Some properties of pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate oxidation by blowfly flight-muscle mitochondria

Effect of β-amyloid on blood-brain barrier properties and function

The deposition of beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates in the brain, accompanied by impaired cognitive function, is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). An important role in this process is played by vascular disorders, in particular, a disturbance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB controls the entry of Aβ from plasma to the brain via the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and the removal of brain-derived Aβ via the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1). The balance between the input of Aβ to the brain from the periphery and its output is disturbed during AD. Aβ changes the redox-status of BBB cells, which in turn changes the functioning of mitochondria and disrupts the barrier function of endothelial cells by affecting tight junction proteins. Aβ oligomers have the greatest toxic effect on BBB cells, and oligomers are most rapidly transferred by transcytosis from the brain side of the BBB to the blood side. Both the cytotoxic effect of Aβ and the impairment of barrier function are partly due to the interaction of Aβ monomers and oligomers with membrane-bound RAGE. AD therapies based on the disruption of this interaction or the creation of decoys for Aβ are being developed. The question of the transfer of various Aβ isoforms through the BBB is important, since it can influence the development of AD. It is shown that the rate of input of Aβ40 and Aβ42 from the blood into the brain is different. The actual question of the transfer of pathogenic Aβ isoforms with post-translational modifications or mutations through the BBB still remains open.

Restriction of an intron size en route to endothermy

Ca2+-insensitive and -sensitive E1 subunits of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC) regulate tissue-specific NADH and ATP supply by mutually exclusive OGDH exons 4a and 4b. Here we show that their splicing is enforced by distant lariat branch points (dBPs) located near the 5' splice site of the intervening intron. dBPs restrict the intron length and prevent transposon insertions, which can introduce or eliminate dBP competitors. The size restriction was imposed by a single dominant dBP in anamniotes that expanded into a conserved constellation of four dBP adenines in amniotes. The amniote clusters exhibit taxon-specific usage of individual dBPs, reflecting accessibility of their extended motifs within a stable RNA hairpin rather than U2 snRNA:dBP base-pairing. The dBP expansion took place in early terrestrial species and was followed by a uridine enrichment of large downstream polypyrimidine tracts in mammals. The dBP-protected megatracts permit reciprocal regulation of exon 4a and 4b by uridine-binding proteins, including TIA-1/TIAR and PUF60, which promote U1 and U2 snRNP recruitment to the 5' splice site and BP, respectively, but do not significantly alter the relative dBP usage. We further show that codons for residues critically contributing to protein binding sites for Ca2+ and other divalent metals confer the exon inclusion order that mirrors the Irving-Williams affinity series, linking the evolution of auxiliary splicing motifs in exons to metallome constraints. Finally, we hypothesize that the dBP-driven selection for Ca2+-dependent ATP provision by E1 facilitated evolution of endothermy by optimizing the aerobic scope in target tissues.

Cytochrome c Oxidase at Full Thrust: Regulation and Biological Consequences to Flying Insects

Flight dispersal represents a key aspect of the evolutionary and ecological success of insects, allowing escape from predators, mating, and colonization of new niches. The huge energy demand posed by flight activity is essentially met by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in flight muscle mitochondria. In insects, mitochondrial ATP supply and oxidant production are regulated by several factors, including the energy demand exerted by changes in adenylate balance. Indeed, adenylate directly regulates OXPHOS by targeting both chemiosmotic ATP production and the activities of specific mitochondrial enzymes. In several organisms, cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is regulated at transcriptional, post-translational, and allosteric levels, impacting mitochondrial energy metabolism, and redox balance. This review will present the concepts on how COX function contributes to flying insect biology, focusing on the existing examples in the literature where its structure and activity are regulated not only by physiological and environmental factors but also how changes in its activity impacts insect biology. We also performed in silico sequence analyses and determined the structure models of three COX subunits (IV, VIa, and VIc) from different insect species to compare with mammalian orthologs. We observed that the sequences and structure models of COXIV, COXVIa, and COXVIc were quite similar to their mammalian counterparts. Remarkably, specific substitutions to phosphomimetic amino acids at critical phosphorylation sites emerge as hallmarks on insect COX sequences, suggesting a new regulatory mechanism of COX activity. Therefore, by providing a physiological and bioenergetic framework of COX regulation in such metabolically extreme models, we hope to expand the knowledge of this critical enzyme complex and the potential consequences for insect dispersal.

Importance of Dietary Phosphorus for Bone Metabolism and Healthy Aging

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) plays a critical function in many tissues of the body: for example, as part of the hydroxyapatite in the skeleton and as a substrate for ATP synthesis. Pi is the main source of dietary phosphorus. Reduced bioavailability of Pi or excessive losses in the urine causes rickets and osteomalacia. While critical for health in normal amounts, dietary phosphorus is plentiful in the Western diet and is often added to foods as a preservative. This abundance of phosphorus may reduce longevity due to metabolic changes and tissue calcifications. In this review, we examine how dietary phosphorus is absorbed in the gut, current knowledge about Pi sensing, and endocrine regulation of Pi levels. Moreover, we also examine the roles of Pi in different tissues, the consequences of low and high dietary phosphorus in these tissues, and the implications for healthy aging.

