of the inner membrane that has puzzled mitochondrial research for almost 70 years. Initially considered an artefact of limited biological interest by most, over the years the permeability transition has raised to the status of regulator of mitochondrial ion homeostasis and of druggable effector mechanism of cell death. The permeability transition is mediated by opening of channel(s) modulated by matrix cyclophilin D, the permeability transition pore(s) (PTP). The field has received new impulse (a) from the hypothesis that the PTP may originate from a Ca²⁺ -dependent conformational change of F-ATP synthase and (b) from the reevaluation of the long-standing hypothesis that it originates from the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT). Here, we provide a synthetic account of the structure of ANT and F-ATP synthase to discuss potential and controversial mechanisms through which they may form high-conductance channels; and review some intriguing findings from the wealth of early studies of PTP modulation that still await an explanation. We hope that this review will stimulate new experiments addressing the many outstanding problems, and thus contribute to the eventual solution of the puzzle of the permeability transition.

Modulation and Pharmacology of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition: A Journey from F-ATP Synthase to ANT

The permeability transition (PT) is an increased permeation of the inner mitochondrial membrane due to the opening of the PT pore (PTP), a Ca²⁺-activated high conductance channel involved in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and cell death. Alterations of the PTP have been associated with many pathological conditions and its targeting represents an incessant challenge in the field. Although the modulation of the PTP has been extensively explored, the lack of a clear picture of its molecular nature increases the degree of complexity for any target-based approach. Recent advances suggest the existence of at least two mitochondrial permeability pathways mediated by the F-ATP synthase and the ANT, although the exact molecular mechanism leading to channel formation remains elusive for both. A full comprehension of this to-pore conversion will help to assist in drug design and to develop pharmacological treatments for a fine-tuned PT regulation. Here, we will focus on regulatory mechanisms that impinge on the PTP and discuss the relevant literature of PTP targeting compounds with particular attention to F-ATP synthase and ANT.

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore: an evolving concept critical for cell life and death

In this review, we summarize current knowledge of perhaps one of the most intriguing phenomena in cell biology: the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). This phenomenon, which was initially observed as a sudden loss of inner mitochondrial membrane impermeability caused by excessive calcium, has been studied for almost 50 years, and still no definitive answer has been provided regarding its mechanisms. From its initial consideration as an in vitro artifact to the current notion that the mPTP is a phenomenon with physiological and pathological implications, a long road has been travelled. We here summarize the role of mitochondria in cytosolic calcium control and the evolving concepts regarding the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) and the mPTP. We show how the evolving mPTP models and mechanisms, which involve many proposed mitochondrial protein components, have arisen from methodological advances and more complex biological models. We describe how scientific progress and methodological advances have allowed milestone discoveries on mPTP regulation and composition and its recognition as a valid target for drug development and a critical component of mitochondrial biology.

The mitochondrial permeability transition phenomenon elucidated by cryo-EM reveals the genuine impact of calcium overload on mitochondrial structure and function

Mitochondria have a remarkable ability to uptake and store massive amounts of calcium. However, the consequences of massive calcium accumulation remain enigmatic. In the present study, we analyzed a series of time-course experiments to identify the sequence of events that occur in a population of guinea pig cardiac mitochondria exposed to excessive calcium overload that cause mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). By analyzing coincident structural and functional data, we determined that excessive calcium overload is associated with large calcium phosphate granules and inner membrane fragmentation, which explains the extent of mitochondrial dysfunction. This data also reveals a novel mechanism for cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of MPT, in which it preserves cristae despite the presence of massive calcium phosphate granules in the matrix. Overall, these findings establish a mechanism of calcium-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the impact of calcium regulation on mitochondrial structure and function.

The Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore: Channel Formation by F-ATP Synthase, Integration in Signal Transduction, and Role in Pathophysiology

The mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) is a permeability increase of the inner mitochondrial membrane mediated by a channel, the permeability transition pore (PTP). After a brief historical introduction, we cover the key regulatory features of the PTP and provide a critical assessment of putative protein components that have been tested by genetic analysis. The discovery that under conditions of oxidative stress the F-ATP synthases of mammals, yeast, and Drosophila can be turned into Ca(2+)-dependent channels, whose electrophysiological properties match those of the corresponding PTPs, opens new perspectives to the field. We discuss structural and functional features of F-ATP synthases that may provide clues to its transition from an energy-conserving into an energy-dissipating device as well as recent advances on signal transduction to the PTP and on its role in cellular pathophysiology.

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore: molecular nature and role as a target in cardioprotection

The mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) - an abrupt increase permeability of the inner membrane to solutes - is a causative event in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the heart, and the focus of intense research in cardioprotection. The PT is due to opening of the PT pore (PTP), a high conductance channel that is critically regulated by a variety of pathophysiological effectors. Very recent work indicates that the PTP forms from the F-ATP synthase, which would switch from an energy-conserving to an energy-dissipating device. This review provides an update on the current debate on how this transition is achieved, and on the PTP as a target for therapeutic intervention. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Mitochondria: from basic mitochondrial biology to cardiovascular disease".

The mitochondrial permeability transition from yeast to mammals

Regulated permeability changes have been detected in mitochondria across species. We review here their key features, with the goal of assessing whether a "permeability transition" similar to that observed in higher eukaryotes is present in other species. The recent discoveries (i) that treatment with cyclosporin A (CsA) unmasks an inhibitory site for inorganic phosphate (Pi) [Basso, E., Petronilli, V., Forte, M.A. and Bernardi, P. (2008) Phosphate is essential for inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore by cyclosporin A and by cyclophilin D ablation. J. Biol. Chem. 283, 26307-26311], the classical inhibitor of the permeability transition of yeast and (ii) that under proper experimental conditions a matrix Ca(2+)-dependence can be demonstrated in yeast as well [Yamada, A., Yamamoto, T., Yoshimura, Y., Gouda, S., Kawashima, S., Yamazaki, N., Yamashita, K., Kataoka, M., Nagata, T., Terada, H., Pfeiffer, D.R. and Shinohara Y. (2009) Ca(2+)-induced permeability transition can be observed even in yeast mitochondria under optimized experimental conditions. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1787, 1486-1491] suggest that the mitochondrial permeability transition has been conserved during evolution.

Preconditioning: The Mitochondrial Connection

Over the past decade there has been considerable progress in elucidating the signaling pathways involved in cardioprotection. Considerable recent data suggest that many of these signaling pathways converge on the mitochondria, where such pathways alter the activity of key mitochondrial proteins, leading to reduced apoptosis and necrosis. Inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore is emerging as a central mechanism in cardioprotection. This review focuses on mechanisms by which cardioprotection alters mitochondrial proteins and channels that regulate cell death and survival.

The mitochondrial permeability transition from in vitro artifact to disease target

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore is a high conductance channel whose opening leads to an increase of mitochondrial inner membrane permeability to solutes with molecular masses up to approximately 1500 Da. In this review we trace the rise of the permeability transition pore from the status of in vitro artifact to that of effector mechanism of cell death. We then cover recent results based on genetic inactivation of putative permeability transition pore components, and discuss their meaning for our understanding of pore structure. Finally, we discuss evidence indicating that the permeability transition pore plays a role in pathophysiology, with specific emphasis on in vivo models of disease.

Accumulation of nonesterified fatty acids causes the sustained energetic deficit in kidney proximal tubules after hypoxia-reoxygenation

