Inhibition of peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase by antimycin A.

Peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase was inhibited by micromolar concentrations of antimycin A, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration. The inhibition was observed with all three substrates tested, i.e. palmitoyl-CoA, trihydroxycoprostanoyl-CoA and hexadecanedioyl-CoA. The peroxisomal D-amino acid oxidase was also inhibited by antimycin, but the peroxisomal L-alpha-hydroxyacid oxidase and uric acid oxidase and the mitochondrial monoamine oxidase were not. The degree of inhibition of acyl-CoA oxidase by antimycin was strongly dependent on the amount of cellular protein present in the assay mixture: at a fixed antimycin concentration, the inhibition was gradually lost with increasing protein concentrations. At a fixed cellular protein concentration in the assay mixtures, the mitochondrial oxidation of glutamate or palmitoylcarnitine was inhibited at antimycin concentrations that were much lower than those required for the inhibition of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase. Our results, nevertheless, demonstrate that antimycin A must be used with caution, when it is added to homogenates or subcellular fractions in order to distinguish between mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation.     

Direct effect of Taxol on free radical formation and mitochondrial permeability transition

To elucidate the potential role of mitochondria in Taxol-induced cytotoxicity, we studied its direct mitochondrial effects. In Percoll-gradient purified liver mitochondria, Taxol induced large amplitude swelling in a concentration-dependent manner in the microM range. Opening of the permeability pore was also confirmed by the access of mitochondrial matrix enzymes for membrane impermeable substrates in Taxol-treated mitochondria. Taxol induced the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) determined by Rhodamine123 release and induced the release of cytochrome c from the intermembrane space. All these effects were inhibited by 2.5 microM cyclosporine A. Taxol significantly increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the aqueous and the lipid phase as determined by dihydrorhodamine123 and resorufin derivative. Cytochrome oxidase inhibitor CN(-), azide, and NO abrogated the Taxol-induced mitochondrial ROS formation while inhibitors of the other respiratory complexes and cyclosporine A had no effect. We confirmed that the Taxol-induced collapse of DeltaPsi and the induction of ROS production occurs in BRL-3A cells. In conclusion, Taxol-induced adenine nucleotide translocase-cyclophilin complex mediated permeability transition, and cytochrome oxidase mediated ROS production. Because both cytochrome c release and mitochondrial ROS production can induce suicide pathways, the direct mitochondrial effects of Taxol may contribute to its cytotoxicity.     

Role of cytochrome P-450IIE1 in N-nitroso-N-methylaniline induced hepatocyte cytotoxicity.

1. The cytotoxicity of N-nitrosomethylaniline (NMA) towards hepatocytes isolated from rats was prevented by acetone or ethanol (inhibitors for cytochrome P-450IIE1) but not by metyrapone or SKF525A (inhibitors for cytochrome P-450IIB1/2). Various alcohols, secondary ketones and isothiocyanates that induced cytochrome P-450IIE1 were also found to be protective. Various aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents that are substrates or inducers of cytochrome P-450IIE1 also prevented NMA cytotoxicity. Nitrogen-containing heterocycles that induced cytochrome P-450IIE1 were less effective. Further evidence that cytochrome P-450IIE1 was responsible for the activation of NMA was the marked increase in hepatocyte susceptibility if hepatocytes from pyrazole-induced rats were used. 2. NMA was more cytotoxic to hepatocytes isolated from phenobarbital-pretreated rats than uninduced rats. However, metyrapone now prevented and SKF525A delayed the cytotoxicity whereas ethanol, acetone, allyl isocyanate, isoniazid or trichloroethylene had no effect on the susceptibility of phenobarbital-induced hepatocytes. Furthermore, microsomes isolated from phenobarbital-pretreated rats had higher NMA-N-demethylase activity which was more inhibited by metyrapone and SKF525A than that of uninduced microsomal activity. By contrast the N-demethylase activity of phenobarbital induced microsomes was more resistant to acetone, ethanol, hexanal, trichloroethylene and toluene than uninduced microsome. 3. The above results suggest that cytochrome P-450IIE1 catalyses the cytotoxic activation of NMA in normal or pyrazole-induced hepatocytes whereas cytochrome P-450IIB1/2 is responsible for cytotoxicity in phenobarbital-induced hepatocytes.     