Mitochondrial glycerol phosphate oxidation is modulated by adenylates through allosteric regulation of cytochrome c oxidase activity in mosquito flight muscle

The huge energy demand posed by insect flight activity is met by an efficient oxidative phosphorylation process that takes place within flight muscle mitochondria. In the major arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti, mitochondrial oxidation of pyruvate, proline and glycerol 3-phosphate (G3P) represent the major energy sources of ATP to sustain flight muscle energy demand. Although adenylates exert critical regulatory effects on several mitochondrial enzyme activities, the potential consequences of altered adenylate levels to G3P oxidation remains to be determined. Here, we report that mitochondrial G3P oxidation is controlled by adenylates through allosteric regulation of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity in A. aegypti flight muscle. We observed that ADP significantly activated respiratory rates linked to G3P oxidation, in a protonmotive force-independent manner. Kinetic analyses revealed that ADP activates respiration through a slightly cooperative mechanism. Despite adenylates caused no effects on G3P-cytochrome c oxidoreductase activity, COX activity was allosterically activated by ADP. Conversely, ATP exerted powerful inhibitory effects on respiratory rates linked to G3P oxidation and on COX activity. We also observed that high energy phosphate recycling mechanisms did not contribute to the regulatory effects of adenylates on COX activity or G3P oxidation. We conclude that mitochondrial G3P oxidation in A. aegypti flight muscle is regulated by adenylates through the allosteric modulation of COX activity, underscoring the bioenergetic relevance of this novel mechanism and the potential consequences for mosquito dispersal.

Role of phosphate sensing in bone and mineral metabolism

Inorganic phosphate (P_i) is essential for signal transduction and cell metabolism, and is also an essential structural component of the extracellular matrix of the skeleton. P_i is sensed in bacteria and yeast at the plasma membrane, which activates intracellular signal transduction to control the expression of P_i transporters and other genes that control intracellular P_i levels. In multicellular organisms, P_i homeostasis must be maintained in the organism and at the cellular level, requiring an endocrine and metabolic P_i-sensing mechanism, about which little is currently known. This Review will discuss the metabolic effects of P_i, which are mediated by P_i transporters, inositol pyrophosphates and SYG1-Pho81-XPR1 (SPX)-domain proteins to maintain cellular phosphate homeostasis in the musculoskeletal system. In addition, we will discuss how P_i is sensed by the human body to regulate the production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), parathyroid hormone and calcitriol to maintain serum levels of P_i in a narrow range. New findings on the crosstalk between iron and P_i homeostasis in the regulation of FGF23 expression will also be outlined. Mutations in components of these metabolic and endocrine phosphate sensors result in genetic disorders of phosphate homeostasis, cardiomyopathy and familial basal ganglial calcifications, highlighting the importance of this newly emerging area of research.

Modulation of mitochondrial metabolism as a biochemical trait in blood feeding organisms: the redox vampire hypothesis redux

Hematophagous organisms undergo remarkable metabolic changes during the blood digestion process, increasing fermentative glucose metabolism, and reducing respiratory rates, both consequence of functional mitochondrial remodeling. Here, we review the pathways involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial functionality in a comparative framework across different hematophagous species, and consider how these processes regulate redox homeostasis during blood digestion. The trend across distinct species indicate that a switch in energy metabolism might represent an important defensive mechanism to avoid the potential harmful interaction of oxidants generated from aerobic energy metabolism with products derived from blood digestion. Indeed, in insect vectors, blood feeding transiently reduces respiratory rates and oxidant production, irrespective of tissue and insect model. On the other hand, a different scenario is observed in several unrelated parasite species when exposed to blood digestion products, as respiratory rates reduce and mitochondrial oxidant production increase. The emerging picture indicates that re-wiring of energy metabolism, through reduced mitochondrial function, culminates in improved tolerance to redox insults and seems to represent a key step for hematophagous organisms to cope with the overwhelming and potentially toxic blood meal.

Mitochondrial physiology in the major arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti: substrate preferences and sexual differences define respiratory capacity and superoxide production

Adult females of Aedes aegypti are facultative blood sucking insects and vectors of Dengue and yellow fever viruses. Insect dispersal plays a central role in disease transmission and the extremely high energy demand posed by flight is accomplished by a very efficient oxidative phosphorylation process, which take place within flight muscle mitochondria. These organelles play a central role in energy metabolism, interconnecting nutrient oxidation to ATP synthesis, but also represent an important site of cellular superoxide production. Given the importance of mitochondria to cell physiology, and the potential contributions of this organelle for A. aegypti biology and vectorial capacity, here, we conducted a systematic assessment of mitochondrial physiology in flight muscle of young adult A. aegypti fed exclusively with sugar. This was carried out by determining the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, the substrate preferences to sustain respiration, the mitochondrial bioenergetic efficiency and capacity, in both mitochondria-enriched preparations and mechanically permeabilized flight muscle in both sexes. We also determined the substrates preferences to promote mitochondrial superoxide generation and the main sites where it is produced within this organelle. We observed that respiration in A. aegypti mitochondria was essentially driven by complex I and glycerol 3 phosphate dehydrogenase substrates, which promoted distinct mitochondrial bioenergetic capacities, but with preserved efficiencies. Respiration mediated by proline oxidation in female mitochondria was strikingly higher than in males. Mitochondrial superoxide production was essentially mediated through proline and glycerol 3 phosphate oxidation, which took place at sites other than complex I. Finally, differences in mitochondrial superoxide production among sexes were only observed in male oxidizing glycerol 3 phosphate, exhibiting higher rates than in female. Together, these data represent a significant step towards the understanding of fundamental mitochondrial processes in A. aegypti, with potential implications for its physiology and vectorial capacity.