Kidney proximal tubules exhibit decreased ATP and reduced, but not absent, mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) during reoxygenation after severe hypoxia. This energetic deficit, which plays a pivotal role in overall cellular recovery, cannot be explained by loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity, decreased electron transport, or compromised F1F0-ATPase and adenine nucleotide translocase activities. Addition of oleate to permeabilized tubules produced concentration-dependent decreases of Deltapsi(m) measured by safranin O uptake (threshold for oleate = 0.25 microM, 1.6 nmol/mg protein; maximal effect = 4 microM, 26 nmol/mg) that were reversed by delipidated BSA (dBSA). Cell nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels increased from <1 to 17.4 nmol/mg protein during 60- min hypoxia and remained elevated at 7.6 nmol/mg after 60 min reoxygenation, at which time ATP had recovered to only 10% of control values. Safranin O uptake in reoxygenated tubules, which was decreased 85% after 60-min hypoxia, was normalized by dBSA, which improved ATP synthesis as well. dBSA also almost completely normalized Deltapsi(m) when the duration of hypoxia was increased to 120 min. In intact tubules, the protective substrate combination of alpha-ketoglutarate + malate (alpha-KG/MAL) increased ATP three- to fourfold, limited NEFA accumulation during hypoxia by 50%, and lowered NEFA during reoxygenation. Notably, dBSA also improved ATP recovery when added to intact tubules during reoxygenation and was additive to the effect of alpha-KG/MAL. We conclude that NEFA overload is the primary cause of energetic failure of reoxygenated proximal tubules and lowering NEFA substantially contributes to the benefit from supplementation with alpha-KG/MAL.

Mitochondrial energy dissipation by fatty acids. Mechanisms and implications for cell death

For most cell types, fatty acids are excellent respiratory substrates. After being transported across the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes they undergo beta-oxidation in the matrix and feed electrons into the mitochondrial energy-conserving respiratory chain. On the other hand, fatty acids also physically interact with mitochondrial membranes, and possess the potential to alter their permeability. This occurs according to two mechanisms: an increase in proton conductance of the inner mitochondrial membrane and the opening of the permeability transition pore, an inner membrane high-conductance channel that may be involved in the release of apoptogenic proteins into the cytosol. This article addresses in some detail the mechanisms through which fatty acids exert their protonophoric action and how they modulate the permeability transition pore and discusses the cellular effects of fatty acids, with specific emphasis on their role as potential mitochondrial mediators of apoptotic signaling.

EFFECT OF MITOCHONDRIAL STABILIZERS ON THE IMMUNOGENICITY OF THE PARTICULATE FRACTION ISOLATED FROM MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

Youmans, Anne S. (Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.), and Guy P. Youmans. Effect of mitochondrial stabilizers on the immunogenicity of the particulate fraction isolated from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J. Bacteriol. 87:1346-1354. 1964.-A number of substances which have been used to stabilize mammalian mitochondrial preparations were tested to determine whether they would similarly affect the immunogenicity of a particulate fraction prepared from ruptured viable attenuated mycobacterial cells. The use of 0.44 m sucrose and the presence of 3 x 10(-2)m MgCl(2) during the preparatory processes markedly increased the immunogenicity of the particulate fraction. The increase was so great that immunogenic preparations were then consistently obtained which, in adequate dosage, were more immunogenic in CF-1 male mice than were viable attenuated mycobacterial cells. On the other hand, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), citrate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone when present during the preparatory processes reduced the immunogenicity. The addition of MgCl(2), ethylene-diaminetetraacetate, or ATP to the particulate fraction after it had been prepared did not increase its immunogenicity. When the particles were prepared in the 0.44 m sucrose buffer alone, incorporated in Freund's adjuvant, and injected intraperitoneally, immunogenicity was increased. However, this increase was not significantly greater than that obtained when the particles were prepared in the sucrose buffer containing MgCl(2). The immune state engendered in mice by the intraperitoneal injection of the particulate fraction persisted for at least 12 weeks.

Regulation of energy metabolism in liver

Energy metabolism in liver has to cope with the special tasks of this organ in intermediary metabolism. Main ATP-generating processes in the liver cell are the respiratory chain and glycolysis, whereas main ATP-consuming processes are gluconeogenesis, urea synthesis, protein synthesis, ATPases and mitochondrial proton leak. Mitochondrial respiratory chain in the intact liver cell is subject to control mainly by substrate (hydrogen donors, ADP, oxygen) transport and supply and proton leak/slip. Whereas hormonal control is mainly on substrate supply to mitochondria, proton leak/slip is supposed to play an important role in the modulation of the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation.

