Role of Ca2+ in pyruvate dehydrogenase interconversion in brain mitochondria and synaptosomes

Pro-inflammatory polarization of macrophages is associated with reduced endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria interaction

Macrophages play a role in host defense, tissue remodeling and inflammation. Different inflammatory stimuli drive macrophage phenotypes and responses. In this study we investigated the relationship between macrophages immune phenotype and mitochondrial bioenergetics, cell redox state and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria interaction. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) pro-inflammatory stimuli decreased oxidative metabolism (basal, phosphorylating and maximal conditions) and increased baseline glycolysis (117%) and glycolytic capacity (43%) in THP-1 macrophages. In contrast, interleukin-4 (IL4) and interleukin-13 (IL13) anti-inflammatory stimuli increased the oxygen consumption rates in baseline conditions (21%) and associated with ATP production (19%). LPS + IFNγ stimuli reduced superoxide anion levels by accelerating its conversion into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) while IL4+IL13 decreased H₂O₂ release rates. The source of these oxidants was extra-mitochondrial and associated with increased NOX2 and SOD1 gene expression. LPS + IFNγ stimuli decreased ER-mitochondria contact sites as measured by IP3R1-VDAC1 interaction (34%) and markedly upregulated genes involved in mitochondrial fusion (9-10 fold, MFN1 and 2) and fission (∼7 fold, DRP1 and FIS1). Conversely, IL4+IL13 stimuli did not altered ER-mitochondria interactions nor MFN1 and 2 expression. Together, these results unveil ER-mitochondria interaction pattern as a novel feature of macrophage immunological, metabolic and redox profiles.

Enhanced resistance to Ca2+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition in the long-lived red-footed tortoise Chelonoidis carbonaria

The interaction between supraphysiological cytosolic Ca2+ levels and mitochondrial redox imbalance mediates the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). The MPT is involved in cell death, diseases and aging. This study compared the liver mitochondrial Ca2+ retention capacity and oxygen consumption in the long-lived red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) with those in the rat as a reference standard. Mitochondrial Ca2+ retention capacity, a quantitative measure of MPT sensitivity, was remarkably higher in tortoises than in rats. This difference was minimized in the presence of the MPT inhibitors ADP and cyclosporine A. However, the Ca2+ retention capacities of tortoise and rat liver mitochondria were similar when both MPT inhibitors were present simultaneously. NADH-linked phosphorylating respiration rates of tortoise liver mitochondria represented only 30% of the maximal electron transport system capacity, indicating a limitation imposed by the phosphorylation system. These results suggested underlying differences in putative MPT structural components [e.g. ATP synthase, adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) and cyclophilin D] between tortoises and rats. Indeed, in tortoise mitochondria, titrations of inhibitors of the oxidative phosphorylation components revealed a higher limitation of ANT. Furthermore, cyclophilin D activity was approximately 70% lower in tortoises than in rats. Investigation of critical properties of mitochondrial redox control that affect MPT demonstrated that tortoise and rat liver mitochondria exhibited similar rates of H2O2 release and glutathione redox status. Overall, our findings suggest that constraints imposed by ANT and cyclophilin D, putative components or regulators of the MPT pore, are associated with the enhanced resistance to Ca2+-induced MPT in tortoises.

Mitochondrial calcium transport and the redox nature of the calcium-induced membrane permeability transition

Mitochondria possess a Ca²⁺ transport system composed of separate Ca²⁺ influx and efflux pathways. Intramitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentrations regulate oxidative phosphorylation, required for cell function and survival, and mitochondrial redox balance, that participates in a myriad of signaling and damaging pathways. The interaction between Ca²⁺ accumulation and redox imbalance regulates opening and closing of a highly regulated inner membrane pore, the membrane permeability transition pore (PTP). In this review, we discuss the regulation of the PTP by mitochondrial oxidants, reactive nitrogen species, and the interactions between these species and other PTP inducers. In addition, we discuss the involvement of mitochondrial redox imbalance and PTP in metabolic conditions such as atherogenesis, diabetes, obesity and in mtDNA stability.

The Role of Sodium in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. The changes in myocardial structure and function associated with diabetes are collectively called diabetic cardiomyopathy. Numerous molecular mechanisms have been proposed that could contribute to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and have been studied in various animal models of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The current review focuses on the role of sodium (Na⁺) in diabetic cardiomyopathy and provides unique data on the linkage between Na⁺ flux and energy metabolism, studied with non-invasive ²³Na, and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy, polarography, and mass spectroscopy. ²³Na NMR studies allow determination of the intracellular and extracellular Na⁺ pools by splitting the total Na⁺ peak into two resonances after the addition of a shift reagent to the perfusate. Using this technology, we found that intracellular Na⁺ is approximately two times higher in diabetic cardiomyocytes than in control possibly due to combined changes in the activity of Na⁺–K⁺ pump, Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 1 (NHE1) and Na⁺-glucose cotransporter. We hypothesized that the increase in Na⁺ activates the mitochondrial membrane Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, which leads to a loss of intramitochondrial Ca²⁺, with a subsequent alteration in mitochondrial bioenergetics and function. Using isolated mitochondria, we showed that the addition of Na⁺ (1–10 mM) led to a dose-dependent decrease in oxidative phosphorylation and that this effect was reversed by providing extramitochondrial Ca²⁺ or by inhibiting the mitochondrial Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger with diltiazem. Similar experiments with ³¹P-NMR in isolated superfused mitochondria embedded in agarose beads showed that Na⁺ (3–30 mM) led to significantly decreased ATP levels and that this effect was stronger in diabetic rats. These data suggest that in diabetic cardiomyocytes, increased Na⁺ leads to abnormalities in oxidative phosphorylation and a subsequent decrease in ATP levels. In support of these data, using ³¹P-NMR, we showed that the baseline β-ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) were lower in diabetic cardiomyocytes than in control, suggesting that diabetic cardiomyocytes have depressed bioenergetic function. Thus, both altered intracellular Na⁺ levels and bioenergetics and their interactions may significantly contribute to the pathology of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Pathophysiology of mitochondrial lipid oxidation: Role of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and other bioactive lipids in mitochondria

