Divalent copper is a potent extracellular blocker for TRPM2 channel

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a Ca(2+)-permeable cationic channel in the TRP channel family. The channel activity can be regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular acidification, which has been implicated to the pathogenesis of diabetes and some neuronal disorders. However, little is known about the effect of redox-active metal ions, such as copper, on TRPM2 channels. Here we investigated the effect of divalent copper on TRPM2. TRPM2 channel was over-expressed in HEK-293 cells and the whole-cell current was recorded by patch clamp. We found the whole-cell current evoked by intracellular ADP-ribose was potently inhibited by Cu(2+) with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 2.59 μM. The inhibitory effect was irreversible. The single channel activity was abolished in the outside-out patches, and intracellular application of Cu(2+) did not prevent the channel activation, suggesting that the action site of Cu(2+) is located in the extracellular domains of the channel. TRPM2 current was also blocked by Hg(2+), Pb(2+), Fe(2+) and Se(2+). We concluded that Cu(2+) is a potent TRPM2 channel blocker. The sensitivity of TRPM2 channel to heavy metal ions could be a new mechanism for the pathogenesis of some metal ion-related diseases.     

Inorganic Polyphosphate Modulates TRPM8 Channels

Polyphosphate (polyP) is an inorganic polymer built of tens to hundreds of phosphates, linked by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. PolyP forms complexes and modulates activities of many proteins including ion channels. Here we investigated the role of polyP in the function of the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel. Using whole-cell patch-clamp and fluorescent calcium measurements we demonstrate that enzymatic breakdown of polyP by exopolyphosphatase (scPPX1) inhibits channel activity in human embryonic kidney and F-11 neuronal cells expressing TRPM8. We demonstrate that the TRPM8 channel protein is associated with polyP. Furthermore, addition of scPPX1 altered the voltage-dependence and blocked the activity of the purified TRPM8 channels reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers, where the activity of the channel was initiated by cold and menthol in the presence of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P₂). The biochemical analysis of the TRPM8 protein also uncovered the presence of poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), which is frequently associated with polyP. We conclude that the TRPM8 protein forms a stable complex with polyP and its presence is essential for normal channel activity.     

New Molecular Mechanisms on the Activation of TRPM2 Channels by Oxidative Stress and ADP-Ribose

The Na⁺ and Ca²⁺-permeable melastatin related transient receptor potential (TRPM2) cation channels can be gated either by ADP-ribose (ADPR) in concert with Ca²⁺ or by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), an experimental model for oxidative stress, and binding to the channel’s enzymatic Nudix domain. Since the mechanisms that lead to TRPM2 inhibiting in response to ADPR and H₂O₂ are not understood, I reviewed the effects of various inhibitors such as flufenamic acid and PARP inhibitors on ADPR, NAD⁺ and H₂O₂-induced TRPM2 currents. In our experimental study, TRPM2 cation channels in chinese hamster ovary transected cells were gated both by ADPR and NAD⁺. In addition, H₂O₂ seems to activate TRPM2 by changing to the hydroxyl radical in the intracellular space after passing the plasma membrane. Experimental studies with respect to patch-clamp and Ca²⁺ imaging, inhibitor roles of antioxidants are also summarized in the review.     

MIC Channels Are Inhibited by Internal Divalent Cations but Not ATP

TRPM7 channels are nonselective cation channels that possess a functional α-kinase domain. It has been proposed that heterologously expressed TRPM7 channels are activated (Runnels et al., 2001) or inhibited (Nadler et al., 2001) by dialyzing the cell with millimolar levels of ATP. The endogenous correlate of TRPM7 has been identified in T-lymphocytes and RBL (rat basophilic leukemia) cells and named MagNuM (for Mg²⁺-nucleotide-inhibited metal) or MIC (for Mg²⁺-inhibited cation). Here, we report that internal Mg²⁺ rather than MgATP inhibits this current. Cytoplasmic MgATP, supplied by dialysis at millimolar concentrations, effectively inhibits only when a weak Mg²⁺ chelator is present in the pipette solution. Thus, MgATP acts as a source of Mg²⁺ rather than a source of ATP. Using an externally accessible site within the pore of the MIC channel itself as a bioassay, we show that equimolar MgCl₂ and MgATP solutions contain similar amounts of free Mg²⁺, explaining the fact that numeric values of Mg²⁺ and MgATP concentrations necessary for complete inhibition are the same. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Mg²⁺ is not unique in its inhibitory action, as Ba²⁺, Sr²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mn²⁺ can substitute for Mg²⁺, causing complete inhibition. We conclude that MIC current inhibition occurs simply by divalent cations.     