Cytochrome P450 2E1 metabolically activates propargyl alcohol: propiolaldehyde-induced hepatocyte cytotoxicity

Pargyline, an antihypertensive agent and monoamine oxidase inhibitor, induces hepatic GSH depletion and hepatotoxicity in vivo in rats [E.G. De Master, H.W. Sumner, E. Kaplan, F. N. Shirota, H.T. Nagasawa, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 65 (1982) 390-401]. Propargyl alcohol (2-propyn-1-ol), because of its structural similarity to allyl alcohol, was thought to be activated by alcohol dehydrogenase. However, it is a poor substrate compared to allyl alcohol and it was therefore proposed that propargyl alcohol-induced liver injury involved metabolic activation by catalase/H(2)O(2) [E.G. De Master, T. Dahlseid, B. Redfern, Chem. Res. Toxicol. 7 (1994) 414-419]. In the following we showed that; (1) propargyl alcohol-induced cytotoxicity was markedly enhanced in CYP 2E1-induced hepatocytes and prevented by various CYP 2E1 inhibitors but was only slightly affected when alcohol dehydrogenase was inhibited with methylpyrazole/DMSO or when catalase was inactivated with azide or aminotriazole, (2) hepatocyte GSH depletion preceded cytotoxicity and was inhibited by cytochrome P450 inhibitors but not by catalase/alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors. GSH conjugate formation during propargyl alcohol metabolism by microsomal mixed function oxidase in the presence of GSH was also prevented by anti-rat CYP 2E1 or CYP 2E1 inhibitors, (3) cytotoxicity was prevented when lipid peroxidation was inhibited with antioxidants, desferoxamine (ferric chelator) or dithiothreitol. Propargyl alcohol-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species formation were markedly increased in GSH-depleted hepatocytes. All of this evidence suggests that propargyl alcohol-induced cytotoxicity involves metabolic activation by CYP 2E1 to form propiolaldehyde that causes hepatocyte lysis as a result of GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation.     

The molecular mechanisms of diallyl disulfide and diallyl sulfide induced hepatocyte cytotoxicity

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl sulfide (DAS) are the major metabolites found in garlic oil and have been reported to lower cholesterol and prevent cancer. The molecular cytotoxic mechanisms of DADS and DAS have not been determined.The cytotoxic effectiveness of hydrogen versus allyl sulfides towards hepatocytes was found to be as follows: NaHS > DADS > DAS. Hepatocyte mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and TBARS formation was increased by all three allyl sulfides. (1) DADS induced cytotoxicity was prevented by the H₂S scavenger hydroxocobalamin, which also prevented cytochrome oxidase dependent mitochondrial respiration suggesting that H₂S inhibition of cytochrome oxidase contributed to DADS hepatocyte cytotoxicity. (2) DAS cytotoxicity on the other hand was prevented by hydralazine, an acrolein trap. Hydralazine also prevented DAS induced GSH depletion, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased ROS and TBARS formation. Chloral hydrate, the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 inhibitor, however had the opposite effects, which could suggest that acrolein contributed to DAS hepatocyte cytotoxicity.     

Mitochondria from human term placenta. II. Characterization of respiratory pathways and coupling mechanisms.