Mitochondrial phosphate transport during nutrient stimulation of INS-1E insulinoma cells

Here, we have investigated the role of inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport in mitochondria of rat clonal β-cells. In α-toxin-permeabilized INS-1E cells, succinate and glycerol-3-phosphate increased mitochondrial ATP release which depends on exogenous ADP and Pi. In the presence of substrates, addition of Pi caused mitochondrial matrix acidification and hyperpolarisation which promoted ATP export. Dissipation of the mitochondrial pH gradient or pharmacological inhibition of Pi transport blocked the effects of Pi on electrochemical gradient and ATP export. Knock-down of the phosphate transporter PiC, however, neither prevented Pi-induced mitochondrial activation nor glucose-induced insulin secretion. Using (31)P NMR we observed reduction of Pi pools during nutrient stimulation of INS-1E cells. Interestingly, Pi loss was less pronounced in mitochondria than in the cytosol. We conclude that matrix alkalinisation is necessary to maintain a mitochondrial Pi pool, at levels sufficient to stimulate energy metabolism in insulin-secreting cells beyond its role as a substrate for ATP synthesis.

Succinyl-CoA synthetase is a phosphate target for the activation of mitochondrial metabolism

Succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS) is the only mitochondrial enzyme capable of ATP production via substrate level phosphorylation in the absence of oxygen, but it also plays a key role in the citric acid cycle, ketone metabolism, and heme synthesis. Inorganic phosphate (P(i)) is a signaling molecule capable of activating oxidative phosphorylation at several sites, including NADH generation and as a substrate for ATP formation. In this study, it was shown that P(i) binds the porcine heart SCS alpha-subunit (SCSalpha) in a noncovalent manner and enhances its enzymatic activity, thereby providing a new target for P(i) activation in mitochondria. Coupling 32P labeling of intact mitochondria with SDS gel electrophoresis revealed that 32P labeling of SCSalpha was enhanced in substrate-depleted mitochondria. Using mitochondrial extracts and purified bacterial SCS (BSCS), we showed that this enhanced 32P labeling resulted from a simple binding of 32P, not covalent protein phosphorylation. The ability of SCSalpha to retain its 32P throughout the SDS denaturing gel process was unique over the entire mitochondrial proteome. In vitro studies also revealed a P(i)-induced activation of SCS activity by more than 2-fold when mitochondrial extracts and purified BSCS were incubated with millimolar concentrations of P(i). Since the level of 32P binding to SCSalpha was increased in substrate-depleted mitochondria, where the matrix P(i) concentration is increased, we conclude that SCS activation by P(i) binding represents another mitochondrial target for the P(i)-induced activation of oxidative phosphorylation and anaerobic ATP production in energy-limited mitochondria.

The malate-aspartate NADH shuttle member Aralar1 determines glucose metabolic fate, mitochondrial activity, and insulin secretion in beta cells

The NADH shuttle system, which transports reducing equivalents from the cytosol to the mitochondria, is essential for the coupling of glucose metabolism to insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Aralar1 and citrin are two isoforms of the mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier, one key constituent of the malate-aspartate NADH shuttle. Here, the effects of Aralar1 overexpression in INS-1E beta cells and isolated rat islets were investigated for the first time. We prepared a recombinant adenovirus encoding for human Aralar1 (AdCA-Aralar1), tagged with the small FLAG epitope. Transduction of INS-1E cells and isolated rat islets with AdCA-Aralar1 increased aralar1 protein levels and immunostaining revealed mitochondrial localization. Compared with control INS-1E cells, overexpression of Aralar1 potentiated metabolism secretion coupling stimulated by 15 mm glucose. In particular, there was an increase of NAD(P)H generation, of mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, ATP levels, glucose oxidation, and insulin secretion (+45%, p < 0.01). Remarkably, this was accompanied by reduced lactate production. Rat islets overexpressing Aralar1 secreted more insulin at 16.7 mm glucose (+65%, p < 0.05) compared with controls. These results show that aspartate-glutamate carrier capacity limits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and that Aralar1 overexpression enhances mitochondrial metabolism.