TRPM2 Channels Protect against Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: ROLE OF MITOCHONDRIA*

Cardiac TRPM2 channels were activated by intracellular adenosine diphosphate-ribose and blocked by flufenamic acid. In adult cardiac myocytes the ratio of G_Ca to G_Na of TRPM2 channels was 0.56 ± 0.02. To explore the cellular mechanisms by which TRPM2 channels protect against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, we analyzed proteomes from WT and TRPM2 KO hearts subjected to I/R. The canonical pathways that exhibited the largest difference between WT-I/R and KO-I/R hearts were mitochondrial dysfunction and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Complexes I, III, and IV were down-regulated, whereas complexes II and V were up-regulated in KO-I/R compared with WT-I/R hearts. Western blots confirmed reduced expression of the Complex I subunit and other mitochondria-associated proteins in KO-I/R hearts. Bioenergetic analyses revealed that KO myocytes had a lower mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake, ATP levels, and O₂ consumption but higher mitochondrial superoxide levels. Additionally, mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU) currents were lower in KO myocytes, indicating reduced mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake was likely due to both lower ψ_m and MCU activity. Similar to isolated myocytes, O₂ consumption and ATP levels were also reduced in KO hearts. Under a simulated I/R model, aberrant mitochondrial bioenergetics was exacerbated in KO myocytes. Reactive oxygen species levels were also significantly higher in KO-I/R compared with WT-I/R heart slices, consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction in KO-I/R hearts. We conclude that TRPM2 channels protect the heart from I/R injury by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing reactive oxygen species levels.     

Contribution of the S5-Pore-S6 Domain to the Gating Characteristics of the Cation Channels TRPM2 and TRPM8

The closely related cation channels TRPM2 and TRPM8 show completely different requirements for stimulation and are regulated by Ca²⁺ in an opposite manner. TRPM8 is basically gated in a voltage-dependent process enhanced by cold temperatures and cooling compounds such as menthol and icilin. The putative S4 voltage sensor of TRPM8 is closely similar to that of TRPM2, which, however, is mostly devoid of voltage sensitivity. To gain insight into principal interactions of critical channel domains during the gating process, we created chimeras in which the entire S5-pore-S6 domains were reciprocally exchanged. The chimera M2-M8P (i.e. TRPM2 with the pore of TRPM8) responded to ADP-ribose and hydrogen peroxide and was regulated by extracellular and intracellular Ca²⁺ as was wild-type TRPM2. Single-channel recordings revealed the characteristic pattern of TRPM2 with extremely long open times. Only at far-negative membrane potentials (−120 to −140 mV) did differences become apparent because currents were reduced by hyperpolarization in M2-M8P but not in TRPM2. The reciprocal chimera, M8-M2P, showed currents after stimulation with high concentrations of menthol and icilin, but these currents were only slightly larger than in controls. The transfer of the NUDT9 domain to the C terminus of TRPM8 produced a channel sensitive to cold, menthol, or icilin but insensitive to ADP-ribose or hydrogen peroxide. We conclude that the gating processes in TRPM2 and TRPM8 differ in their requirements for specific structures within the pore. Moreover, the regulation by extracellular and intracellular Ca²⁺ and the single-channel properties in TRPM2 are not determined by the S5-pore-S6 region.     

Single Calcium Channels and Their Inactivation

Inactivation of single Ca channels in snail neurons was examined to test the idea that entering Ca ions react directly with the channel to produce this effect. Simulations of specific models were used for comparison with the experimental data. The Ca-dependent model predicts time-dependent changes in the single-channel events which were not found experimentally. It is possible that Ca-dependent inactivation is mediated by a Ca-binding protein that is associated with but not part of the channel itself.     