Pathways of electron transport utilized for respiration in human term placental mitochondrial preparations were differentiated and characterized through the use of classical respiratory chain inhibitors and multiple sources of reducing equivalents. Mechanisms of associated energy conservation and utilization were examined in the preparations with uncouplers and inhibitors of phosphorylation. Inhibition by rotenone, antimycin A and cyanide established the classical electron transport chain as the major pathway of respiration with glutamate and succinate as substrates. Approximately 20% of glutamate-supported respiration was insensitive to inhibitors and may proceed by the cytochrome P-450 linked pathway of electron transport. Approximately 50% of ascorbate-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine supported respiration was insensitive to 10-3 M cycanide and must utilize an undefined by-pass of cytochrome oxidase. A rotenone- and antimycin-insensitive, exterior pathway for NADH oxidation was demonstrated which could be artificially linked by exogenous cytochrome c to the cytochrome oxidase region of the classical electron transport system. Glycerol 3-phosphate also supported oxidative phosphorylation yielding ADP/O ratios of 2. Respiration of placental mitochondria was stimulated by 2,4-dinitrophenol and gramicidin. With succinate, dinitrophenol-stimulated respiration exceeded that obtained in the presence of ADP. Oligomycin and atractyloside prevented the stimulation of respiration by ADP. Thus, respiration appeared coupled through normal mechanisms to ATP formation and ion transport. A preferential coupling of respiration to the energy-utilizing processes of steroid hormone biosynthesis may exist.     

Cytochrome P450 2E1 metabolically activates propargyl alcohol: propiolaldehyde-induced hepatocyte cytotoxicity

Pargyline, an antihypertensive agent and monoamine oxidase inhibitor, induces hepatic GSH depletion and hepatotoxicity in vivo in rats [E.G. De Master, H.W. Sumner, E. Kaplan, F. N. Shirota, H.T. Nagasawa, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 65 (1982) 390–401]. Propargyl alcohol (2-propyn-1-ol), because of its structural similarity to allyl alcohol, was thought to be activated by alcohol dehydrogenase. However, it is a poor substrate compared to allyl alcohol and it was therefore proposed that propargyl alcohol-induced liver injury involved metabolic activation by catalase/H₂O₂ [E.G. De Master, T. Dahlseid, B. Redfern, Chem. Res. Toxicol. 7 (1994) 414–419]. In the following we showed that; (1) propargyl alcohol-induced cytotoxicity was markedly enhanced in CYP 2E1-induced hepatocytes and prevented by various CYP 2E1 inhibitors but was only slightly affected when alcohol dehydrogenase was inhibited with methylpyrazole/DMSO or when catalase was inactivated with azide or aminotriazole, (2) hepatocyte GSH depletion preceded cytotoxicity and was inhibited by cytochrome P450 inhibitors but not by catalase/alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors. GSH conjugate formation during propargyl alcohol metabolism by microsomal mixed function oxidase in the presence of GSH was also prevented by anti-rat CYP 2E1 or CYP 2E1 inhibitors, (3) cytotoxicity was prevented when lipid peroxidation was inhibited with antioxidants, desferoxamine (ferric chelator) or dithiothreitol. Propargyl alcohol-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species formation were markedly increased in GSH-depleted hepatocytes. All of this evidence suggests that propargyl alcohol-induced cytotoxicity involves metabolic activation by CYP 2E1 to form propiolaldehyde that causes hepatocyte lysis as a result of GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation.     

Oxidative phosphorylation supported by an alternative respiratory pathway in mitochondria from Euglena

The effect of antimycin, myxothiazol, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide, stigmatellin and cyanide on respiration, ATP synthesis, cytochrome c reductase, and membrane potential in mitochondria isolated from dark-grown Euglena cells was determined. With L-lactate as substrate, ATP synthesis was partially inhibited by antimycin, but the other four inhibitors completely abolished the process. Cyanide also inhibited the antimycin-resistant ATP synthesis. Membrane potential was collapsed (<60 mV) by cyanide and stigmatellin. However, in the presence of antimycin, a H(+)60 mV) that sufficed to drive ATP synthesis remained. Cytochrome c reductase, with L-lactate as donor, was diminished by antimycin and myxothiazol. Cytochrome bc(1) complex activity was fully inhibited by antimycin, but it was resistant to myxothiazol. Stigmatellin inhibited both L-lactate-dependent cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome bc(1) complex activities. Respiration was partially inhibited by the five inhibitors. The cyanide-resistant respiration was strongly inhibited by diphenylamine, n-propyl-gallate, salicylhydroxamic acid and disulfiram. Based on these results, a model of the respiratory chain of Euglena mitochondria is proposed, in which a quinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase resistant to antimycin, and a quinol oxidase resistant to antimycin and cyanide are included.     