Enhancement of activities relative to fatty acid oxidation in the liver of rats depleted of L-carnitine by D-carnitine and a gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor

This study was designed to examine whether the depletion of L-carnitine may induce compensatory mechanisms allowing higher fatty acid oxidative activities in liver, particularly with regard to mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation. Wistar rats received D-carnitine for 2 days and 3-(2,2,2,-trimethylhydrazinium)propionate (mildronate), a noncompetitive inhibitor of gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, for 10 days. They were starved for 20 hr before being sacrificed. A dramatic reduction in carnitine concentration was observed in heart, skeletal muscles and kidneys, and to a lesser extent, in liver. Triacylglycerol content was found to be significantly more elevated on a gram liver and whole liver basis as well as per mL of blood (but to a lesser extent), while similar concentrations of ketone bodies were found in the blood of D-carnitine/mildronate-treated and control rats. In liver mitochondria, the specific activities of acyl-CoA synthetase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I were enhanced by the treatment, while peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation was higher per gram of tissue. It is suggested that there may be an enhancement of cellular acyl-CoA concentration, a signal leading to increased liver fatty acid oxidation in acute carnitine deficiency.

Inhibitory effect of Mg2+ on the protonophoric activity of palmitic acid

To discriminate whether fatty acids are uncouplers that cause acceleration of State-4 respiration, associated with a decrease in the protonmotive force, or decouplers that increase respiration without associated decrease in the protonmotive force, we examined the effect of palmitate on functions of rat-liver mitochondria under various conditions. We found that palmitate itself increases State-4 respiration, releases oligomycin-inhibited State-3 respiration, inhibits ATP synthesis and ATP<->Pi exchange reaction, and increases H+ permeability in mitochondrial and model bilayer phospholipid membranes. Thus, palmitate is a classical uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. However, these effects were inhibited by Mg2+, due to rapid formation of a stable complex between palmitate and Mg2+.

Effect of dietary n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipid-metabolizing enzymes in obese rat liver

This study was designed to examine whether n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids at a very low dietary level (about 0.2%) would alter liver activities in respect to fatty acid oxidation. Obese Zucker rats were used because of their low level of fatty acid oxidation, which would make increases easier to detect. Zucker rats were fed diets containing different oil mixtures (5%, w/w) with the same ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids supplied either as fish oil or arachidonic acid concentrate. Decreased hepatic triacylglycerol levels were observed only with the diet containing fish oil. In mitochondrial outer membranes, which support carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity, cholesterol content was similar for all diets, while the percentage of 22:6n-3 and 20:4n-6 in phospholipids was enhanced about by 6 and 3% with the diets containing fish oil and arachidonic acid, respectively. With the fish oil diet, the only difference found in activities related to fatty acid oxidation was the lower sensitivity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I to malonyl-CoA inhibition. With the diet containing arachidonic acid, peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity were markedly depressed. Compared with the control diet, the diets enriched in fish oil and in arachidonic acid gave rise to a higher specific activity of aryl-ester hydrolase in microsomal fractions. We suggest that slight changes in composition of n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in mitochondrial outer membranes may alter carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity.

Atherogenesis and fibrinogen: historical perspective and current status

A review of 117 research publications describes a deficiency in fatty acid transport into intracellular oxidative energy metabolism which causes increased fibrinogen synthesis and turnover into fibrin. The increased production of fibrin, coupled with depressed activation of plasminogen, increases the fibrin/plasmin ratio causing thrombosis-induced atherogenesis. This discovery unifies the two schools of atherogenesis based on blood lipid or fibrin deposition theories.