Mitochondrial lipids are essential for maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial membranes and the proper functions of mitochondria. As the "powerhouse" of a cell, mitochondria are also the major cellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress occurs when the antioxidant system is overwhelmed by overproduction of ROS. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in mitochondrial membranes are primary targets for ROS attack, which may lead to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and generation of reactive lipids, such as 4-hydroxynonenal. When mitochondrial lipids are oxidized, the integrity and function of mitochondria may be compromised and this may eventually lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which has been associated with many human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. How mitochondrial lipids are oxidized and the underlying molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological consequences associated with mitochondrial LPO remain poorly defined. Oxidation of the mitochondria-specific phospholipid cardiolipin and generation of bioactive lipids through mitochondrial LPO has been increasingly recognized as an important event orchestrating apoptosis, metabolic reprogramming of energy production, mitophagy, and immune responses. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of how mitochondrial LPO and generation of bioactive lipid mediators in mitochondria are involved in the modulation of mitochondrial functions in the context of relevant human diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Single-cell imaging of bioenergetic responses to neuronal excitotoxicity and oxygen and glucose deprivation

Excitotoxicity is a condition occurring during cerebral ischemia, seizures, and chronic neurodegeneration. It is characterized by overactivation of glutamate receptors, leading to excessive Ca(2+)/Na(+) influx into neurons, energetic stress, and subsequent neuronal injury. We and others have previously investigated neuronal populations to study how bioenergetic parameters determine neuronal injury; however, such experiments are often confounded by population-based heterogeneity and the contribution of effects of non-neuronal cells. Hence, we here characterized bioenergetics during transient excitotoxicity in rat and mouse primary neurons at the single-cell level using fluorescent sensors for intracellular glucose, ATP, and activation of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We identified ATP depletion and recovery to energetic homeostasis, along with AMPK activation, as surprisingly rapid and plastic responses in two excitotoxic injury paradigms. We observed rapid recovery of neuronal ATP levels also in the absence of extracellular glucose, or when glycolytic ATP production was inhibited, but found mitochondria to be critical for fast and complete energetic recovery. Using an injury model of oxygen and glucose deprivation, we identified a similarly rapid bioenergetics response, yet with incomplete ATP recovery and decreased AMPK activity. Interestingly, excitotoxicity also induced an accumulation of intracellular glucose, providing an additional source of energy during and after excitotoxicity-induced energy depletion. We identified this to originate from extracellular, AMPK-dependent glucose uptake and from intracellular glucose mobilization. Surprisingly, cells recovering their elevated glucose levels faster to baseline survived longer, indicating that the plasticity of neurons to adapt to bioenergetic challenges is a key indicator of neuronal viability.

Genetic ablation of calcium-independent phospholipase A(2)γ (iPLA(2)γ) attenuates calcium-induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and resultant cytochrome c release

Herein, we demonstrate that calcium-independent phospholipase A(2)γ (iPLA(2)γ) is a critical mechanistic participant in the calcium-induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Liver mitochondria from iPLA(2)γ(-/-) mice were markedly resistant to calcium-induced swelling in the presence or absence of phosphate in comparison with wild-type littermates. Furthermore, the iPLA(2)γ enantioselective inhibitor (R)-(E)-6-(bromomethylene)-3-(1-naphthalenyl)-2H-tetrahydropyran-2-one ((R)-BEL) was markedly more potent than (S)-BEL in inhibiting mPTP opening in mitochondria from wild-type liver in comparison with hepatic mitochondria from iPLA(2)γ(-/-) mice. Intriguingly, low micromolar concentrations of long chain fatty acyl-CoAs and the non-hydrolyzable thioether analog of palmitoyl-CoA markedly accelerated Ca(2+)-induced mPTP opening in liver mitochondria from wild-type mice. The addition of l-carnitine enabled the metabolic channeling of acyl-CoA through carnitine palmitoyltransferases (CPT-1/2) and attenuated the palmitoyl-CoA-mediated amplification of calcium-induced mPTP opening. In contrast, mitochondria from iPLA(2)γ(-/-) mice were insensitive to fatty acyl-CoA-mediated augmentation of calcium-induced mPTP opening. Moreover, mitochondria from iPLA(2)γ(-/-) mouse liver were resistant to Ca(2+)/t-butyl hydroperoxide-induced mPTP opening in comparison with wild-type littermates. In support of these findings, cytochrome c release from iPLA(2)γ(-/-) mitochondria was dramatically decreased in response to calcium in the presence or absence of either t-butyl hydroperoxide or phenylarsine oxide in comparison with wild-type littermates. Collectively, these results identify iPLA(2)γ as an important mechanistic component of the mPTP, define its downstream products as potent regulators of mPTP opening, and demonstrate the integrated roles of mitochondrial bioenergetics and lipidomic flux in modulating mPTP opening promoting the activation of necrotic and necroapoptotic pathways of cell death.

Activation of mitochondrial calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ (iPLA2γ) by divalent cations mediating arachidonate release and production of downstream eicosanoids

Calcium-independent phospholipase A(2)γ (iPLA(2)γ) (PNPLA8) is the predominant phospholipase activity in mammalian mitochondria. However, the chemical mechanisms that regulate its activity are unknown. Here, we utilize iPLA(2)γ gain of function and loss of function genetic models to demonstrate the robust activation of iPLA(2)γ in murine myocardial mitochondria by Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) ions. Calcium ion stimulated the production of 2-arachidonoyl-lysophosphatidylcholine (2-AA-LPC) from 1-palmitoyl-2-[(14)C]arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine during incubations with wild-type heart mitochondrial homogenates. Furthermore, incubation of mitochondrial homogenates from transgenic myocardium expressing iPLA(2)γ resulted in 13- and 25-fold increases in the initial rate of radiolabeled 2-AA-LPC and arachidonic acid (AA) production, respectively, in the presence of calcium ion. Mass spectrometric analysis of the products of calcium-activated hydrolysis of endogenous mitochondrial phospholipids in transgenic iPLA(2)γ mitochondria revealed the robust production of AA, 2-AA-LPC, and 2-docosahexaenoyl-LPC that was over 10-fold greater than wild-type mitochondria. The mechanism-based inhibitor (R)-(E)-6-(bromomethylene)-3-(1-naphthalenyl)-2H-tetrahydropyran-2-one (BEL) (iPLA(2)γ selective), but not its enantiomer, (S)-BEL (iPLA(2)β selective) or pyrrolidine (cytosolic PLA(2)α selective), markedly attenuated Ca(2+)-dependent fatty acid release and polyunsaturated LPC production. Moreover, Ca(2+)-induced iPLA(2)γ activation was accompanied by the production of downstream eicosanoid metabolites that were nearly completely ablated by (R)-BEL or by genetic ablation of iPLA(2)γ. Intriguingly, Ca(2+)-induced iPLA(2)γ activation was completely inhibited by long-chain acyl-CoA (IC(50) ∼20 μm) as well as by a nonhydrolyzable acyl-CoA thioether analog. Collectively, these results demonstrate that mitochondrial iPLA(2)γ is activated by divalent cations and inhibited by acyl-CoA modulating the generation of biologically active metabolites that regulate mitochondrial bioenergetic and signaling functions.