In vitro maturation of rabbit reticulocytes: oxygen consumption reaction]

With a simple experimental system the changes of endogenous, antimycin A-suppressed, oligomycin-suppressed and antimycin A-resistant oxygen consumption are studied during the maturation of intact cells of the 6th day of bleeding. All functional characteristics of oxygen consumption decrease during maturation. The rate of decrease is strongly increased by high inorganic phosphate concentrations (125 mM). This effect is most obvious for the oligomycin-suppressed and the endogenous respiration. The degree of uncoupling of non-incubated cells is 14%. During 24 h incubation it rises to 75%. Inorganic phosphate accelerates the increase of uncoupling during maturation. Reticulocytes of the 4th day of bleeding are characterized by a higher respiratory capacity and also by a higher rate of maturation of antimycin A-suppressed and endogenous respiration. The degree of uncoupling does not increase during maturation. This may be attributed to the low lipoxygenase activity of these cells. 25% of the endogenous oxygen consumption of unmatured cells are antimycin A-resistant. This type of respiration declines by 50% in 4 h incubation irrespective of inorganic phosphate concentrations and day of bleeding. In nitrogen all functional characteristics of respiration during the maturation decline more rapidly than in oxygen. The antimycin A-resistant respiration, however decreased more slowly and reached 50% after 12 h. A pH dependence of maturation (maximum at pH 8.4) was found for the endogenous and the antimycin A-suppressed respiration. The degree of uncoupling rises most quickly at pH 7.4. This is possibly related to the pH maximum of lipoxygenase.     

Cytoprotective and anticancer properties of coenzyme Q versus capsaicin

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and serves as an electron donor and acceptor in mitochondrial energy-linked respiration. CoQ1 was shown to prevent ROS formation and cell death in complex 1 inhibited cells. Low concentrations of capsaicin like CoQ1 inhibited ROS formation but CoQ1 was more effective at restoring the mitochondrial membrane potential collapse caused by complex 1 inhibitors such as rotenone. At low concentrations, capsaicin acts as a CoQ mimic by protecting against rotenone induced ROS formation and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse. Lipid peroxidation in isolated rat hepatocytes induced by cumene hydroperoxide and chloroacetaldehyde was also prevented. At higher concentrations, capsaicin and CoQ1 became cytotoxic. Hep G2 cells were more susceptible than hepatocytes. The cytotoxic mechanism for both capsaicin and CoQ1 was shown to involve a collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, however, only capsaicin caused ROS formation. The capsaicin side chain was required for capsaicin induced cytotoxicity. The anticancer properties of CoQ1 and capsaicin should prove useful for inducing tumor cell apoptosis.     

Cyanide-Resistant Respiration in Neurospora crassa

Cell respiration in wild type and poky was studied as part of a long-term investigation of cyanide-resistant respiration in Neurospora. Respiration in wild type proceeds via a cytochrome chain which is similar to that of higher organisms; it is sensitive to antimycin A or cyanide. Poky, on the other hand, respires by means of two alternative oxidase systems. One of these is analogous to the wild-type cytochrome chain in that it can be inhibited by antimycin A or cyanide; this system accounts for as much as 15% of the respiration of poky f(-) and 34% of the respiration of poky f(+). The second oxidase system is unaffected by antimycin A or cyanide at concentrations which inhibit the cytochrome chain maximally. It can, however, be specifically inhibited by salicyl hydroxamic acid. The cyanide-resistant oxidase is not exclusive to poky, but is also present in small quantities in wild type grown under ordinary circumstances. These quantities may be greatly increased (as much as 20-fold) by growing wild type in the presence of antimycin A, cyanide, or chloramphenicol.     