Effect of fatty acids on energy coupling processes in mitochondria

Long-chain fatty acids are natural uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. The protonophoric mechanism of this action is due to transbilayer movement of undissociated fatty acid in one direction and the passage of its anion in the opposite direction. The transfer of the dissociated form of fatty acid can be, at least in some kinds of mitochondrion, facilitated by adenine nucleotide translocase. Apart from dissipating the electrochemical proton gradient, long-chain fatty acids decrease the activity of the respiratory chain by mechanism(s) not fully understood. In intact cells and tissues fatty acids operate mostly as excellent respiratory substrates, providing electrons to the respiratory chain. This function masks their potential uncoupling effect which becomes apparent only under special physiological or pathological conditions characterized by unusual fatty acid accumulation. Short- and medium-chain fatty acids do not have protonophoric properties. Nevertheless, they contribute to energy dissipation because of slow intramitochondrial hydrolysis of their activation products, acyl-AMP and acyl-CoA. Long-chain fatty acids increase permeability of mitochondrial membranes to alkali metal cations. This is due to their ionophoric mechanism of action. Regulatory function of fatty acids with respect to specific cation channels has been postulated for the plasma membrane of muscle cells, but not demonstrated in mitochondria. Under cold stress, cold acclimation and arousal from hibernation the uncoupling effect of fatty acids may contribute to increased thermogenesis, especially in the muscle tissue. In brown adipose tissue, the special thermogenic organ of mammals, long-chain fatty acids promote operation of the unique natural uncoupling protein, thermogenin. As anionic amphiphiles, long-chain fatty acids increase the negative surface charge of biomembranes, thus interfering in their enzymic and transporting functions.

Effect of salicylic acid and calcium on mitochondrial functions

The rapid mitochondrial uptake of calcium followed by slow release in certain pathophysiological states associated with an increase in intracellular calcium, to normalize the cytoplasmic levels of free calcium, provides an important protective mechanism against calcium cellular toxicity. Salicylic acid, an in vivo metabolite of aspirin, inhibits the uptake and enhances the release of calcium by mitochondria, thereby increasing the levels of cytoplasmic free calcium. The Ca2+ induced mitochondrial swelling is enhanced in the presence of salicylic acid and in which turn leads to loss of biosynthesis of ATP. These results suggest that salicylic acid may promote cellular damage in pathophysiological states associated with increase in intracellular free calcium.

Effects of hypoxia and fatty acids on the distribution of metabolites in rat heart

The effects of exogenous fatty acids and hypoxia on cardiac energy metabolism were studied by measuring mitochondrial and cytosolic adenine nucleotides as well as CoA and carnitine esters using a tissue fractionation technique in non-aqueous solvents. During normoxia, the administration of 0.5 mM palmitate caused a considerable increase in acyl-CoA and acylcarnitine, particularly in mitochondria. High-energy phosphates, however, were only slightly altered. A 90 min low-flow hypoxia caused a dramatic increase in mitochondrial acyl esters. The mitochondrial ATP content decreased significantly, while the cytosolic concentration was only slightly diminished, suggesting an inhibition of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocation by long-chain acyl-CoA. Addition of palmitate during hypoxia amplified hypoxic damage and reduced adenine nucleotides in both compartments considerably, while fatty acid metabolites were only slightly affected. In presence of an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation (BM 42.304), the fatty-acid-induced acceleration of cardiac injury was prevented. Since BM 42.304 decreased mitochondrial acylcarnitine and increased the cytosolic concentration significantly, BM 42.304 was presumed to inhibit mitochondrial acylcarnitine translocase. However, a causal relationship between lipid metabolites and ischemic damage seemed unlikely.

Serum and biliary lipid pattern in rabbits feeding a diet enriched with unsaturated fatty acids

Adult male New Zealand white rabbits were fed for 3 months a stock diet supplemented with 6% (w/w) soybean oil heated at 240 degrees C for 60 min. After the first month of treatment a significant increase in total lipid content of serum was observed mainly due to the cholesterol ester fraction. Simultaneously, grossly induced atherosclerosis and marked liver damage were histologically and clinically demonstrated. Lipid peroxide values, performed by thiobarbituric acid test in lipid extracts from liver, aorta and bile showed a significant increase as compared to controls. Lipoperoxidation rate increased with the duration of feeding. Parallel to this there was a marked reduction in the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver and aorta, all enzymes involved in the mechanism of detoxification of lipid peroxides. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation can play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Effects of crotoxin on the isolated guinea pig heart