Detailed kinetics and regulation of mammalian 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase

Background

Mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate (α-ketoglutarate) dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC), a key regulatory point of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, plays vital roles in multiple pathways of energy metabolism and biosynthesis. The catalytic mechanism and allosteric regulation of this large enzyme complex are not fully understood. Here computer simulation is used to test possible catalytic mechanisms and mechanisms of allosteric regulation of the enzyme by nucleotides (ATP, ADP), pH, and metal ion cofactors (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺).

Results

A model was developed based on an ordered ter-ter enzyme kinetic mechanism combined with con-formational changes that involve rotation of one lipoic acid between three catalytic sites inside the enzyme complex. The model was parameterized using a large number of kinetic data sets on the activity of OGDHC, and validated by comparison of model predictions to independent data.

Conclusions

The developed model suggests a hybrid rapid-equilibrium ping-pong random mechanism for the kinetics of OGDHC, consistent with previously reported mechanisms, and accurately describes the experimentally observed regulatory effects of cofactors on the OGDHC activity. This analysis provides a single consistent theoretical explanation for a number of apparently contradictory results on the roles of phosphorylation potential, NAD (H) oxidation-reduction state ratio, as well as the regulatory effects of metal ions on ODGHC function.

Regulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ and its effects on energetics and redox balance in normal and failing heart

Ca(2+) has been well accepted as a signal that coordinates changes in cytosolic workload with mitochondrial energy metabolism in cardiomyocytes. During increased work, Ca(2+) is accumulated in mitochondria and stimulates ATP production to match energy supply and demand. The kinetics of mitochondrial Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](m)) uptake remains unclear, and we review the debate on this subject in this article. [Ca(2+)](m) has multiple targets in oxidative phosphorylation including the F1/FO ATPase, the adenine nucleotide translocase, and Ca(2+)-sensitive dehydrogenases (CaDH) of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The well established effect of [Ca(2+)](m) is to activate CaDHs of the TCA cycle to increase NADH production. Maintaining NADH level is not only critical to keep a high oxidative phosphorylation rate during increased cardiac work, but is also necessary for the reducing system of the cell to maintain its reactive oxygen species (ROS) -scavenging capacity. Further, we review recent data demonstrating the deleterious effects of elevated Na(+) in cardiac pathology by blunting [Ca(2+)](m) accumulation.

Regulation of mitochondrial dehydrogenases by calcium ions

Studies in Bristol in the 1960s and 1970s, led to the recognition that four mitochondrial dehydrogenases are activated by calcium ions. These are FAD-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, NAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase. FAD-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase is located on the outer surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane and is influenced by changes in cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration. The other three enzymes are located within mitochondria and are regulated by changes in mitochondrial matrix calcium ion concentration. These and subsequent studies on purified enzymes, mitochondria and intact cell preparations have led to the widely accepted view that the activation of these enzymes is important in the stimulation of the respiratory chain and hence ATP supply under conditions of increased ATP demand in many stimulated mammalian cells. The effects of calcium ions on FAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase involve binding to an EF-hand binding motif within this enzyme but the binding sites involved in the effects of calcium ions on the three intramitochondrial dehydrogenases remain to be fully established. It is also emphasised in this article that these three dehydrogenases appear only to be regulated by calcium ions in vertebrates and that this raises some interesting and potentially important developmental issues.

Energy metabolism transition in multi-cellular human tumor spheroids

It is thought that glycolysis is the predominant energy pathway in cancer, particularly in solid and poorly vascularized tumors where hypoxic regions develop. To evaluate whether glycolysis does effectively predominate for ATP supply and to identify the underlying biochemical mechanisms, the glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) fluxes, ATP/ADP ratio, phosphorylation potential, and expression and activity of relevant energy metabolism enzymes were determined in multi-cellular tumor spheroids, as a model of human solid tumors. In HeLa and Hek293 young-spheroids, the OxPhos flux and cytochrome c oxidase protein content and activity were similar to those observed in monolayer cultured cells, whereas the glycolytic flux increased two- to fourfold; the contribution of OxPhos to ATP supply was 60%. In contrast, in old-spheroids, OxPhos, ATP content, ATP/ADP ratio, and phosphorylation potential diminished 50-70%, as well as the activity (88%) and content (3 times) of cytochrome c oxidase. Glycolysis and hexokinase increased significantly (both, 4 times); consequently glycolysis was the predominant pathway for ATP supply (80%). These changes were associated with an increase (3.3 times) in the HIF-1alpha content. After chronic exposure, both oxidative and glycolytic inhibitors blocked spheroid growth, although the glycolytic inhibitors, 2-deoxyglucose and gossypol (IC(50) of 15-17 nM), were more potent than the mitochondrial inhibitors, casiopeina II-gly, laherradurin, and rhodamine 123 (IC(50) > 100 nM). These results suggest that glycolysis and OxPhos might be considered as metabolic targets to diminish cellular proliferation in poorly vascularized, hypoxic solid tumors.

Cardiotoxicity of copper-based antineoplastic drugs casiopeinas is related to inhibition of energy metabolism

Isolated rat hearts were perfused with glucose, octanoate or glucose + octanoate and different concentrations of the copper-based antineoplastic drugs casiopeina II-gly (CSII) or casiopeina III-i-a (CSIII). In isolated perfused hearts with glucose + octanoate, both casiopeinas induced diminution in cardiac work and O2 consumption with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 4 (CSII) and 4.6 (CSIII) microM, after 1 h of perfusion. Strong inhibition of the pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenases as well as total creatine kinase by casiopeinas suggested that ATP generation by oxidative phosphorylation and its transfer towards myofibrils were targets for these drugs. In consequence, the cellular contents of ATP and phosphocreatine were also lowered by casiopeinas. Remarkably, casiopeinas were less toxic than adriamycin (IC50 = 2.6 microM), a well-known potent cardiotoxic and antineoplastic drug, which has a wide clinical use. In an open-chest animal, which is a more physiological model than the isolated heart, femoral administration of 1 microM drug revealed that CSII was innocuous very likely due to strong binding to serum albumin, whereas adriamycin induced again a potent cardiotoxic effect (diminution in heart rate and severe depression of systolic blood pressure). Thus, it seems that casiopeinas are a group of new antineoplastic drugs with milder secondary toxic effects than proven drugs such as adriamycin.