Metabolic network control of oxidative phosphorylation: multiple roles of inorganic phosphate

Phosphate (Pi) is a putative cytosolic signaling molecule in the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation. Here, by using a multiparameter monitoring system, we show that Pi controls oxidative phosphorylation in a balanced fashion, modulating both the generation of useful potential energy and the formation of ATP by F1F0-ATPase in heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria. In these studies the effect of Pi was determined on the mitochondria [NADH], NADH generating capacity, matrix pH, membrane potential, oxygen consumption, and cytochrome reduction level. Pi enhanced NADH generation and was obligatory for electron flow under uncoupled conditions. Pi oxidized cytochrome b (cyto-b) and reduced cytochrome c (cyto-c), potentially improving the coupling between the NADH free energy and the proton motive force. The apparent limitation in reducing equivalent flow between cyto-b and cyto-c in the absence of Pi was confirmed in the intact heart by using optical spectroscopic techniques under conditions with low cytosolic [Pi]. These results demonstrate that Pi signaling results in the balanced modulation of oxidative phosphorylation, by influencing both deltaGH+ generation and ATP production, which may contribute to the energy metabolism homeostasis observed in intact systems.

Calcium activation of heart mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation: rapid kinetics of mVO2, NADH, AND light scattering

Parallel activation of heart mitochondria NADH and ATP production by Ca(2+) has been shown to involve the Ca(2+)-sensitive dehydrogenases and the F(0)F(1)-ATPase. In the current study we hypothesize that the response time of Ca(2+)-activated ATP production is rapid enough to support step changes in myocardial workload ( approximately 100 ms). To test this hypothesis, the rapid kinetics of Ca(2+) activation of mV(O(2)), [NADH], and light scattering were evaluated in isolated porcine heart mitochondria at 37 degrees C using a variety of optical techniques. The addition of Ca(2+) was associated with an initial response time (IRT) of mV(O(2)) that was dose-dependent with a minimum IRT of 0.27 +/- 0.02 s (n = 41) at 535 nm Ca(2+). The IRTs for NADH fluorescence and light scattering in response to Ca(2+) additions were similar to mV(O(2)). The Ca(2+) IRT for mV(O(2)) was significantly shorter than 1.6 mm ADP (2.36 +/- 0.47 s; p < or = 0.001, n = 13), 2.2 mm P(i) (2.32 +/- 0.29, p < or = 0.001, n = 13), or 10 mm creatine (15.6.+/-1.18 s, p < or = 0.001, n = 18) under similar experimental conditions. Calcium effects were inhibited with 8 microm ruthenium red (2.4 +/- 0.31 s; p < or = 0.001, n = 16) and reversed with EGTA (1.6 +/- 0.44; p < or = 0.01, n = 6). Estimates of Ca(2+) uptake into mitochondria using optical Ca(2+) indicators trapped in the matrix revealed a sufficiently rapid uptake to cause the metabolic effects observed. These data are consistent with the notion that extramitochondrial Ca(2+) can modify ATP production, via an increase in matrix Ca(2+) content, rapidly enough to support cardiac work transitions in vivo.

Oxygen uptake plateau during maximal treadmill exercise in children

The leveling of oxygen uptake at high work loads has been utilized to define maximal VO2 during progressive exercise testing. Exercise studies in children have indicated, however, that a VO2 plateau can commonly be demonstrated in less than one half of subjects. To examine the potential contributions of subject effort, aerobic fitness, and nonaerobic performance to this variability, 15 children ages 7 to 10 years performed progressive treadmill walking to exhaustion with a ramp protocol. The VO2 plateau was defined as a change in VO2 during the final minute of exercise less than 2 SD below the mean of increases between the previous 4 to 5 submaximal minutes. Five subjects (33.3 percent) demonstrated a plateau. No significant differences in mean peak VO2, heart rate, or respiratory exchange ratio were observed between plateau and nonplateau groups. Testing results of speed (50-yard sprint) and leg power (vertical jump) were also similar. These findings suggest that following: (1) subject effort, aerobic fitness, and nonaerobic factors do not explain the presence or absence of a VO2 plateau during exercise testing of children; and (2) a VO2 plateau should not be used as a requirement for defining VO2max during treadmill testing in this age group.

Regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in the mammalian cell

The cell is capable of maintaining a steady-state flux of energy from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, producing ATP, to the cytosolic adenosinetriphosphatases (ATPases), performing work. Considerable effort has been devoted to investigating the individual mechanisms involved in these two processes. However, less effort has been directed toward learning how these reactions of energy metabolism interact through the cytosol to maintain the observed steady state in the intact cell. The "classical" model for the cytosolic interaction of these two processes involves the feedback of ATP hydrolysis products, ADP and Pi, from the ATPases to oxidative phosphorylation. This model is based on data from isolated mitochondria in which the rate of oxidative phosphorylation is controlled by the concentration of ADP and Pi. Yet, recent data from intact tissues with high oxidative phosphorylation capacities (i.e., heart, brain, and kidney) indicate that the cytosolic concentration of ADP and Pi do not change significantly with work. These data imply that this simple feedback model is not adequate to explain the regulation of energy metabolism in these tissues. Other sites within the oxidative phosphorylation process must be playing a regulatory role or the kinetics of ATP synthesis must be very different than currently believed to establish the steady state. This review covers the potential sites within oxidative phosphorylation which may be regulated through cytosolic transducers to result in the necessary feedback network regulating the steady-state flow of energy in the cell. These sites will include substrate delivery to the cytochrome chain, the processes involved in the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP, and the delivery of oxygen.

