Mitochondrial swelling induced by glutathione

Reduced glutathione, in concentrations approximating those occurring in intact rat liver, causes swelling of rat liver mitochondria in vitro which is different in kinetics and extent from that yielded by L-thyroxine. The effect is also given by cysteine, which is more active, and reduced coenzyme A, but not by L-ascorbate, cystine, or oxidized glutathione. The optimum pH is 6.5, whereas thyroxine-induced swelling is optimal at pH 7.5. The GSH-induced swelling is not inhibited by DNP or dicumarol, nor by high concentrations of sucrose, serum albumin, or polyvinylpyrrolidone, in contrast to thyroxine-induced swelling. ATP inhibits the GSH swelling, but ADP and AMP are ineffective. Mn(-+) is a very potent inhibitor, but Mg(++) is ineffective. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is also an effective inhibitor of GSH-induced swelling. The respiratory inhibitors amytal and antimycin A do not inhibit the swelling action of GSH, but cyanide does; these findings are consistent with the view that the oxidation-reduction state of the respiratory chain between cytochrome c and oxygen is a determinant of GSH-induced swelling. Reversal of GSH-induced swelling by osmotic means or by ATP in KCl media could not be observed. Large losses of nucleotides and protein occur during the swelling by GSH, suggesting that the action is irreversible. The characteristically drastic swelling action of GSH could be prevented if L-thyroxine was also present in the medium.     

Mitochondrial Swelling Induced by Glutathione

Reduced glutathione, in concentrations approximating those occurring in intact rat liver, causes swelling of rat liver mitochondria in vitro which is different in kinetics and extent from that yielded by L-thyroxine. The effect is also given by cysteine, which is more active, and reduced coenzyme A, but not by L-ascorbate, cystine, or oxidized glutathione. The optimum pH is 6.5, whereas thyroxine-induced swelling is optimal at pH 7.5. The GSH-induced swelling is not inhibited by DNP or dicumarol, nor by high concentrations of sucrose, serum albumin, or polyvinylpyrrolidone, in contrast to thyroxine-induced swelling. ATP inhibits the GSH swelling, but ADP and AMP are ineffective. Mn^-+ is a very potent inhibitor, but Mg⁺⁺ is ineffective. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is also an effective inhibitor of GSH-induced swelling. The respiratory inhibitors amytal and antimycin A do not inhibit the swelling action of GSH, but cyanide does; these findings are consistent with the view that the oxidation-reduction state of the respiratory chain between cytochrome c and oxygen is a determinant of GSH-induced swelling. Reversal of GSH-induced swelling by osmotic means or by ATP in KCl media could not be observed. Large losses of nucleotides and protein occur during the swelling by GSH, suggesting that the action is irreversible. The characteristically drastic swelling action of GSH could be prevented if L-thyroxine was also present in the medium.     

The maturation of the inner membrane of foetal rat liver mitochondria.

A new method was devised for the isolation of foetal and neonatal rat lvier mitochondria, giving higher yields than conventional methods. 2. During development from the perinatal period to the mature adult, the ratio of cytochrome oxidase/succinate-cytochrome c reductase changes. 3. The inner mitochondrial membrane of foetal liver mitochondria possesses virtually no osmotic activity; the permeability to sucrose decreases with increasing developmental age. 4. Foetal rat liver mitochondria possess only marginal respiratory control and do not maintain Ca2+-induced respiration; they also swell in respiratory-control medium in the absence of substrate. ATP enhances respiratory control and prevents swelling, adenylyl imidodiphosphate, ATP+atractyloside enhance the R.C.I. (respiratory control index), Ca2+-induced respiratory control and prevent swelling, whereas GTP and low concentrations of ADP have none of these actions. It is concluded that the effect of ATP depends on steric interaction with the inner mitochondrial membrane. 5. When 1-day pre-partum foetuses are obtained by Caesarean section and maintained in a Humidicrib for 90 min, mitochondrial maturation is "triggered", so that their R.C.I. is enhanced and no ATP is required to support Ca2+-dependent respiratory control or to inhibit mitochondrial swelling. 6. It is concluded that foetal rat liver mitochondria in utero do not respire, although they are capable of oxidative phosphorylation in spite of their low R.C.I. The different environmental conditions which the neonatal rat encounters ex utero enable the hepatic mitochondria to produce ATP, which interacts with the inner mitochondrial membrane to enhance oxidative phosphorylation by an autocatalytic mechanism.     