Impairment of glucose metabolism and energy transfer in the rat heart

The metabolic pathways involved in ATP production in hypertriglyceridemic rat hearts were evaluated. Hearts from male Wistar rats with sugar-induced hypertriglyceridemia were perfused in an isolated organ system. Mechanical performance, oxygen uptake and beat rate were evaluated under perfusion with different oxidizable substrates. Age- and weight-matched animals were used as control. The hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) hearts showed a decrease in the mechanical work and slight diminution in the oxygen uptake when perfused with glucose, pyruvate or lactate. No differences were found when perfused with palmitate, octanoate or beta-hydroxybutyrate. The glycolytic flux in HTG hearts was 2.4 times lower than in control hearts. Phosphofructokinase-I (PFK-I) was 16% decreased in HTG hearts, whereas pyruvate kinase activity did not change. The increased levels of glucose-6-phosphate in HTG heart, suggested a flux limitation by the PFK-I. Pyruvate dehydrogenase in its active form (PDHa) diminished as well. The PDHa level in the HTG hearts was restored to control values by dichloroacetate; however, this addition did not significantly improve the mechanical performance. Levels of ATP and phosphocreatine as well as total creatine kinase activity and the MB fraction were significant lower in the HTG hearts perfused with glucose. The data suggested that supply of ATP by glucose oxidation did not suffice to support cardiac work in the HTG hearts; this impairment was exacerbated by the diminution of the creatine kinase system output.

Impairment of glucose metabolism and energy transfer in the rat heart

The metabolic pathways involved in ATP production in hypertriglyceridemic rat hearts were evaluated. Hearts from male Wistar rats with sugar-induced hypertriglyceridemia were perfused in an isolated organ system. Mechanical performance, oxygen uptake and beat rate were evaluated under perfusion with different oxidizable substrates. Age- and weight-matched animals were used as control. The hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) hearts showed a decrease in the mechanical work and slight diminution in the oxygen uptake when perfused with glucose, pyruvate or lactate. No differences were found when perfused with palmitate, octanoate or beta-hydroxybutyrate. The glycolytic flux in HTG hearts was 2.4 times lower than in control hearts. Phosphofructokinase-I (PFK-I) was 16% decreased in HTG hearts, whereas pyruvate kinase activity did not change. The increased levels of glucose-6-phosphate in HTG heart, suggested a flux limitation by the PFK-I. Pyruvate dehydrogenase in its active form (PDHa) diminished as well. The PDHa level in the HTG hearts was restored to control values by dichloroacetate; however, this addition did not significantly improve the mechanical performance. Levels of ATP and phosphocreatine as well as total creatine kinase activity and the MB fraction were significant lower in the HTG hearts perfused with glucose. The data suggested that supply of ATP by glucose oxidation did not suffice to support cardiac work in the HTG hearts; this impairment was exacerbated by the diminution of the creatine kinase system output.

Albumin promotes neuronal survival by increasing the synthesis and release of glutamate

It is well known that the presence of albumin within the brain and the CSF is developmentally regulated. However, the physiological relevance of this phenomenon is not well established. We have previously shown that albumin specifically increases the flux of glucose and lactate through the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction in astrocytes. Here we show that, in neurones, albumin also increases the oxidation of glucose and lactate through the pyruvate dehydrogenase-catalysed reaction, the final purpose of this being the synthesis of glutamate. Thus, in neurones, the presence of albumin strongly increased the synthesis and release of glutamate to the extracellular medium. Our results also suggest that glutamate release caused by albumin is designed to promote neuronal survival. Thus, under culture conditions in which neurones die by apoptosis, the presence of albumin promoted neuronal survival and maintained the differentiation programme of these cells, as judged by the expression of the axonal protein, GAP-43. The effect of albumin on neuronal survival was counteracted by the presence of DNQX, an antagonist of non-NMDA-glutamate receptors, suggesting that the glutamate synthesized and released due to the presence of albumin is responsible for neuronal survival. In addition, the effect of albumin seemed to depend on the activity of the NGF receptor, TrkA, suggesting that the glutamate synthesized and released due to the presence of albumin promotes neuronal survival through the activity of TrkA.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload in acute excitotoxic motor neuron death: a mechanism distinct from chronic neurotoxicity after Ca(2+) influx

Mitochondrial uptake of Ca(2+) has recently been found to play an important role in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity (GNT) as well as in the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent molecules, such as calmodulin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), in the cytoplasm. Prolonged exposure to glutamate injures motor neurons predominantly through the activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-nNOS, as previously reported, and is, in part, associated with the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the present study, we investigated how mitochondrial uptake of Ca(2+) is involved in GNT in spinal motor neurons. Acute excitotoxicity induced by exposure to 0.5 mM glutamate for 5 min was found in both motor and nonmotor neurons in cultured spinal cords from rat embryos and was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. Mitochondrial uncouplers markedly blocked acute excitotoxicity, and membrane-permeable superoxide dismutase mimics attenuated acute excitotoxicity induced by glutamate and NMDA but not by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) or kainate. Fluorimetric analysis showed that mitochondrial Ca(2+) was elevated promptly with subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria. An NMDA receptor antagonist and a mitochondrial uncoupler eliminated the increase in fluorescence of mitochondrial Ca(2+) and ROS indicators. These data indicate that acute excitotoxicity in spinal neurons is mediated by mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload and ROS generation through the activation of NMDA receptors. This mechanism is different from that of chronic GNT.

Mitochondria and neuronal survival

Mitochondria play a central role in the survival and death of neurons. The detailed bioenergetic mechanisms by which isolated mitochondria generate ATP, sequester Ca(2+), generate reactive oxygen species, and undergo Ca(2+)-dependent permeabilization of their inner membrane are currently being applied to the function of mitochondria in situ within neurons under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here we review the functional bioenergetics of isolated mitochondria, with emphasis on the chemiosmotic proton circuit and the application (and occasional misapplication) of these principles to intact neurons. Mitochondria play an integral role in both necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell death, and the bioenergetic principles underlying current studies are reviewed.

Mechanisms of neuronal damage in brain hypoxia/ischemia: focus on the role of mitochondrial calcium accumulation

Following a hypoxic-ischemic insult, the collapse of ion gradients results in the inappropriate release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Although excitatory amino acids such as glutamate are the likely extracellular mediators of the ensuing neuronal cell death, the intracellular events occurring downstream of glutamate receptor activation are much less clear. The present review attempts to summarize how Ca2+ overload of neurons following a hypoxic-ischemic insult is neurotoxic. In particular, the interlocked relation between mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation and subsequent neuronal cell death is examined.