The effect of high-intensity exercise on the respiratory capacity of skeletal muscle

The effect of high-intensity exercise on the respiratory capacity of skeletal muscle was studied in horses which ran five 600-m bouts on a track with 2 min of rest between exercise bouts, or once to fatigue on a treadmill at an intensity that elicited the maximal oxygen uptake. Venous blood and biopsy samples of the middle gluteal muscle were collected at rest, after each exercise bout, and 30 and 60 min post-exercise. Blood samples were analyzed for lactate concentration and pH and muscle samples for metabolites, pH, and respiratory capacity. Venous blood and muscle pH declined to 6.91 +/- 0.02 and 6.57 +/- 0.02, respectively, after the fifth track run and to 6.98 +/- 0.02 and 6.71 +/- 0.07, respectively, after treadmill running. Muscle metabolite changes were consistent with the metabolic response to high-intensity exercise. Muscle respiratory capacity declined greater than 20% (P less than 0.05) after a single exercise bout and was 45% of the control value after the fifth track run. Tissue respiration was depressed 60 min post-exercise but was normal 24 h later. These observations suggest that high-intensity exercise impairs the respiratory capacity of the working muscle. Although this occurred in parallel with reductions in pH, other factors could be responsible for this response.

NAD(+)-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase in fish tissues

NAD(+)-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase was found in the brain, heart, gills, kidney, liver and muscle of trout, and in the liver and muscle of eel. A complex homogenization buffer containing 1 mM ADP, 5 mM MgSO4, 5 mM citrate and 40% glycerol is required for retrieval of significant amounts of stable enzyme. The highest activities were found in brain of trout and the lowest in white muscle of trout and eel. The enzyme was partially purified from frozen trout heart to a final activity of 0.04 μM/min/mg protein, and the kinetic properties of this partially purified enzyme were studied. The enzyme requires either Mn(2+) or Mg(2+) for activity, higher activities being observed with Mn(2+). Saturation kinetics for DL-isocitrate were sigmoidal, apparent S0·5=8.2±0.6 mM and nH=1.8±0.2, in the absence of ADP, changing to hyperbolic, apparent S0·5=1.4±0.3 mM and nH=1.0, with 1 mM ADP added. Citrate and Ca(2+) were found to activate the enzyme to a small extent. NADH strongly inhibited the enzyme, I50=3.7±0.5 μM. ATP was also found to be an inhibitor, I50=7.2±1.4 mM. These properties are consistent with the role of the enzyme as a major control site of the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Regulation of pyruvate oxidation in blowfly flight muscle mitochondria: requirement for ADP

Blowfly (Phormia regina) flight muscle mitochondria oxidized pyruvate ( + proline) in the presence of either ADP (coupled respiration) or carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP-uncoupled respiration). There was an absolute requirement for ADP (Km = 8.0 microM) when pyruvate oxidation was stimulated by FCCP in the presence of oligomycin. This requirement for ADP was limited to the oxidation of pyruvate; uncoupled alpha-glycerolphosphate oxidation proceeded maximally even in the absence of added ADP. Atractylate inhibited uncoupled pyruvate oxidation whether added before (greater than 99%) or after (95%) initiation of respiration with FCCP. In the presence of FCCP, oligomycin, and limiting concentrations of ADP (less than 110 microM), there was a shutoff in the uptake of oxygen. This inhibition of respiration was completely reversed by the addition of more ADP. Plots of net oxygen uptake as a function of the limiting ADP concentration were linear; the observed ADP/O ratio was 0.22 +/- 0.025. An ADP/O ratio of 0.2 was predicted if phosphorylation occurred only at the succinyl-CoA synthetase step of the tricarboxylate cycle. Experiments performed in the presence of limiting concentrations of ADP, and designed to monitor changes in the mitochondrial content of ADP and ATP, demonstrated that the shutoff in oxygen uptake was not due to the presence of a high intramitochondrial concentration of ATP. Indeed, ATP, added to the medium prior to the addition of FCCP, inhibited uncoupled pyruvate oxidation; the apparent KI was 0.8 mM. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that it is the intramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio that is one of the controlling factors in determining the rate of flux through the tricarboxylate cycle. Changes in the mitochondrial content of citrate, isocitrate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and malate during uncoupled pyruvate oxidation in the presence of a limiting concentration of ADP were consistent with the hypothesis that the mitochondrial NAD + -linked isocitric dehydrogenase is a major site for such control through the tricarboxylate cycle.