Ricerche Sul Rigonfiamento di Piccola Ampiezza in Mitocondri Isolati di Pisello

Abstract

Low amplitude swelling in isolated pea mitochondria. — The authors have studied the volume changes of isolated pea internode mitochondria occurring in a medium which allows the oxidative activity to proceed. With succinate as substrate respiratory control ratios as high as 9 have been obtained. They can be taken as an index of a tight coupling of mitochondria. The adding of succinate induces on the other hand a slight but continuous swelling which is strongly enhanced by ADP or ATP. Inhibitors of the respiratory chain like antimycin A and of the phosphorylation reactions like atractylate or oligomycin block completely the ADP or ATP-induced swelling. 2,4-dinitrophenol at 5×10^?6 M concentration exerts a strong inhibitory action on succinate oxidation and on swelling. Both actions of 2,4-DNP can be reversed by ATP. It can be concluded from these findings that the substances which slow down or abolish the oxidative and phosphorylative reactions inhibit also mitochondrial swelling. This type of volume changes appears therefore to be strictly energy-dependent.     

Swelling of Phaseolus Mitochondria Induced by the Action of Phospholipase A

Phaseolus vulgaris mitochondria incubated in sucrose swell rapidly upon the addition of phospholipase A. Bovine serum albumin inhibits the swelling. The release of free fatty acids as a result of phospholipase A action on the mitochondria is detected only in the presence of bovine serum albumin, which promotes the hydrolysis of both mitochondrial phospholipids and purified lecithin. Either free fatty acid or lysolecithin is able to initiate an extensive mitochondrial swelling in sucrose. It is suggested that phospholipase A-induced swelling results from the release of lysophosphatides plus free fatty acids and their subsequent detergent action on the membranes rather than phospholipid loss per se.     

STUDIES ON LYSOSOMES : IV. Solubilization of Enzymes during Mitochondrial Swelling and Disruption of Lysosomes by Streptolysin S and Other Hemolytic Agents

Streptolysins S and O from hemolytic streptococci were found to induce mitochondrial swelling and the release of malic dehydrogenase from mitochondria; no other streptococcal products were as active. Mg⁺⁺, cyanide, dinitrophenol, bovine serum albumin, and antimycin all inhibited streptolysin-induced mitochondrial swelling; only the latter two agents prevented release of malic dehydrogenase from the particles. The streptolysins also solubilized beta-glucuronidase from the less numerous lysosomes of mitochondrial fractions. Vitamin A induced swelling of mitochondria with release of malic dehydrogenase and, at higher concentrations, release of beta-glucuronidase. In these effects, streptolysin S and vitamin A resembled cysteine and ascorbate, which induced swelling and lysis of mitochondria together with solubilization of enzymes. In contrast, mitochondrial swelling induced by such agents as phosphate, thyroxine, or substrates was not accompanied by release of enzymes. The release of enzymes from particles is suggested as a criterion for distinguishing "lytic" agents from those which induce mitochondrial swelling dependent upon electron transport. It was possible to dissociate effects on mitochondria and lysosomes in these experiments; less streptolysin was necessary to damage lysosomes than mitochondria; the converse was found with vitamin A. Injury to mitochondria resulted from the direct action of these agents, since the lysosomal enzymes released as a consequence of their action were not capable of inducing mitochondrial swelling or release of enzymes under the conditions studied.     