Inactivation of Copper,Zinc superoxide dismutase by H2O2 : Mechanism of protection

Cu,Zn SOD is known to be inactivated by HO₂⁻ and to be protected against that inactivation by a number of small molecules including formate, imidazole, and urate. This inactivation has been shown to be due to oxidation of a ligand field histidine residue by a bound oxidant formed by reaction of the active site Cu(II) with HO₂⁻. We now report that protective actions of both formate and NADH increase as the pH was raised in the range 8.0–9.5. This is taken to indicate increased accessibility of the Cu site with rising pH and/or increased reactivity of the bound oxidant toward exogeneous substrates at high pH. Formate appears to act as a sacrificial substrate that protects by competing with the endogenous histidine residue for reaction with the bound oxidant, or that repairs the damage by reducing the histidyl radical intermediate. The same is likely also true of NADH.     

Increase in Serum Ca2+/Mg2+ Ratio Promotes Proliferation of Prostate Cancer Cells by Activating TRPM7 Channels

TRPM7 is a novel magnesium-nucleotide-regulated metal current (MagNuM) channel that is regulated by serum Mg²⁺ concentrations. Changes in Mg²⁺ concentration have been shown to alter cell proliferation in various cells; however, the mechanism and the ion channel(s) involved have not yet been identified. Here we demonstrate that TRPM7 is expressed in control and prostate cancer cells. Supplementation of intracellular Mg-ATP or addition of external 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate inhibited MagNuM currents. Furthermore, silencing of TRPM7 inhibited whereas overexpression of TRPM7 increased endogenous MagNuM currents, suggesting that these currents are dependent on TRPM7. Importantly, although an increase in the serum Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio facilitated Ca²⁺ influx in both control and prostate cancer cells, a significantly higher Ca²⁺ influx was observed in prostate cancer cells. TRPM7 expression was also increased in cancer cells, but its expression was not dependent on the Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio per se. Additionally, an increase in the extracellular Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio led to a significant increase in cell proliferation of prostate cancer cells when compared with control cells. Consistent with these results, age-matched prostate cancer patients also showed a subsequent increase in the Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio and TRPM7 expression. Altogether, we provide evidence that the TRPM7 channel has an important role in prostate cancer and have identified that the Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio could be essential for the initiation/progression of prostate cancer.     

Divalent Cations Modulate TMEM16A Calcium-Activated Chloride Channels by a Common Mechanism

The gating of Ca²⁺-activated Cl^? channels is controlled by a complex interplay among [Ca²⁺]_i, membrane potential and permeant anions. Besides Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺ also can activate both TMEM16A and TMEM16B. This study reports the effects of several divalent cations as regulators of TMEM16A channels stably expressed in HEK293T cells. Among the divalent cations that activate TMEM16A, Ca²⁺ is most effective, followed by Sr²⁺ and Ni²⁺, which have similar affinity, while Mg²⁺ is ineffective. Zn²⁺ does not activate TMEM16A but inhibits the Ca²⁺-activated chloride currents. Maximally effective concentrations of Sr²⁺ and Ni²⁺ occluded activation of the TMEM16A current by Ca²⁺, which suggests that Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Ni²⁺ all regulate the channel by the same mechanism.     

Regulation of Kv4.3 Closed-State Inactivation and Recovery by Extracellular Potassium and Intracellular KChIP2b