Changes in the response of mitochondrial calcium transport to exogenous phosphate during development in flight muscle of the sheep blowfly Lucilla cuprina

1. Ca2+ transport by mitochondria isolated from flight muscle of the sheep blowfly Lucilla cuprina does not occur in the absence of added P1. Maximum rates of transport are attained when about 2.5 mM-phosphate is present. 2. As mitochondria develop, high but not low phosphate concentrations begin to inhibit Ca2+ transport markedly; those isolated from 2-day-old flies for example, are inhibited by about 75% by 20 mM-phosphate. Maximum rates of transport, i.e. those measured in the presence of 2.5 mM-phosphate, begin to decline only when the fly is about 3 days old. 3. Mitochondrial phosphate transport activity does not change during development of the blowfly, but the endogenous concentration of the anion does. At emergence it is about 6nmol/mg of protein, increases to about 17 nmol/mg of protein at 2-3h and then rapidly declines to reach less than 5 nmol/mg of protein after 2 days of adult life. 4. Studies on the effect of phosphate on oxidation of alpha-glycerophosphate in the absence and presence of ADP reveal a lack of inhibition by high phosphate concentrations indicating that the anion does not influence Ca2+ transport by preventing the generation of the proton electrochemical gradient across the inner membrane. 5. It is concluded that the molecular assembly in the inner membrane of Lucilla mitochondria responsible for transporting Ca2+ is fully developed at emergence and remains so for at least 2-3 days of adult life. The possibility exists that Ca2+-transport activity in these mitochondria is controlled at least in part by P1.

Studies on the inner mitochondrial membrane localization of proline dehydrogenase

1. The site of proline dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.99.-) activity in blowfly (Phormia regina) flight muscle mitochondria has been investigated employing the inner membrane-impermeable Fe(CN)63-as electron acceptor. Antimycin had no inhibitory effect on ferricyanide reduction due to proline dehydrogenase activity. Ferricyanide reductase activity due to inside localized dehydrogenase activity was antimycin sensitive. These results indicate that the interaction between proline dehydrogenase and ferricyanide was direct and not dependent on respiratory chain activity. 2. The stimulatory action of the effector, ADP, on proline dehydrogenase activity was insensitive to atractyloside, an indication that the site of dehydrogenase interaction with ADP was external to the atractyloside barrier. 3. Swelling studies revealed that proline does not readily penetrate the matrix space. 4. An outside localization for proline dehydrogenase is discussed in terms of the role of proline in insect flight muscle metabolism.

The nature of controlled respiration and its relationship to protonmotive force and proton conductance in blowfly flight-muscle mitochondria

1. To determine whether controlled (State 4) pyruvate oxidation can support a high energy state, measurements of the redox span NAD-cytochrome c, phosphorylation potential and protonmotive force (the gradient in electrochemical activity of protons across the mitochondrial inner membrane) were made as indices of energy status. For comparison, these three measurements were also made with glycerol 3-phosphate, an alternative substrate. The two substrates gave essentially identical values for the redox span NAD-cytochrome c in State 4, and the phosphorylation potential was of sufficient magnitude to be considered in equilibrium with the redox span over the first two phosphorylation sites. The magnitude of the protonmotive force in State 4 was much less and the implications of this finding are discussed. 2. Measurements made during the controlled (State 4) to active (State 3) transition indicated that with glycerol 3-phosphate as substrate, both the redox span NAD-cytochrome c and the protonmotive force were diminished; the State 4 --> State 3 transition with pyruvate as substrate was accompanied by an increase in the redox span but a decrease in protonmotive force. The contrary behaviour of these two energetic parameters in the presence of pyruvate was ascribed to a transient excess in the flux of protons through the adenosine triphosphatase relative to the protonpumping respiratory chain, in spite of the increased dehydrogenase activity. 3. The lower protonmotive force seen in State 3 relative to State 4 with pyruvate as substrate was due to a diminution of both the electrical (DeltaPsi) and the chemical (DeltapH) components; with glycerol 3-phosphate, the magnitude of the decrease in protonmotive force during the State 4 --> State 3 transition was similar to that seen with pyruvate, but was due to a large decrease in the electrical component (DeltaPsi) and a small rise in the chemical component (DeltapH). The reason for the difference seen in the behaviour of the components of the protonmotive force was investigated but not established. 4. In the presence of oligomycin and ADP, oxidation of pyruvate, but not of glycerol 3-phosphate, supported a greater protonmotive force than in State 4, in keeping with the dehydrogenase activation and increased redox span NAD-cytochrome c found under these conditions. 5. Experiments involving the use of uncoupling agent to stimulate respiration are compared with those in which limiting concentrations of ADP were used. Estimates of the proton conductance of the inner membrane indicate a similar non-linear dependence on uncoupler concentration with the two substrates. 6. A model is proposed as an explanation of the high rates of controlled glycerol 3-phosphate oxidation. The model relies on a high permeability of the inner membrane to protons and other ions being induced by glycerol 3-phosphate oxidation in State 4.

The isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle

Procedures for the isolation of mitochondria from dipteran flight muscle have been investigated in an attempt to determine the extent and to identify the causes of deterioration associated with isolation. In the light of the results obtained isolation procedures have been improved by minimising mechanical damage, avoiding the development of anoxic conditions, and by the use of an isolation medium of a more physiological nature, containing the potassium salt of an organic anion as the principal osmoeffector, phosphate as the principal buffer, and low concentrations of free Mg2+. The oxidative capacity of mitochondria isolated by the improved method is adequate to support the in vivo requirements of the flight system.