Inhibition of mitochondrial bioenergetics: the effects on structure of mitochondria in the cell and on apoptosis

The effects of specific inhibitors of respiratory chain, F(o)F(1)ATP synthase and uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation on survival of carcinoma HeLa cells and on the structure of mitochondria in the cells were studied. The inhibitors of respiration (piericidin, antimycin, myxothiazol), the F(1)-component of ATP synthase (aurovertin) and uncouplers (DNP, FCCP) did not affect viability of HeLa cells, apoptosis induced by TNF or staurosporin and the anti-apoptotic action of Bcl-2. Apoptosis was induced by combined action of respiratory inhibitors and uncouplers indicating possible pro-apoptotic action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by mitochondria. Short-term incubation of HeLa cells with the mitochondrial inhibitors and 2-deoxyglucose followed by 24-48 h recovery resulted in massive apoptosis. Apoptosis correlated to transient (3-4 h) and limited (60-70%) depletion of ATP. More prolonged or more complete transient ATP depletion induced pronounced necrosis. The inhibitors of respiration and uncouplers caused fragmentation of tubular mitochondria and formation of small round bodies followed by swelling. These transitions were not accompanied with release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and were fully reversible. The combined effect of respiratory inhibitors and uncouplers developed more rapidly indicating possible involvement of ROS generated by mitochondria. More prolonged (48-72 h) incubation with this combination of inhibitors caused clustering and degradation of mitochondria.     

Effect of KCl Medium on Malate Oxidation in Mitochondria of Sugar Beet Taproot

Isolated mitochondria were obtained from growing and stored sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) taproots. These preparations were used to monitor the mitochondrial matrix volume and malate oxidation after the replacement of sucrose with KCl in the reaction medium. The transfer of mitochondria from sucrose-containing isolation medium to the isoosmotic KCl solution initiated spontaneous or energy-dependent (in the presence of respiratory substrate) swelling whose kinetic parameters (the initial rate and amplitude) were virtually independent of the plant age. At the same time, effects of KCl-induced swelling on oxidative and phosphorylating activities of mitochondria were age-dependent. In mitochondria from growing taproots, K⁺ ions stimulated nonphosphorylating malate oxidation, thereby decreasing the respiratory control ratio and the ADP/O coefficient. The incubation of mitochondria from stored taproots in KCl solution induced a short-term activation and subsequent progressive inhibition of malate oxidation but did not inhibit the oxidation of exogenous NADH. The inhibition of malate oxidation was not released by adding ADP or uncouplers and was enhanced in the presence of valinomycin. The swelling of mitochondria in KCl solutions did not impair the integrity of mitochondrial membranes and did not preclude stimulation of malate oxidation by exogenous NAD. It is supposed that the KCl-induced inhibition of respiration is related to a large increase in the matrix volume and a drastic decrease in the concentration of a coenzyme NAD. Previous studies with isolated mitochondria from stored taproots showed that the mitochondrial NAD level was a rate-limiting factor of malate oxidation assayed in the sucrose-containing media. A possible role of K⁺-transporting mechanisms in regulation of mitochondrial matrix volume and metabolic activity of plant mitochondria is discussed.     

Swelling and contraction of corn mitochondria

A survey has been made of the properties of corn mitochondria in swelling and contraction. The mitochondria swell spontaneously in KCl but not in sucrose. Aged mitochondria will swell rapidly in sucrose if treated with citrate or EDTA. Swelling does not impair oxidative phosphorylation if bovine serum albumin is present.

Contraction can be maintained or initiated with ATP + Mg or an oxidizable substrate, contraction being more rapid with the substrate. Magnesium is not required for substrate powered contraction. Contraction powered by ATP is accompanied by the release of phosphate. Oligomycin inhibits both ATP-powered contraction and the release of phosphate. However, it does not affect substrate-powered contraction. Substrate powered contraction is inhibited by electron-transport inhibitors. The uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, accelerates swelling and inhibits both ATP-and substrate-powered contraction. However, the concentrations required are well in excess of those required to produce uncoupling and to accelerate adenosine triphosphatase; the concentrations required inhibit respiration in a phosphorylating medium.