Mitochondria from human term placenta. II. Characterization of respiratory pathways and coupling mechanisms

Pathways of electron transport utilized for respiration in human term placental mitochondrial preparations were differentiated and characterized through the use of classical respiratory chain inhibitors and multiple sources of reducing equivalents. Mechanisms of associated energy conservation and utilization were examined in these preparations with uncouplers and inhibitors of phosphorylation.

Inhibition by rotenone, antimycin A and cyanide established the classical electron transport chain as the major pathway of respiration with glutamate and succinate as substrates. Approximately 20% of glutamate-supported respiration was insensitive to inhibitors and may proceed by the cytochrome P-450 linked pathway of electron transport. Approximately 50% of ascorbate-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine supported respiration was insensitive to 10⁻³ M cyanide and must utilize an undefined by-pass of cytochrome oxidase. A rotenone- and antimycin-insensitive, exterior pathway for NADH oxidation was demonstrated which could be artificially linked by exogenous cytochrome c to the cytochrome oxidase region of the classical electron transport system. Glycerol 3-phosphate also supported oxidative phosphorylation yielding ADP/O ratios of 2.

Respiration of placental mitochondria was stimulated by 2,4- dinitrophenol and gramicidin. With succinate, dinitrophenol-stimulated respiration exceeded that obtain-red in the presence of ADP. Oligomycin and atractyloside prevented the stimulation of respiration by ADP. Thus, respiration appeared coupled through normal mechanisms to ATP formation and ion transport. A preferential coupling of respiration to the energy-utilizing processes of steroid hormone biosynthesis may exist.     

ATP synthesis during exogenous NADH oxidation. A reappraisal

This paper reports a reinvestigation on the pathway for mitochondrial oxidation of exogenous NADH and on the related ATP synthesis, first reported 30 years ago (Lehninger, A.L. (1951) J. Biol. Chem. 190, 345-359). NADH oxidation, both in intact and in water-treated mitochondria, is 90% inhibited by mersalyl, an inhibitor of the outer membrane NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, and 10% inhibited by rotenone. The mersalyl-sensitive, but not the rotenone-sensitive, portion of NADH oxidation is stimulated by exogenous cytochrome c. Part of ATP synthesis is independent of exogenous NADH and cytochrome c, and is inhibited by rotenone and antimycin A, and is therefore due to oxidation of endogenous substrates. Another part of ATP synthesis is dependent on exogenous NADH and cytochrome c, is insensitive to rotenone and antimycin A, and is due to operation of cytochrome oxidase. It is concluded that (i) oxidation of exogenous NADH in the presence of cytochrome c proceeds mostly through NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase and cytochrome b5 on the outer membrane and then through cytochrome oxidase via the cytochrome c shuttle, and (ii) ATP synthesis during oxidation of exogenous NADH is partly due to oxidation of endogenous substrates and partly to operation of cytochrome oxidase receiving electrons from the outer membrane via cytochrome c.     

Cyanide- and hydroxamate-resistant respiration in Neurospora crassa.

Strain inl-89601 of Neurospora crassa respires exclusively by means of the mitochondrial cytochrome chain. The respiration of this strain is entirely inhibited by cyanide or antimycin A, the classical inhibitors of cytochrome chain respiration. When this strain was grown in the presence of chloramphenicol, however, two additional terminal oxidases were detected. One of these oxidases is inhibited by substituted hydroxamic acids and has been described previously. The second oxidase was not inhibited by cyanide or hydroxamic acid but was inhibited by azide in the presence of both cyanide and hydroxamic acid. This azide-sensitive respiration was due to a single respiratory pathway with a Ki for azide of 200 micrometer. A small amount of azide-sensitive respiration was detected in mitochondrial fractions obtained from chloramphenicol-treated cells, and it is likely that the azide-sensitive oxidase is localized in the mitochondrion. The determinants for the azide-sensitive and hydroxamate-sensitive oxidases segregate in a Mendelian manner in crosses and are either unlinked or not closely linked to each other.     