The effect of duration of cerebral ischemia on brain pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, energy metabolites, and blood flow during reperfusion in gerbil brain

The objective of this study was to determine whether the duration of an ischemic insult effects the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) in relation to the recovery of metabolites and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) immediately after ischemia and during reperfusion in gerbil cortex. Cerebral ischemia was induced, using the bilateral carotid artery occlusion method, for 20 or 60 min, followed by reperfusion up to 120 min. Immediately after ischemia PDH activity increased threefold regardless of ischemic duration. In the 60-min ischemic group, PDH remained activated, the recovery of high energy phosphates and the clearance of lactate were poor, and the rCBF was 48% of controls after 20-min reperfusion, decreasing gradually to 26% at 120-min reperfusion. In the 20-min ischemic group, PDH activity normalized quickly, the restoration of energy phosphates was good, there was a quick reduction in lactate within the first 60 min of reperfusion, and the rCBF was 65% of control at 20-min reperfusion, and remained over 48% of control throughout reperfusion. Recovery of metabolism after reperfusion did not parallel the changes in rCBF in either group, most noticeably in the 60-min ischemic group. The slow normalization of PDH activity reflected the poor recovery of metabolites in the 60-min ischemic group, indicating that PDH activity is important in the resynthesis of energy metabolites during reperfusion. In conclusion, prolonging the ischemic insult effected PDH activity during reperfusion, impaired recovery of energy metabolites, and worsened the recovery of rCBF.

Abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease fibroblasts bearing the APP670/671 mutation

Abnormalities in cultured fibroblasts from familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD) cases uniquely enable the determination of how gene defects alter cell biology in living tissue from affected individuals. The current study focused on measures of calcium regulation and oxidative metabolism in fibroblast lines from controls and FAD individuals with the Swedish APP670/671 mutation. Bombesin-induced elevations in calcium in APP670/671 mutation-bearing lines were reduced by 40% (p < 0.05), a striking contrast to the 100% increase seen in sporadic AD and presenilin-1 (PS1) mutation-bearing cells in previously published studies. The APP670/671 mutation-bearing lines did not exhibit the exaggerated 4-bromo-A23187 releasable pool of calcium following 10 nM bradykinin, the enhanced sensitivity of calcium stores to low concentrations of bradykinin, nor the reduced activity of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase previously reported in cells from sporadic AD and mutant PS1 FAD. Thus, an altered regulation of internal calcium stores is common to all AD lines, but the calcium pool affected and the polarity of the alteration varies, apparently in association with particular gene mutations. Comparison of signal transduction in cell lines from multiple, genetically characterized AD families will allow testing of the hypothesis that these various pathogenic FAD abnormalities that lead to AD converge at the level of abnormal signal transduction.

Increased cerebrospinal fluid pyruvate levels in Alzheimer's disease

Impaired energy metabolism is an early, predominant feature in Alzheimer's disease. In order to find out simple, reliable 'in vivo' markers for the clinical-biological typization of the disorder, we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose, lactate and pyruvate levels in patients suffering from dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) and in healthy elderly controls. DAT group showed remarkably higher levels of pyruvate (P = 0.01), with no overlap with the values obtained in controls. CSF pyruvate levels were also significantly associated with the severity of dementia. Therefore, CSF pyruvate levels neatly separate DAT patients from controls, having also pathogenetic value.

Effect of a ubiquinone-like molecule on oxidative energy metabolism in rat cortical synaptosomes at different ages

Persistent stimulation of energy consumption, induced by depolarization with veratridine, mimics a condition of abnormally enhanced energy demand and causes an increase in the oxygen consumption rate (QO2) and in the interconversion of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) into its active form. Wistar rats at the age of 26 months do not show alterations of QO2 and the ability of veratridine to increase QO2 in comparison with 6 month-old animals whereas the active form of PDHc is slightly but significantly reduced. Idebenone, a ubiquinone-like molecule (1 microM), does not affect the QO2 or PDHc activation state in resting conditions but attenuates the veratridine-challenged increase in QO2 at all the ages tested and attenuates the increase in the percentage of PDHa reaching statistical significance in 26-month-old rats. At higher concentration (10 microM) idebenone totally abolishes the veratridine-induced increase in PDHa also in the 6 month-old rats. At the lower concentration, the drug does not affect the increase in QO2 induced by an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. The results obtained suggest a protective effect of idebenone on the cerebral tissue against stressful conditions; this action may be exerted at the level of some mitochondrial component and/or on the Na+ homeostasis.

Alcohol inhibits the activation of NAD-linked dehydrogenases by calcium in brain and heart mitochondria

The effect of ethanol on the Ca(2+)-dependent activation of mitochondrial dehydrogenases in rat brain and heart mitochondria was investigated. ADP-stimulated respiration of isolated brain and heart mitochondria (state 3) was stimulated further by submicromolar concentrations of free calcium when respiring on non-saturating concentrations of NAD-linked substrates. The stimulation of oxidative phosphorylation by Ca2+ was correlated with an increase of the mitochondrial matrix free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]m), as measured by fura-2, and with an increased reduction of the mitochondrial NAD(P) pool, indicating an activation of Ca(2+)-dependent dehydrogenases. Sodium inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent stimulation of state 3 respiration and NAD(P) reduction as a result of stimulation of Ca2+ efflux through the Na+/Ca2+ antiporter which reduced the steady-state value of [Ca2+]m. Ethanol stimulated the Na+/Ca2+ antiporter both in brain and heart mitochondria. As a result of this stimulation, ethanol, at pharmacological concentrations (50-300 mM), enhanced the sodium-dependent reduction of [Ca2+]m, and thus attenuated the activation of NAD-linked dehydrogenases and the stimulation of oxidative phosphorylation, by submicromolar concentrations of Ca2+, both in brain and heart mitochondria. This pharmacological effect of ethanol, on brain and heart mitochondria, may be responsible, in part, for the acute and chronic effects of ethanol on brain and heart function and metabolism.