Phosphate is a very effective inhibitor of succinate-powered contraction. Neither oligomycin nor Mg affects the phosphate inhibition. Phosphate is less inhibitory with the ATP-powered contraction.

The results are discussed in terms of a hypothesis that contraction is associated with a nonphosphorylated high energy intermediate of oxidative phosphorylation.

     

Energetics of swelling in isolated hepatocytes: A comprehensive study

Cell swelling is now admitted as being a new principle of metabolic control but little is known about the energetics of cell swelling. We have studied the influence of hypo- or hyperosmolarity on both isolated hepatocytes and isolated rat liver mitochondria. Cytosolic hypoosmolarity on isolated hepatocytes induces an increase in matricial volume and does not affect the myxothiazol sensitive respiratory rate while the absolute value of the overall thermodynamic driving force over the electron transport chain increases. This points to an increase in kinetic control upstream the respiratory chain when cytosolic osmolarity is decreased. On isolated rat liver mitochondria incubated in hypoosmotic potassium chloride media, energetic parameters vary as in cells and oxidative phosphorylation efficiency is not affected. Cytosolic hyperosmolarity induced by sodium co-transported amino acids, per se, does not affect either matrix volume or energetic parameters. This is not the case in isolated rat liver mitochondria incubated in sucrose hyperosmotic medium. Indeed, in this medium, adenine nucleotide carrier is inhibited as the external osmolarity increases, which lowers the state 3 respiration close to state 4 level and consequently leads to a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation efficiency. When isolated rat liver mitochondria are incubated in KCl hyperosmotic medium, state 3 respiratory rate, matrix volume and membrane electrical potential vary as a function of time. Indeed, matrix volume is recovered in hyperosmotic KCl medium and this recovery is dependent on Pi-Kentry. State 3 respiratory rate increases and membrane electrical potential difference decreases during the first minutes of mitochondrial incubation until the attainment of the same value as in isoosmotic medium. This shows that matrix volume, flux and force are regulated as a function of time in KCl hyperosmotic medium. Under steady state, neither matrix volume nor energetic parameters are affected. Moreover, NaCl hyperosmotic medium allows matrix volume recovery but induces a decrease in state 3 respiratory flux. This indicates that potassium is necessary for both matrix volume and flux recovery in isolated mitochondria. We conclude that hypoosmotic medium induces an increase in kinetic control both upstream and on the respiratory chain and changes the oxidative phosphorylation response to forces. At steady state, hyperosmolarity, per se, has no effect on oxidative phosphorylation in either isolated hepatocytes or isolated mitochondria incubated in KCl medium. Therefore, potassium plays a key role in matrix volume, flux and force regulation.     

Deterioration of rat liver mitochondria under conditions of metabolite deprivation.

In a previous study [Parce, Cunningham & Waite (1978) Biochemistry 17, 1634-1639] changes in mitochondrial phospholipid metabolism and energy-linked functions were monitored as coupled mitochondria were aged in iso-osmotic sucrose solution at 18 degrees C. The sequence of events that occur in mitochondrial deterioration under the above conditions have been established more completely. Total adenine nucleotides are depleted early in the aging process, and their loss parallels the decline in respiratory control. Related to the loss of total adenine nucleotides is a dramatic decrease in ADP and ATP translocation (uptake). The decline of respiratory control is due primarily to a decrease in State-3 respiration; loss of this respiratory activity can be related to the decline in ADP translocation. Mitochondrial ATPase activity does not increase significantly until State-4 respiration has increased appreciably. At the time of loss of respiratory control the ATPase activity increases to equal the uncoupler-stimulated activity. The H+/O ratio and P/O ratios do not decrease appreciably until respiratory control is lost. Similarly, permeability of the membrane to the passive diffusion of protons increases only after respiratory control is lost. There observations reinforce our earlier conclusion that there are two main phases in mitochondrial aging. The first phase is characterized by loss of the ability to translocate adenine nucleotides. The second phase is characterized by a decline in the ability of the mitochondrion to conserve energy (i.e. maintain a respiration-driven proton gradient) and to synthesize ATP.     