Relationships between the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, ATP concentration, and cytotoxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes

The relationships between mitochondrial transmembrane potential, ATP concentration, and cytotoxicity were evaluated after exposure of isolated rat hepatocytes to different mitochondrial poisons. Both the neurotoxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its fully oxidized metabolite, the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) ion, caused a concentration- and time-dependent depolarization of mitochondrial membranes which followed ATP depletion and preceded cytotoxicity. The effect of MPTP, but not that of MPP+, was prevented by deprenyl, an inhibitor of MPTP conversion to MPP+ via monoamine oxidase type B. Addition of fructose to the hepatocyte incubations treated with either MPTP or MPP+ counteracted the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Fructose was also effective in protecting against the mitochondrial membrane depolarization as well as ATP depletion and cytotoxicity induced by antimycin. A, carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone, and valinomycin. Data confirm the key role played by MPP(+)-induced mitochondrial damage in MPTP toxicity and indicate that (i) ATP produced via the glycolytic pathway can be utilized by hepatocytes to maintain mitochondrial electrochemical gradient, and (ii) a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential may occur only when supplies of ATP are depleted.     

Gene mutation eliminating antimycin A-tolerant electron transport in Ustilago maydis

A class of mutants of Ustilago maydis selected on a fungitoxic oxathiin lack of antimycin A-tolerant respiratory system which is present in wild-type cells. This system provides, directly or indirectly, for considerable resistance to antimycin A because growth of mutant cells lacking the system is much more sensitive to the antibiotic than that of the wild type. Antimycin A-sensitive O(2) uptake and growth is found in half of the progeny from crosses of mutant to wild type. All antimycin A-sensitive segregants are somewhat more resistant to oxathiins than the antimycin A-resistant segregants. The respiration of the mutant is strongly inhibited by cyanide and azide at concentrations which stimulate respiration of the wild type. Respiration of both mutant and wild type is about equally inhibited by rotenone. It appears that the mutation alters some component of the respiratory system located between the rotenone inhibition site and the antimycin A inhibition site that permits shift of electron transport to an alternate terminal oxidase when the normal electron transport pathway is blocked.     

The insertion of monoamine oxidase A into the outer membrane of rat liver mitochondria.

Human monoamine oxidase A that had been synthesized in a reticulocyte lysate translation system was capable of binding to and inserting into either rat liver mitochondria or isolated mitochondrial outer membranes. The inserted form was as resistant to proteinase K as endogenous mitochondrial monoamine oxidase A. The insertion, but not the binding, of monoamine oxidase A was prevented by depleting the reaction mixture of either ATP (with apyrase) or ubiquitin (with purified antibodies against this polypeptide). Addition of ATP or ubiquitin, respectively, to these depleted mixtures restored the insertion of the enzyme. In the absence of mitochondria, in vitro synthesized monoamine oxidase A did not catalyze its own alkylation by the mechanism-based inhibitor, [3H]clorgyline. However, both monoamine oxidase A that had been membrane-inserted in vitro and monoamine oxidase A that had been bound to the mitochondria under conditions of ATP depletion catalyzed adduct formation. Furthermore, reaction of either clorgyline or another mechanism-based inhibitor, pargyline, with the membrane-bound enzyme during ATP depletion inhibited the insertion of monoamine oxidase A when ATP was restored. These observations indicate that monoamine oxidase A acquired a catalytically active conformation on interaction with the mitochondrial outer membranes prior to its ATP and ubiquitin-dependent insertion into the membrane.     