The effects of crotoxin, isolated from the venom of the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus, were investigated on isolated guinea pig hearts, perfused with Locke solution, by the Langendorff method. The cardiac beats and the electrocardiogram were simultaneously registered and the creatine kinase (CK) activity of the perfusate measured. Crotoxin was infused (4.5 x 10(-8) M and 2.3 x 10(-7) M) into the heart during 90 min, and induced a remarkable decrease in the contractile force, without a significant reduction of heart rate, increased the P-R interval and displaced the S-T segment. The activity of CK only increased in the late phases of the experiments, when the force of contraction was below 25% of the control value. Arrhythmias were uncommon and no alterations of QRS duration or Q-Tc interval were observed. The reduction of the contractile force and the increase in CK activity were completely prevented by bovine serum albumin, whereas lanatoside C did not interfere with the toxin action. A bolus injection of crotoxin (11 +/- 2 nmoles) also induced a decrease of contractile force without reduction of heart rate. This decrease of force was partially prevented by indomethacin, but not by atropine. It is suggested that the reduction of contractile force evoked by crotoxin is due probably to release of free fatty acids and lysophospholipids (initial effect) and to a cellular lesion (late effect).

Slip and leak in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

During oxidative phosphorylation by mammalian mitochondria part of the free energy stored in reduced substrates is dissipated and energy is released as heat. Here I review the mechanisms and the physiological significance of this phenomenon.

The role of free radicals and eicosanoids in the pathogenetic mechanism underlying ischemic brain edema

Results of our consecutive study on the pathogenic mechanism underlying ischemic brain edema are summarized in this paper. Pertinent findings are as follows: (1) there is a close correlation between the influxes of water and sodium following ischemia; (2) the edema fluid can be regarded as the ultrafiltrate of serum; (3) there is a significant increase in the brain content of HETEs following ischemia; (4) the lipoxygenase activity of brain microvessels is increased following ischemia; (5) the lipoxygenase activity as well as the Na+, K+-ATPase activity of brain microvessels are enhanced by a hydroperoxide, 15-HPETE; (6) inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase of brain microvessels by intraarterial infusion of ouabain resulted in a significant decrease in edema formation; and (7) not the cyclooxygenase, but the lipoxygenase pathway seems to be involved in the enhancement of microvessel Na+, K+-ATPase. Lipoxygenase(s) and Na+-K+-ATPase of brain microvessels, the activities of which are enhanced by an increased level of free radicals and/or hydroperoxides, may play a significant role in the occurrence of ischemic brain edema.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration of malignant hyperthermia-susceptible patients. Ca2+-induced uncoupling and free fatty acids

1. Skeletal muscle mitochondria of malignant hyperthermia (MH)-susceptible patients showed normal oxidative phosphorylation but were more easily uncoupled than normal by exogenous Ca2+. 2. Fatty acids, in stimulating the mitochondrial ATPase activity, are responsible for the enhanced State 4 respiration in MH-susceptible patients. 3. These results imply that skeletal muscle mitochondria and free fatty acids are associated with the development of MH syndrome.

The modes of action of long chain alkyl compounds on the respiratory chain-linked energy transducing system in submitochondrial particles