Involvement of phosphate-modified ATP analogs in the reactions of oxidative phosphorylation.

Various analogs of adenosine 5'-triphosphate with a modified terminal phosphate group have been tested in energy-requiring reactions with intact mitochondria and submitochondrial particles. It is shown that the fluorophosphate analog ATP(gamma F) is a strong inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration and of energy requiring reactions which involve the participation of high energy intermediates, generated aerobically by the respiratory chain. On the other hand, ATP(gamma F) does not affect the ATPase activity of intact or disrupted mitochondria and is less effective in inhibiting ATP-driven reactions. The imidophosphate analog AMP-P(NH)P also inhibits the partial reactions of oxidative phosphorylation, but does not affect ATP synthesis from ADP and Pi. In contrast to ATP(gamma F), it is strong inhibitor of both soluble and membrane-bound mitochondrial ATPases. The biological implication of the complementary effects of ATP(gamma F) and AMP-P(NH)P on mitochondria-catalysed reactions is discussed while suggesting the use of such nucleotide analogs as specific tools for the study of ATP-forming and ATP-utilizing reactions in mitochondria.     

SIZE AND SHAPE TRANSFORMATIONS CORRELATED WITH OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION IN MITOCHONDRIA : I. Swelling-Shrinkage Mechanisms in Intact Mitochondria

Two types of swelling-shrinkage change manifested by isolated mammalian heart mitochondria have been studied. One type, designated as phase I or "low amplitude" swelling-shrinkage, is estimated to lead to changes in mitochondrial volume of 20 to 40 per cent, to changes in light scattering of about 30 per cent, and to changes in viscosity. These physical changes in mitochondria are brought about rapidly and reversibly by normal reactants of the respiratory chain. Their speed, specificity, and reversibility indicate that they are closely geared to the normal function of the respiratory chain and are a true reflection of a mechanochemical coupling process characteristic of the physiology of mitochondria. A second type of swelling-shrinkage mechanism, designated as phase II or "high amplitude," leads to changes in light scattering, viscosity, and mitochondrial volume which, frequently but not always, are of higher magnitude than the phase I type. Phase II swelling-shrinkage seems to be only partly under the control of the respiratory chain. Prior to the completion of phase II swelling, a stepwise loss of mitochondrial function can be identified, such as changes in the rate of substrate utilization and loss of respiratory control. Reversal of this type of swelling cannot be effected if the swelling change reaches a steady state. This type of swelling may provide cells with a mechanism for destroying mitochondrial substance.     

Crystal violet as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria

Crystal violet exhibited characteristics of an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, i.e. it released respiratory control, hindered ATP synthesis, enhanced ATPase activity, and produced swelling of isolated rat liver mitochondria. Maximal stimulation of respiration, ATPase activity, and swelling was observed at a concentration of 40 microM. The inhibition of State 3 respiration by oligomycin was released by crystal violet. High concentrations of crystal violet inhibited mitochondrial respiration. The uncoupling effect of crystal violet required inorganic phosphate and was abolished by N-ethylmaleimide. The adenine nucleotides ADP and ATP protected mitochondria from uncoupling by the dye. The dye taken up by mitochondria was released into the incubation medium on induction of uncoupling. In the absence of phosphate, the dye did not cause uncoupling, but its retention was much greater than in the presence of phosphate. Crystal violet is suggested to induce uncoupling by acting on the membrane, rather than by its electrophoretic transfer into the mitochondria.     

Direct action of ethidium bromide upon mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and morphology.