Age-related changes in cerebral oxidative metabolism. Implications for drug therapy

Glucose metabolism in the brain is of central significance. It contributes to the synthesis of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine, glutamate, aspartate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine, and yields adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the driving force of almost all cellular and molecular work. Neuronal glucose metabolism is controlled antagonistically by insulin and cortisol via amplification and desensitisation of the insulin signal from the insulin receptor. Normal aging of mammalian brains is associated with numerous inherent metabolic changes. The metabolic changes that are of pivotal importance include probable primary inherent variations in the neuronal insulin receptor, the desensitisation of the neuronal insulin receptor by circulating cortisol and receptor dysfunction subsequent to changes in membrane structure and function. As a consequence, slight aberrations in glucose/energy metabolism become obvious under resting conditions, indicating incipient variations of neuronal homeostasis as a common path in the aging process. Subsequent to the changes in glucose metabolism and energy production, variations occur in acetylcholine synthesis and release, extracellular concentration and receptor binding of glutamate and cytosolic Ca++ homeostasis. Additionally, free radical formation and membrane structure changes must be considered as primary changes during aging. Stressful events occurring more frequently during aging aggravate and prolong these changes that are accompanied by membrane liability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Physiological role of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport

A model has been proposed in which mitochondrial Ca2+ ion transport serves to regulate mitochondrial matrix free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m), with the advantage to the animal that this allows the regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and the tricarboxylate cycle in response to energy demand. This article examines recent evidence for dehydrogenase activation and for increases in [Ca2+]m in response to increased tissue energy demands, especially in cardiac myocytes and in heart. It critiques recent results on beat-to-beat variation in [Ca2+]m in cardiac muscle and also briefly surveys the impact of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport on transient changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ in excitable tissues. Finally, it proposes that a failure to elevate [Ca2+]m sufficiently in response to work load may underlie some cardiomyopathies of metabolic origin.

Alteration of pallidal cholinergic activity in MPTP-treated monkeys: effect of dihydro-alpha-ergocryptine (DEK)

Monkeys, intravenously administered with MPTP at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days, develop a severe Parkinson-like syndrome. Cholinergic enzyme activities are increased in the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) and into a lesser extent in the external globus pallidus (GPe). Cholinergic activities are not significantly affected in the caudate and putamen nor in the frontal, parietotemporal, occipital cortices and in the cerebellum. The treatment of the animals twice daily for 2 weeks with dihydro-alpha-ergocryptine (DEK) starting 5 days before the first MPTP administration counteracts the neurotoxin-induced alteration in the internal pallidum and ameliorates some motor related parkinsonian symptoms.

The role of cytosolic free calcium in the regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase in synaptosomes

Calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism interact closely in brain and both processes are impaired during hypoxia. Since the regulation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) may link these two processes, the relation of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) to the activation state of PDHC (PDHa) was assessed in isolated nerve terminals (i.e. synaptosomes) under conditions that alter [Ca2+]i. K+ depolarization elevated [Ca2+]i and PDHa and both responses required external calcium. Treatment with KCN, an in vitro model of hypoxia decreased ATP and elevated [Ca2+]i and PDHa. Furthermore, in the presence of KCN, PDHa became more sensitive to K+ depolarization as indicated by larger changes in PDHa than in [Ca2+]i. The calcium ionophore Br-A23187 elevated [Ca2+]i, but did not affect PDHa. K+ depolarization elevated [Ca2+]i and PDHa even if [Ca2+]i was elevated by prior addition of ionophore or KCN. Previous in vivo studies by others show that PDHa is altered during and after ischemia. The current in vitro results suggest that hypoxia, only one component of ischemia, is sufficient to increase PDHa. These data also further support the notion that PDHa is regulated by [Ca2+]i as well as by other factors such as ATP. Our results are consistent with the concept that PDHa in nerve endings may be affected by [Ca2+]i and that these two processes are clearly linked.

Anaerobic glycolysis and postanoxic recovery of respiration of rat cortical synaptosomes are reduced by synaptosomal sodium load

Synaptosomes of rat cerebral cortex were used to study the effect of veratridine-induced Na+ load on postanoxic recovery of respiration and on aerobic and anaerobic ATP turnover, calculated from rates of oxygen consumption and lactate production. Non-stimulated synaptosomes: after onset of anoxia lactate synthesis of synaptosomes rose immediately from 0.8 to 17.7 nmol lactate/min/mg protein indicating an anaerobic ATP turnover of 17.7 nmol ATP/min/mg protein. This value accounts for 80% of ATP synthesized during oxygenated conditions and seems to cover the energetic demand of anoxic synaptosomes. This assumption was supported by linearity of lactate production throughout anoxia (90 min), by unaffected synaptosomal integrity and by complete recovery of postanoxic respiration after 90 min of anoxia. Stimulated synaptosomes: stimulation of oxygenated synaptosomes with 10(-5) mol/l veratridine enhanced ATP turnover 5-fold, due to activation of Na+/K+ ATPase, as a result of veratridine-induced Na+ influx. Consequently, if not limited in capacity, anaerobic ATP synthesis should be enhanced after addition of veratridine during anoxia. However, the opposite effect was observed. Veratridine reduced anaerobic glycolysis in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect could be prevented by tetrodotoxin applied 5 min prior to veratridine. Inhibition of anaerobic glycolysis was independent of extrasynaptosomal glucose (1-30 mmol/l) and Ca2+ concentration (Ca(2+)-free and 1.2 mmol/l Ca2+). Veratridine stimulation of anoxic synaptosomes reduced also the recovery of postanoxic respiration. The data indicate that Na+ load inhibits anaerobic ATP synthesis, the only energy source during anaerobic conditions. To our knowledge, inhibition of anaerobic glycolysis due to increased Na+ influx has not been shown so far.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase dephosphorylation in rat brain synaptosomes and mitochondria: evidence for a calcium-mediated effect in response to depolarization, and variations due to ageing

The phosphorylation state of P42, the phosphorylated, catalytically inactive, alpha-subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), decreased markedly (42.4%) in response to K(+)-depolarization of synaptosomes. The dephosphorylation was rapid (5-15 s), calcium-dependent and could also be observed in isolated mitochondria exposed to a rise in extramitochondrial calcium, suggesting that P42 dephosphorylation may act as a calcium sensor in the mitochondrial matrix. The depolarization-dependent dephosphorylation rate of P42 was decreased in synaptosomes derived from 24-month-old animals with respect to 3-month-old adults. The relevance of these results in terms of PDH activation during ageing is discussed.

Oxidative energy metabolism in Alzheimer brain. Studies in early-onset and late-onset cases

Reduction of the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose is one of the most predominant abnormalities generally found in the Alzheimer brain, whereas the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen is only slightly diminished or not at all the beginning of this dementive disorder. This metabolic abnormality may induce severe functional disturbances, obviously preceding morphobiological changes. From the cerebral metabolic rates of oxidized glucose and oxygen, the cerebral ATP formation rate was calculated in incipient early-onset, incipient late-onset and stable advanced dementia of Alzheimer type. A reduction of ATP formation was found from at least 7% in incipient early-onset, to around 20% in incipient late-onset DAT, and from 35% to more than 50% in stable advanced dementia. This approximation was adjusted to findings demonstrating diminished activities of enzymes active in glucose metabolism and formation of oxidation equivalents for ATP production from substrates other than glucose. A reduction for energy formation to the same range was found, as was also recently reported, in vivo in Alzheimer patients. From this rather theoretical point of view, a permanent loss of energy by at least 7-20% in incipient and progressively advancing dementia of the Alzheimer type may be assumed, with an increasing tendency in stable advanced dementia to around 50% energy loss. This energy deficit may have drastic impacts on brain function.