Effects of calcium ions and adenosine diphosphate on the activities of NAD+-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase from the radular muscles of the whelk and flight muscles of insects

1. The activity of NAD+-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase from the radular muscle of the whelk is higher than those in many vertebrate muscles and only slightly lower than in the flight muscles of insects. The enzyme activity from the whelk (Buccinum undatum) is stable for several hours after homogenization of the radular muscle, whereas that from insect flight muscle is very unstable. Consequently, the enzyme from the whelk muscle is suitable for a systematic investigation of the effects of Ca2+ and ADP. 2. The sigmoid response of the enzyme activity to isocitrate concentration is markedly increased by raising the Ca2+ concentration from 0.001 to 10 muM, but it is decreased by ADP. The inhibitory effect of Ca2+ is most pronounced at pH7.1; it is not observed at pH 6.5. Similar effects are observed for the enzyme from the flight muscle of the locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and the water bug (Lethocerus cordofanus). The percentage activation by ADP of the enzyme from either the whelk or the insects is greater at 10 muM-Ca2+, and 50% of the maximum activation is obtained at 0.10 and 0.16 mM-ADP for the enzyme from whelk and locust respectively at this Ca2+ concentration. At 10 muM-Ca2+ in the absence of added ADP, the apparent Km for isocitrate is markedly higher than in other conditions. Ca2+ concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 0.2 muM cause 50% inhibition of maximum activity of the enzyme from the muscles of the whelk, locust and water bug respectively. 3. Recent work has indicated that mitochondria may play a complementary role to the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the control of the distribution of Ca2+ in muscle. The opposite effects of Ca2+ on the activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase and mitochondrial glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase from muscle tissue are consistent with the hypothesis that changes in the intracellular distribution of Ca2+ control the activities of these two enzymes in order to stimulate energy production for the contraction process in the muscle. Although both enzymes are mitochondrial, glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase resides on the outer surface of the inner membrane and responds to sarcoplasmic changes in Ca2+ concentration (i.e. an increase during contraction), whereas the isocitrate dehydrogenase resides in the matrix of the mitochondria and responds to intramitochondrial concentrations of Ca2+ (i.e. a decrease during contraction). It is suggested that changes in intramitochondrial Ca2+ concentrations are primarily responsible for regulation of the activity of NAD+-isocitrate dehydrogenase in order to control energy formation for the contractile process. However, when the muscle is at rest, changes in intramitochondrial concentrations of ADP may regulate energy formation for non-contractile processes.

The control of tricarboxylate-cycle oxidations in blowfly flight muscle. The steady-state concentrations of citrate, isocitrate 2-oxoglutarate and malate in flight muscle and isolated mitochondria

1. Blowfly (Phormia regina) flight-muscle mitochondria were allowed to oxidize pyruvate under a variety of experimental conditions, and determinations of the citrate, isocitrate, 2-oxoglutarate and malate contents of both the mitochondria and the incubation medium were made. For each intermediate a substantial portion of the total was present within the mitochondria. 2. Activation of respiration by either ADP or uncoupling agent resulted in a decreased content of citrate and isocitrate and an increased content of 2-oxoglutarate and malate when the substrate was pyruvate, APT and HCO3 minus. Such a decrease in citrate content was obscured when the substrate was pyruvate and proline owing to a large rise in the total content of tricarboxylate-cycle intermediates in the presence of proline and ADP. 3. An experiment involving oligomycin and uncoupling agent demonstrated that the ATP/ADP ratio is the main determinant of flux through the tricarboxylate cycle, with the redox state of nicotinamide nucleotide being of lesser importance. 4. Addition of ADP and Ca-2+ to activate the oxidation of both glycerol 3-phosphate and pyruvate, simulating conditions on initiation of flight, gave a decrease in citrate and isocitrate and an increase in 2-oxoglutarate and malate content. 5. There was a good correlation between these results with isolated flight-muscle mitochondria and the changes found in fly thoraces after 30s and 2 mihorax. 6. It is concluded that NAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.41) controls the rate of pyruvate oxidation in both resting fly flight muscle in vivo and isolated mitochondria in state 4 (nomenclature of Change & Williams, 1955).