The interactions of long chain (greater than C7), alkyl compounds with tightly coupled, beef heart submitochondrial particles (SMP) have been investigated with respect to their effects upon respiratory chain-linked electron transfer and energy coupling capacity. Long chain alkyl alcohols, amines, free fatty acids, and methyl esters exhibit a general uncoupling effect, with stimulation of the succinate oxidase activity but inhibition of the NADH oxidase, in SMP. The degree of effectiveness is dependent on the nature of the functional group and the length of the alkyl chain. Submitochondrial particles depleted of F1 and the F1-inhibitor protein are similarly affected. Subsequent treatment with bovine serum albumin reverses the effects of free fatty acids and results in partial recovery of activity with alkyl amines, alcohols, and methyl esters. Differences between the effects of these alkyl compounds and those of sodium dodecyl sulfate, deoxycholate, palmitoyl carnitine, and palmitoyl CoA rule out detergent-like action as the explanation for these observations. These data suggest that specific lipophilic interactions with the membrane, modulated by the nature of the functional group, are responsible for the effects of these compounds on the energy transducing system of SMP. Analyses of the reduction kinetics of the cytochromes indicate that the sites of interaction of these compounds with the inner mitochondrial membrane are associated with the primary dehydrogenase of complex I and energy coupling site 2; alkyl amines possess an additional site of interaction in the region of complex III.

Lipid alterations in LLC-PK1 cells exposed to mercuric chloride

We have studied the effects of HgCl2 on the lipids of LLC-PK1 (pig kidney) epithelial cells. Our results show that treatment of cells with HgCl2 caused a rapid accumulation of unesterified fatty acids (particularly arachidonic acid) and lysophospholipids. A 27-fold increase in unesterified arachidonic acid and a 17-fold increase in lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) was accompanied by a 26% decline in the mass of phosphatidylethanolamine as determined by gas chromatography and lipid phosphorus assay. Similar changes were seen following HgCl2 treatment of cells whose lipids were labelled with 14C stearic acid, 3H arachidonic acid, or 14C acetate, but the radiolabelling techniques also identified an increased content of label in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and a corresponding decrease in phosphatidylcholine. These alterations were accompanied by the formation of blebs on the plasma membrane and irreversible injury as indicated by electron microscopy. The possible role of unesterified fatty acids in the pathogenesis of injury was studied by adding fatty acids to the cells. The addition of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, or arachidonic acids) to the cells caused plasma membrane blebbing and loss of viability. Similarly, the addition of LPC or LPE to the cells resulted in cell death; however, plasma membrane blebbing did not result.

Mechanism of the stimulation of respiration by fatty acids in rat liver

The mechanism of stimulation of hepatic respiration by fatty acids was studied in isolated rat hepatocytes. Stimulation of respiration by fatty acids varied from about 35% to about 105% depending on chain length. The stimulatory effect of octanoate (1 mM) or oleate (0.5 mM) was prevented by oligomycin (2 micrograms/ml). With carboxyatractyloside (100 microM) and ouabain (2 mM) the stimulation of respiration was partially inhibited (by 50-70 and 50-60%, respectively). From these results it can be concluded that the increased rate of respiration after addition of fatty acids is coupled to ATP synthesis. A large part (50-60%) of this ATP is utilized by the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase.

Regulation of the degree of coupling of oxidative phosphorylation in intact rat liver

The degree of coupling of oxidative phopshorylation q was determined in isolated perfused livers and in livers in vivo from fed and fasted rats. This determination of q was based on a simple nonequilibrium-thermodynamic representation of the major reactions of cytosolic adenine nucleotides, and made use of the measured cytosolic concentrations of adenine nucleotides, phosphate, and lactate/pyruvate ratios in extracted livers. The deviations of the measured values from the theoretically predicted ones at different mass action ratios of the adenylate kinase reaction showed that the basic assumptions of the model, including linearity between flows and thermodynamic forces, were fulfilled in intact liver within the experimental error. The degree of coupling was higher in livers from fed rats than in livers from fasted rats. In particular, the determined values of q were close to the theoretical degrees of coupling qecp and qecf which allow maximization of output power and output flow of oxidative phosphorylation for fed and fasted states, respectively, at optimal efficiency and minimal energy costs. This finding indicates that conductance matching between the load and phosphorylation is fulfilled in vivo. Moreover, it was found that fatty acids lower the degree of coupling in a concentration-dependent manner. This suggested that in livers in the fasted state q is decreased due to elevated fatty-acid levels. Thus fatty acids could act as metabolic regulators of the degree of coupling, enabling the cell to optimize efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation under different metabolic regimes.