Mechanisms underlying Kv4 channel inactivation and recovery are presently unclear, although there is general consensus that the basic characteristics of these processes are not consistent with Shaker (Kv1) N- and P/C-type mechanisms. Kv4 channels also differ from Shaker in that they can undergo significant inactivation from pre-activated closed-states (closed-state inactivation, CSI), and that inactivation and recovery kinetics can be regulated by intracellular KChIP2 isoforms. To gain insight into the mechanisms regulating Kv4.3 CSI and recovery, we have analyzed the effects of increasing [K+]o from 2 mM to 98mM in the absence and in the presence of KChIP2b, the major KChIP2 isoform expressed in the mammalian ventricle. In the absence of KChIP2b, high [K+]o promoted Kv4.3 inactivated closed-states and significantly slowed the kinetics of recovery from both macroscopic and closed-state inactivation. Coexpression of KChIP2b in 2 mM [K+]o promoted non-inactivated closed-states and accelerated the kinetics of recovery from both macroscopic and CSI. In high [K+]o, KChIP2b eliminated or significantly reduced the slowing effects on recovery. Attenuation of CSI by the S4 charge-deletion mutant R302A, which produced significant stabilization of non-inactivated closed-states, effectively eliminated the opposing effects of high [K+]o and KChiP2b on macroscopic recovery kinetics, confirming that these results were due to alterations of CSI. Elevated [K+]o therefore slows Kv4.3 recovery by stabilizing inactivated closed-states, while KChIP2b accelerates recovery by destabilizing inactivated closed-states. Our results challenge underlying assumptions of presently popular Kv4 gating models and suggest that Kv4.3 possesses novel allosteric mechanisms, which are absent in Shaker, for coupling interactions between intracellular KChIP2b binding motifs and extracellular K+-sensitive regulatory sites.     

Four Ca2+ Ions Activate TRPM2 Channels by Binding in Deep Crevices near the Pore but Intracellularly of the Gate

TRPM2 is a tetrameric Ca²⁺-permeable channel involved in immunocyte respiratory burst and in postischaemic neuronal death. In whole cells, TRPM2 activity requires intracellular ADP ribose (ADPR) and intra- or extracellular Ca²⁺, but the mechanism and the binding sites for Ca²⁺ activation remain unknown. Here we study TRPM2 gating in inside-out patches while directly controlling intracellular ligand concentrations. Concentration jump experiments at various voltages and Ca²⁺ dependence of steady-state single-channel gating kinetics provide unprecedented insight into the molecular mechanism of Ca²⁺ activation. In patches excised from Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human TRPM2, coapplication of intracellular ADPR and Ca²⁺ activated ∼50-pS nonselective cation channels; K_1/2 for ADPR was ∼1 µM at saturating Ca²⁺. Intracellular Ca²⁺ dependence of TRPM2 steady-state opening and closing rates (at saturating [ADPR] and low extracellular Ca²⁺) reveals that Ca²⁺ activation is a consequence of tighter binding of Ca²⁺ in the open rather than in the closed channel conformation. Four Ca²⁺ ions activate TRPM2 with a Monod-Wymann-Changeux mechanism: each binding event increases the open-closed equilibrium constant ∼33-fold, producing altogether 10⁶-fold activation. Experiments in the presence of 1 mM of free Ca²⁺ on the extracellular side clearly show that closed channels do not sense extracellular Ca²⁺, but once channels have opened Ca²⁺ entering passively through the pore slows channel closure by keeping the “activating sites” saturated, despite rapid continuous Ca²⁺-free wash of the intracellular channel surface. This effect of extracellular Ca²⁺ on gating is gradually lost at progressively depolarized membrane potentials, where the driving force for Ca²⁺ influx is diminished. Thus, the activating sites lie intracellularly from the gate, but in a shielded crevice near the pore entrance. Our results suggest that in intact cells that contain micromolar ADPR a single brief puff of Ca²⁺ likely triggers prolonged, self-sustained TRPM2 activity.     

Slow Inactivation in Shaker K Channels Is Delayed by Intracellular Tetraethylammonium