Ca(2+)-dependent changes in the mitochondrial energetics in single dissociated mouse sensory neurons

Depolarization of neurons promotes Ca2+ influx through voltage-activated channels, raising the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The consequences of such changes in [Ca2+]i for mitochondrial function were assessed in single, freshly dissociated mammalian neurons. Microfluorimetric techniques were used to measure [Ca2+]i, mitochondrial membrane potential [delta psi m, Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123) fluorescence], NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ autofluorescence and flavoprotein autofluorescence combined with whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. Brief (100-500 ms) depolarization of the cell membrane by high K+ or by voltage commands raised [Ca2+]i and depolarized delta psi m. The change in delta psi m was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Under voltage-clamp control of the cell membrane, the voltage-dependence of the change in Rh 123 fluorescence reflected that of the Ca2+ current. The response was reduced by Ca2+ buffers introduced into the cell. The behaviour of this signal is thus consistent with a mitochondrial response to raised [Ca2+]i and does not reflect the change in cell membrane potential per se. Similar stimuli caused a rapid decrease of NAD(P)H autofluorescence, followed by an increase which could last several minutes. Flavoprotein fluorescence increased transiently, followed by a decrease lasting for several minutes. These signals indicate an initial oxidation of NAD(P)H and FADH, followed by a prolonged increase in the reduced state of both coenzymes. All these changes were dependent on extracellular [Ca2+]. Raising [Ca2+]i again during the period of NAD+ reduction caused an oxidizing response. Ruthenium Red applied to the cells (i) reduced both the Ca2+ current and the depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transient and (ii) directly quenched Rh 123 fluorescence. When introduced into the cells with patch pipettes, it prevented the changes in autofluorescence without interfering with the Ca2+ conductance. Oligomycin blocked neither the response of delta psi m nor of NADH autofluorescence, suggesting that the signals do not reflect a response to falling ATP/ADP.Pi ratios as a consequence of the high [Ca2+]i. The changes in NADH autofluorescence were sustained in the presence of iodoacetic acid with pyruvate as substrate. Thus brief physiological elevations of [Ca2+]i depolarize delta psi m, probably through Ca2+ cycling across the mitochondrial inner membrane. The changes in autofluorescence are consistent with (i) increased respiration which could result from the depolarization of delta psi m, followed rapidly by (ii) increased activity of the Ca(2+)-dependent intramitochondrial enzymes. Changes in [Ca2+]i within a physiological range may thus promote significant and long-lasting changes in mitochondrial energy production.

Regulation of cytosolic free calcium concentration by intrasynaptic mitochondria

By the use of digitonin permeabilized presynaptic nerve terminals (synaptosomes), we have found that intrasynaptic mitochondria, when studied "in situ," i.e., surrounded by their cytosolic environment, are able to buffer calcium in a range of calcium concentrations close to those usually present in the cytosol of resting synaptosomes. Adenine nucleotides and polyamines, which are usually lost during isolation of mitochondria, greatly improve the calcium-sequestering activity of mitochondria in permeabilized synaptosomes. The hypothesis that the mitochondria contributes to calcium homeostasis at low resting cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in synaptosomes has been tested; it has been found that in fact this is the case. Intrasynaptic mitochondria actively accumulates calcium at [Ca2+]i around 10(-7) M, and this activity is necessary for the regulation of [Ca2+]i. When compared with other membrane-limited calcium pools, it was found that depending on external concentration the calcium pool mobilized from mitochondria is similar or even greater than the IP3- or caffeine-sensitive calcium pools. In summary, the results presented argue in favor of a more prominent role of mitochondria in regulating [Ca2+]i in presynaptic nerve terminals, a role that should be reconsidered for other cellular types in light of the present evidence.

Dehydrogenase activation by Ca2+ in cells and tissues

The activation of intramitochondrial dehydrogenases by Ca2+ provides a link between the intensity of work performance by a tissue and the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase and the tricarboxylate cycle, and hence the rate of ATP production by the mitochondria. Several aspects of this model of the control of oxidative phosphorylation are examined in this article, with particular emphasis on mitochondrial functioning in situ in cardiac myocytes and in the intact heart. Recent use of the fluorescent Ca2+ chelating agents indo-1 and fura-2 has allowed a more quantitative description of the dependence of dehydrogenase activity upon concentration of free intramitochondrial Ca2+, in experiments with isolated mitochondria. Further, a novel technique developed by Miyata et al. has allowed description of free intramitochondrial Ca2+ within a single cardiac myocyte, and the conclusion that this parameter changes in response to electrical excitation of the cell over a range which would be expected to give substantial modulation of dehydrogenase activity.

Phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase in the hippocampal slice: time course of response to cellular depolarization

In the rat hippocampal slice, we evaluated the effects of potassium depolarization on phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (E1 alpha, mol. wt. approximately 41 kDa) using an in vitro back-titration assay. The in vitro back-titration phosphorylation of El alpha was maximal following 30 s of depolarization and remained elevated for up to 3 min following termination of the depolarizing pulse. Possible significance of and mechanisms for the depolarization-induced changes in E1 alpha phosphorylation are discussed.

Depolarization-induced changes in cellular energy production

Addition of high concentrations of KC1 to preparations of rat brain synaptosomes incubated with either glucose or pyruvate caused a transient stimulation of oxygen uptake. This increased respiration was insensitive to 1 mM ouabain and 10 microM ruthenium red but was dependent upon the presence of calcium. With 40 mM KCl in the incubation medium, the levels of high-energy phosphate compounds in the synaptosomes were unaltered, whereas pyridine nucleotides underwent a rapid, albeit small and temporary, oxidation. It is postulated that there is a calcium-dependent mechanism in synaptosomes through which the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain or of oxidative phosphorylation is stimulated directly without the involvement of either adenine nucleotides or mitochondrial dehydrogenases.