The control of tricarboxylate-cycle oxidations in blowfly flight muscle. The oxidized and reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide content of flight muscle and isolated mitochondria, the adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate content of mitochondria, and the energy status of the mitochondria during controlled respiration

1. A study is presented of the mitochondrial NADH content during controlled (state 4) and active (state 3) pyruvate oxidation by blowfly flight-muscle mitochondria. The results confirm and extend those of an earlier study (Hansford, 1972), which indicated an increased reduction in state 3. Nicotinamide nucleotide is normally highly oxidized during state 4; however, there can be substantial reduction in the presence of carnitine or high concentrations of proline, or on lengthy incubation in the presence of either of the systems used to generate intramitochondrial tricarboxylate-cycle intermediate. 2. Omission of phosphate leads to substantial reduction and this can be reversed by adding phosphate or acetate. 3. Estimations of NAD-+ and NADH in fly thoraces show a marked increase in NADH on flight, tending to corroborate the results of mitochondrial experiments and testifying to the importance of dehydrogenase activation in this tissue. 4. Determination of intramitochondrial adenine nucleotides reveals a total of 4-5 nmol/mg of protein, and an ADP content of less than 0.1 nmol/mg during state 4 oxidation of pyruvate and proline. ATP content is found to increase slowly during state 4 and this is attributed to the net phosphorylation of AMP. 5. The uncoupling agent carbonyl cyanide p=trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone leads to hydrolysis of some, but not all, of the mitochondrial ATP. Studies of mitochondrial ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase), measured by external pH change, show that it is inactive unless the mitochondria are allowed to respire for several minutes in state 4 in the presence of phosphate before the addition of carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. It is suggested that phosphate uptake is essential for maximal ATPase activity. 6. Studies of the fluorescence of the fluorochrome 8-anilino-1-naphthalensulphonic acid suggest that the energy status of the mitochondrion is high during state 4-pyruvate oxidattion, and decrease slightly in state 3. The implications of these findings are discussed.

The control of tricarboxylate-cycle of oxidations in blowfly flight muscle. The steady-state concentrations of coenzyme A, acetyl-coenzyme A and succinyl-coenzyme A in flight muscle and isolated mitochondria

(1) A ;cycling' method involving citrate synthase (EC 4.1.3.7) and malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37) was modified by the inclusion of succinyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.5) and hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) to permit the determination of very small amounts of succinyl-CoA in addition to CoA and acetyl-CoA. (2) Application of this technique to blowfly (Phormia regina) flight-muscle extracts reveals no change in acetyl-CoA concentration, a slight fall in CoA concentration and a rise in succinyl-CoA concentration during flight. (3) Extraction of isolated mitochondria during controlled (state 4) pyruvate oxidation reveals essentially only acetyl-CoA. Activation of respiration by ADP (state 3) or uncoupling agents leads to a fall in acetyl-CoA and a rise in CoA and succinyl-CoA content. (4) The presence of glycerol phosphate in addition to pyruvate results in a lower acetyl-CoA content in state 4. (5) It is contended that these results are consistent with a primary control of one of the reactions of the tricarboxylate cycle, rather than of pyruvate dehydrogenase, during the state 4 oxidation of pyruvate by isolated mitochondria, and that the modulation of citrate synthase activity by the ratio of acetyl-CoA/succinyl-CoA is unimportant under these conditions.

Changes in intramitochondrial adenine nucleotides in blowfly flight-muscle mitochondria

1. With freshly isolated blowfly mitochondria 38% of the intramitochondrial adenine nucleotide was present as AMP. 2. On incubation with oxidizable substrates the AMP and ADP concentrations fell and that of ATP rose; with pyruvate together with proline the ATP concentration reached its maximum value at 6min; with glycerol phosphate the phosphorylation of endogenous nucleotide was more rapid. 3. Addition of the uncoupling agent carbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazone caused a rapid fall of ATP and a parallel rise in ADP, then ADP was converted into AMP. 4. This was in contrast with rat liver mitochondria endogenous AMP concentrations, which were always lower than those of blowfly mitochondria and changed little under different metabolic conditions. 5. Evidence is presented that adenylate kinase (EC 2.7.4.3) has a dual distribution in blowfly mitochondria, a part being located in the matrix space and a part in the space between the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes, as in liver and other mitochondria. 6. The possible regulatory role of changing AMP concentrations in the mitochondrial matrix was investigated. Partially purified pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1) and citrate synthase (EC 4.1.3.7) were inhibited 30% by 2mm-AMP, whereas pyruvate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.4.1) was unaffected. 7. AMP activated the NAD(+)-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.41) activity of blowfly mitochondria in the absence of ADP, but in the presence of ADP, AMP caused inhibition. 8. It is suggested that AMP may exert a controlling effect on the oxidative activity of blowfly mitochondria.

The activities of pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and fructose diphosphatase in muscles from vertebrates and invertebrates

1. The activities of pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and fructose diphosphatase in crude homogenates of vertebrate and invertebrate muscles are reported. 2. Pyruvate carboxylase activity was present in all insect flight muscles that were investigated: in homogenates of bumble-bee flight muscle the activity was inhibited by ADP and activated by acetyl-CoA, and it was distributed mainly in the mitochondrial fraction. This is the first demonstration of pyruvate carboxylase activity in muscle. However, the activity appears to be restricted to insect flight muscle, since it was not found in other invertebrate or vertebrate muscles. 3. Since the three enzymes were never found together in the same muscle, it is concluded that these enzymes cannot provide a pathway for the synthesis of glycogen from lactate or pyruvate in muscle. Other roles for these enzymes in muscle are suggested. In particular, pyruvate carboxylase may be present in insect flight muscle for the provision of oxaloacetate to support the large increase in activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle which occurs when an insect takes flight.