After removal of the fast N-type inactivation gate, voltage-sensitive Shaker (Shaker IR) K channels are still able to inactivate, albeit slowly, upon sustained depolarization. The classical mechanism proposed for the slow inactivation observed in cell-free membrane patches—the so called C inactivation—is a constriction of the external mouth of the channel pore that prevents K⁺ ion conduction. This constriction is antagonized by the external application of the pore blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA). In contrast to C inactivation, here we show that, when recorded in whole Xenopus oocytes, slow inactivation kinetics in Shaker IR K channels is poorly dependent on external TEA but severely delayed by internal TEA. Based on the antagonism with internally or externally added TEA, we used a two-pulse protocol to show that half of the channels inactivate by way of a gate sensitive to internal TEA. Such gate had a recovery time course in the tens of milliseconds range when the interpulse voltage was −90 mV, whereas C-inactivated channels took several seconds to recover. Internal TEA also reduced gating charge conversion associated to slow inactivation, suggesting that the closing of the internal TEA-sensitive inactivation gate could be associated with a significant amount of charge exchange of this type. We interpreted our data assuming that binding of internal TEA antagonized with U-type inactivation (Klemic, K.G., G.E. Kirsch, and S.W. Jones. 2001. Biophys. J. 81:814–826). Our results are consistent with a direct steric interference of internal TEA with an internally located slow inactivation gate as a “foot in the door” mechanism, implying a significant functional overlap between the gate of the internal TEA-sensitive slow inactivation and the primary activation gate. But, because U-type inactivation is reduced by channel opening, trapping the channel in the open conformation by TEA would also yield to an allosteric delay of slow inactivation. These results provide a framework to explain why constitutively C-inactivated channels exhibit gating charge conversion, and why mutations at the internal exit of the pore, such as those associated to episodic ataxia type I in hKv1.1, cause severe changes in inactivation kinetics.     

A Calcium Influx Pathway Regulated Separately by Oxidative Stress and ADP-Ribose in TRPM2 Channels: Single Channel Events

A melastatin-like transient receptor potential 2 (TRPM2) channel is activated in concert with Ca2+ by intracellular adenosine diphosphoribose (ADPR) binding to the channel's enzyme Nudix domain. Channel activity is also seen with nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD+) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) although the mechanisms remain unknown. Hence, we tested the effects of ADPR, NAD+ and H2O2 on the activation of TRPM2 currents in transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The CHO cells were transfected with cDNA coding for TRPM2. The intracellular solution used EDTA (10 mM) as a chelator for Ca2+ and heavy metal ions. Moreover, we balanced the intracellular Ca2+ concentration at 1 microM. H2O2 (10 mM) in the bath chamber was extracellularly added although ADPR (0.3 mM) and NAD+ (1 mM) in pipette solution were intracellularly added. Using these conditions, the channel currents were evoked by the three stimulators. The time course of ADPR, NAD+ and H2O2 effects was characterized by a delay of 0.6, 3.0 min and 2-5 min, respectively and a slow current induction reached a clear plateau with ADPR and NAD+ although H2O2 currents continued to gain in amplitude over at least 15 min and it did not reach a clear plateau in many experiments. Furthermore, H2O2-induced a single-channel conductance in the current study; the first time that this has been resolved in CHO. The conductance of ADPR and H2O2 was 48.80 pS and 39.14 pS, respectively and the cells seem to be separately activated by ADPR and H2O2. In conclusion, we observed further support for a calcium influx pathway regulated separately by oxidative stress and ADPR in TRPM2 channels in transfected cells. A second novel result of the present study was that the TRPM2 channels were constitutionally activated by H2O2.     

TRPM2 Cation Channels Modulate T Cell Effector Functions and Contribute to Autoimmune CNS Inflammation

TRPM2, a highly Ca²⁺-permeable member of the transient receptor potential melastatin-related (TRPM) family of cation channels, is expressed in cells of the immune system. We demonstrate firstly that TRPM2 cation channels on T cells critically influence T cell proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion following polyclonal T cell receptor stimulation. Consistently, trpm2-deficient mice exhibited an attenuated clincal phenotype of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) with reduced inflammatory and demyelinating spinal cord lesions. Importantly, trmp2-deficient T cells were as susceptible as wildtype T cells to oxidative stress-induced cell death as it occurs in inflammatory CNS lesions. This supports the notion that the attenuated EAE phenotype is mainly due to reduced T cell effector functions but unaffected by potential modulation of T cell survival at the site of inflammation. Our findings suggest TRPM2 cation channels as a potential target for treating autoimmune CNS inflammation.     