Conditions restricting depolarization-dependent calcium influx in synaptosomes reveal a graded response of P96 dephosphorylation and a transient dephosphorylation of P65

Temporal changes in the phosphorylation level of synaptosomal phosphoproteins following depolarization of synaptosomes were investigated under conditions restricting calcium influx. High-K+ depolarization in media of low [Na+]o (32 mM during preincubation and depolarization) at pH 6.5 resulted in a pronounced fall in the cytosolic free calcium concentration transient, and in a reduction in the initial K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake and endogenous acetylcholine release relative to the values obtained with control synaptosomes (preincubated and depolarized in Na(+)-based media). This reduction was paralleled by a decrease in the rate of dephosphorylation of the synaptosomal protein P96. A slower dephosphorylation of P96 also was observed on exposure to 20 microM veratridine at 0.5 mM external calcium. Our results indicate that, similar to synapsin I phosphorylation, P96 dephosphorylation shows a graded response to the amount of calcium entering the presynaptic terminal. Depolarization of synaptosomes under conditions restricting the influx of calcium revealed a transient dephosphorylation (reversed within 10 s) of the phosphoprotein P65. The possible significance of this finding to the process of neurotransmitter release is discussed.

Depolarization and synaptosomal glutamine utilization

Synaptosomes prepared by discontinuous Ficoll gradient centrifugation were either pre-incubated with glutamine or incubated with releasing agents in the presence of glutamine. Under both conditions, KCl and 4-aminopyridine (agents with specificity toward the calcium-dependent pool) produced elevated glutamate (but not GABA) release when glutamine was included. AMPA and veratridine produced the same glutamate release in the presence or absence of glutamine. These data support the hypothesis that glutamine utilization is involved in the release of glutamate from calcium-dependent pools.

A pharmacological model for studying the role of Na+ gradients in the modulation of synaptosomal free [Ca2+]i levels and energy metabolism

Lactate production (Jlac), oxygen consumption rate (QO2), plasma membrane potentials (Em) and cytosolic free calcium levels [Ca2+]i were studied on synaptosomes isolated from rat brains, incubated in presence of high doses of nicardipine (90 microM), diltiazem (0.5 mM) and verapamil (0.25 mM), and submitted to depolarizing stimulation or inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Nicardipine was able to completely prevent the veratridine-induced stimulation of Jlac, QO2 and Em depolarization, whereas diltiazem and verapamil were less effective, although the concentrations used were 5 and 3 times higher, respectively, than nicardipine. Diltiazem, verapamil and nicardipine (9 microM) also prevented the veratridine-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, this effect being much less pronounced if the drugs were added after veratridine. Monensin (20 microM) was also able to increase [Ca2+]i but this effect was not affected by verapamil. Synaptosomes were also submitted to an inhibition of respiration of intrasynaptic mitochondria by incubation with rotenone (5 microM); in this condition of mimicked hypoxia Em was more positive of about 11 mV; none of the drugs utilized modified this situation. The rotenone-induced 3-fold increase in Jlac was barely modified by diltiazem and verapamil but it was completely abolished by nicardipine. The possible mechanism of the counteracting action of the drugs towards veratridine stimulation and rotenone inhibition and the involvement of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in affecting [Ca2+]i are discussed.

Brain glucose and energy metabolism during normal aging

The mature, healthy, non-starved mammalian brain uses glucose only as a source of energy in the form of ATP, which is necessary for several metabolic processes, such as the maintenance of cellular homeostasis via ion homeostasis, maintenance of the integrity of cellular compartments, and intracellular transportation processes for the formation of several neurotransmitters, neurotransmission itself and a few anabolic reactions. Glucose breakdown contributes to the formation of the neurotransmitters: acetylcholine, glutamate, aspartate, gamma-aminobutyrate, and glycine. Normal cerebral aging is associated with an incipient perturbation in both cerebral glucose and related metabolism, that determines an energy deficit and thus an imbalance in cell homeostasis after the 7th or 8th decade of human life, indicating a threshold phenomenon. This is evidenced by morphological/morphobiological abnormalities comprising neuronal loss and structural changes. These events are thought to cause a marked reduction in the biological plasticity of the brain, which may be severely involved after additional stress situations such as ischemia, hypoxia or hypoglycemia. The age-related increasing perturbation of neuronal homeostasis may represent a stress situation capable of inducing heat shock proteins effecting gene activity. Thus, several age-related metabolic abnormalities at the cellular level, starting with a deficient neuronal glucose and energy metabolism, can be regarded as risk factors for neuronal damage and death, and hence reduced mental capacity.

The role of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport and matrix Ca2+ in signal transduction in mammalian tissues

The pyruvate, NAD(+)-isocitrate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenases are key regulatory enzymes in intramitochondrial oxidative metabolism in mammalian tissues, and can all be activated by increases in Ca2+ in the micromolar range. There is now mounting evidence that hormones and other stimuli which act by increasing cytosolic Ca2+ also, as a result, cause increases in mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ and hence activation of these enzymes, suggesting that the primary physiological function of mitochondrial Ca2(+)-transport is to be involved in this relay mechanism. This may also explain how in such circumstances rates of ATP production may be increased to meet the greater demand, but without any decreases in ATP/ADP occurring.

Preischemic hyperglycemia and postischemic alteration of rat brain pyruvate dehydrogenase activity

Transient cerebral ischemia in normoglycemic animals is followed by a decrease in glucose utilization, reflecting a postischemic cerebral metabolic depression and a reduction in the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC). Preischemic hyperglycemia, which aggravates ischemic brain damage and invariably causes seizure, is known to further reduce cerebral metabolic rate. To investigate whether these effects are accompanied by changes in PDHC activity, the postischemic cerebral cortical activity of this enzyme was investigated in rats with preischemic hyperglycemia (plasma glucose 20-25 mM). The results were compared with those obtained in normoglycemic animals (plasma glucose 5-10 mM). The activated portion of PDHC and total PDHC activity were measured in neocortical samples as the rate of decarboxylation of [14C]pyruvate in crude brain mitochondrial homogenates after 5 min, 15 min, 1 h, 6 h, and 18 h of recirculation following 15 min of incomplete cerebral ischemia. In normoglycemic animals the fraction of activated PDHC, which rises abruptly during ischemia, was reduced to 19-25% during recirculation compared with 30% in sham-operated controls. In hyperglycemic rats the fraction of activated PDHC was higher during the first 15 min of recirculation. However, after 1 and 6 h of recirculation, the fraction was reduced to values similar to those measured in normoglycemic animals. Fifteen of 26 rats experienced early (1-4 h post ischemia) seizures in the recovery period. The PDHC activity appeared unchanged prior to these early postischemic seizures. We conclude that the accentuated depression of postischemic metabolic rate observed in hyperglycemic animals is not coupled to a corresponding postischemic depression of PDHC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)