Mechanism of sulfite cytotoxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes

Sulfite (SO(3)(2-)) has been widely used as preservative and antimicrobial in preventing browning of foods and beverages. SO(2), a common air pollutant, also is capable of producing sulfite and bisulfite depending on the pH of solutions. A molybdenum-dependent mitochondrial enzyme, sulfite oxidase, oxidizes sulfite to inorganic sulfate and prevents its toxic effects. In the present study, sulfite toxicity towards isolated rat hepatocytes was markedly increased by partial inhibition of cytochrome a/a(3) by cyanide or by putting rats on a high-tungsten/low-molybdenum diet, which result in inactivation of sulfite oxidase. Sulfite cytotoxicity was accompanied by a rapid disappearance of GSSG followed by a slow depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH). Depleting hepatocyte GSH beforehand increased cytotoxicity of sulfite. On the other hand, dithiothreitol (DTT), a thiol reductant, added even 1h after the addition of sulfite to hepatocytes, prevented cell death and restored hepatocyte GSH levels. Sulfite cytotoxicity was also accompanied by an increase of oxygen uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and lipid peroxidation. Cytochrome P450 inhibitors, metyrapone and piperonyl butoxide also prevented sulfite-induced cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation. Desferroxamine and antioxidants also protected the cells against sulfite toxicity. These findings suggest that cytotoxicity of sulfite is mediated by free radicals as ROS formation increases by sulfite and antioxidants prevent its toxicity. Reaction of sulfite or its free radical metabolite with disulfide bonds of GSSG and GSH results in the compromise of GSH/GSSG antioxidant system leaving the cell susceptible to oxidative stress. Restoring GSH content of the cell or protein-SH groups by DTT can prevent sulfite cytotoxicity.     

Coordinate regulation of cytochrome and alternative pathway respiration in tobacco

In suspension cells of NT1 tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv bright yellow), inhibition of the cytochrome pathway of respiration with antimycin A induced a large increase in the capacity of the alternative pathway over a period of approximately 12 h, as confirmed in both whole cells and isolated mitochondria. The increase in alternative pathway capacity required de novo RNA and protein synthesis and correlated closely with the increase of a 35-kD alternative oxidase protein. When the cytochrome pathway of intact cells was inhibited by antimycin A, respiration proceeded exclusively through the alternative pathway, reached rates significantly higher than before antimycin A addition, and was not stimulated by p-trifluoromethoxycarbonylcyanide (FCCP). When inhibition of the cytochrome pathway was relieved, alternative pathway capacity and the level of the 35-kD alternative oxidase protein declined. Respiration rate also declined and could once again be stimulated by FCCP. These observations show that the capacities of the mitochondrial electron transport pathways can be regulated in a coordinate fashion.     

Source of early reactive oxygen species in the apoptosis induced by transforming growth factor-beta in fetal rat hepatocytes

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) induces an oxidative stress process in hepatocytes that mediates its apoptotic activity. To determine the cellular source of the early reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by fetal rat hepatocytes in response to TGF-beta, we used inhibitors that block different ROS-producing systems. Diphenyleneiodonium, which inhibits NADPH oxidase and other flavoproteins, completely blocked the increase in ROS induced by TGF-beta, coincidently with an impairment of caspase-3 activation and cell death. Rotenone, an inhibitor of the NADH dehydrogenase in mitochondrial complex I, attenuated, but did not completely inhibit, ROS-production, caspase activation, and cell death mediated by TGF-beta. No significant protection was observed with inhibitors of other ROS-producing systems, such as cytochrome P450 (metyrapone), cyclooxygenase (indomethacin), and xanthine oxidase (allopurinol). Additional experiments have indicated that two different mechanisms could be involved in the early ROS production by TGF-beta. First, an inducible (cycloheximide-inhibited) NADPH oxidase-like system could account for the extramitochondrial production of ROS. Second, TGF-beta could increase ROS by a rapid downregulation of antioxidant genes. In particular, intramitochondrial ROS would increase by depletion of MnSOD. Finally, glutathione depletion is a late event and it would be more the consequence than the cause of the increase in ROS induced by TGF-beta.