Mechanism of Cd(2+) Coordination during Slow Inactivation in Potassium Channels

In K(+) channels, rearrangements of the pore outer vestibule have been associated with C-type inactivation gating. Paradoxically, the crystal structure of Open/C-type inactivated KcsA suggests these movements to be modest in magnitude. In this study, we show that under physiological conditions, the KcsA outer vestibule undergoes relatively large dynamic rearrangements upon inactivation. External Cd(2+) enhances the rate of C-type inactivation in an cysteine mutant (Y82C) via metal-bridge formation. This effect is not present in a non-inactivating mutant (E71A/Y82C). Tandem dimer and tandem tetramer constructs of equivalent cysteine mutants in KcsA and Shaker K(+) channels demonstrate that these Cd(2+) metal bridges are formed only between adjacent subunits. This is well supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Based on the crystal structure of Cd(2+)-bound Y82C-KcsA in the closed state, together with electron paramagnetic resonance distance measurements in the KcsA outer vestibule, we suggest that subunits must dynamically come in close proximity as the channels undergo inactivation.     

The Extracellular K+ Concentration Dependence of Outward Currents through Kir2.1 Channels Is Regulated by Extracellular Na+ and Ca2+

It has been known for more than three decades that outward Kir currents (I_K1) increase with increasing extracellular K⁺ concentration ([K⁺]_o). Although this increase in I_K1 can have significant impacts under pathophysiological cardiac conditions, where [K⁺]_o can be as high as 18 mm and thus predispose the heart to re-entrant ventricular arrhythmias, the underlying mechanism has remained unclear. Here, we show that the steep [K⁺]_o dependence of Kir2.1-mediated outward I_K1 was due to [K⁺]_o-dependent inhibition of outward I_K1 by extracellular Na⁺ and Ca²⁺. This could be accounted for by Na⁺/Ca²⁺ inhibition of I_K1 through screening of local negative surface charges. Consistent with this, extracellular Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ reduced the outward single-channel current and did not increase open-state noise or decrease the mean open time. In addition, neutralizing negative surface charges with a carboxylate esterifying agent inhibited outward I_K1 in a similar [K⁺]_o-dependent manner as Na⁺/Ca²⁺. Site-directed mutagenesis studies identified Asp¹¹⁴ and Glu¹⁵³ as the source of surface charges. Reducing K⁺ activation and surface electrostatic effects in an R148Y mutant mimicked the action of extracellular Na⁺ and Ca²⁺, suggesting that in addition to exerting a surface electrostatic effect, Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ might inhibit outward I_K1 by inhibiting K⁺ activation. This study identified interactions of K⁺ with Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ that are important for the [K⁺]_o dependence of Kir2.1-mediated outward I_K1.     

Catecholamines Enhance Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase Inactivation by the Copper Fenton System. Enzyme Protection by Copper Chelators

Catecholamines (CAs: epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, L-DOPA, 6-hydroxydopamine) and o-diphenols (DOPAC and catechol) enhanced dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH) inactivation by Cu(II) /H₂O₂ (Cu-Fenton system). The inhibition of LADH activity correlated with Cu(II), H₂O₂ and CA concentrations. Similar inhibitions were obtained wit! the assayed CAs and o-diphenols. CAs enhanced HO radical production by Cu(II) /H₂O₂, as demonstrated by benzoate hydroxylation and deoxyribose oxidation; LADH counteracted the pro-oxidant effect of CAs by scavenging hydroxyl radicals. Captopril, dihydrolipo amide, dihydrolipoic acid, DL-dithiothreitol, GSSG, try-panothione and histidine effectively preserved LADH from oxidative damage, whereas N-acetylcysteine, N-(2-mercaptopropionylglycine) and lipoamide were less effective protectors. Catalase (though neither bovine serum albumin nor superoxide dismutase) protected LADH against the Cu(II)/H₂O₂/CAs systems. Dena tured catalase protected less than the native enzyme, its action possibly depending on Cu-binding. LADH in creased and Captopril inhibited epinephrine oxidation by Cu(II)/H₂O₂ and Cu(II). The summarized evidence supports the following steps for LADH inactivation: (1) reduction of LADH linked-Cu(II) to Cu(I) by CAs; (2) production of HO^* from H₂O₂ by LADH-linked Cu(I) (Haber-Weiss reaction) and (3) oxidation of aminoacid residues at the: enzyme active site by site-specifically generated HO^* radicals. Hydrogen peroxide formation from CAs autoxidation may contribute to LADH inactivation.