Ethidium bromide (23 nmol/mg of protein) was found to be a potent inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, as determined by loss of respiratory control through the inhibition of the ADP-induced state-3 rate of oxygen uptake. A time latency for complete loss of respiratory control was noted, after which 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) was ineffective in overcoming this inhibition. In the absence of EDTA, ethidium bromide produced an apparent uncoupling, as evidenced by an increase of state-4 rates of oxygen uptake and loss of respiratory control. As low as 8 nmol of ethidium bromide/mg of protein stimulated mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) for 5 min. Two to three times this amount of ethidium bromide reduced the amount P_i released. Preincubation of mitochondria with ethidium bromide prevented subsequent release of P_i during incubation with ATP. Likewise, preincubation inhibited the DNP-activated ATPase. The uptake of low levels of [¹⁴C]ADP preincubated with ethidium bromide (14 nmol/mg of protein) and succinate or α-ketoglutarate could apparently be reversed, with loss of radioactivity beginning several minutes after addition of the radioactive nucleotide. Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation by ethidium bromide may be due to modification of the adenine nucleotide transport system in mitochondria. The production of apparently swollen mitochondria treated in vitro with ethidium bromide and substrates necessary for oxidative phosphorylation, as seen in electron micrographs, further indicates that the compound is capable of acting directly upon mouse liver mitochondrial function and structure.     

Morphological variations of isolated liver mitochondria during spontaneous deterioration

Summary The effects of mitochondrial concentration, incubation temperature and composition of suspension medium on spontaneous swelling of rat liver mitochondria were investigated. The swelling was measured simultaneously by four different methods — optical density changes at 520 m, mitochondrial diameter measurements and differential counts made on phase contrast micrographs of fixed suspensions, and electron microscopical examination of the fine structural alterations.The findings indicate that, in isosmotic sucrose and KCl media, both mitochondrial concentration and incubation temperature influence the course of spontaneous swelling. It was also found that the ratio of Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane to mitochondria concentration profoundly affects the morphological transformations.Correlation of the results obtained with the four methods shows that measurement of optical density changes alone is insufficient for full assessment of mitochondrial swelling and that this method therefore is best used in conjunction with electron microscopical studies.The authors wish to thank Mr. George O'Shea for valuable technical assistance.     

Mitochondrial porin regulates the sensitivity of anion carriers to inhibitors

In mitoplasts, respiratory stimulation by ADP, palmitate, DNP and CCCP and sensitivity of respiration to carboxyatractylate are considerably less pronounced than in mitochondria. Addition of porin-containing preparations (purified outer membranes or solubilized mitochondrial porin) to mitoplasts results in partial restoration of the oxygen consumption and sensitivity to carboxyatractylate (CAT). The uncoupling effect of FCCP in mitoplasts is CAT-resistant and does not depend on added porin. It is suggested that mitochondrial porin may be a natural activator of ADP/ATP antiporter and succinate carrier in mitochondria.     

Toxicity of Copper on Isolated Liver Mitochondria: Impairment at Complexes I,II, and IV Leads to Increased ROS Production

Oxidative damage has been implicated in disorders associated with abnormal copper metabolism and also Cu²⁺ overloading states. Besides, mitochondria are one of the most important targets for Cu²⁺, an essential redox transition metal, induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mitochondrial toxicity mechanisms on isolated rat liver mitochondria. Rat liver mitochondria in both in vivo and in vitro experiments were obtained by differential ultracentrifugation and the isolated liver mitochondria were then incubated with different concentrations of Cu²⁺. Our results showed that Cu²⁺ induced a concentration and time-dependent rise in mitochondrial ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse before mitochondrial swelling ensued. Increased disturbance in oxidative phosphorylation was also shown by decreased ATP concentration and decreased ATP/ADP ratio in Cu²⁺-treated isolated mitochondria. In addition, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling, and release of cytochrome c following of Cu²⁺ treatment were well inhibited by pretreatment of mitochondria with CsA and BHT. Our results showed that Cu²⁺ could interact with respiratory complexes (I, II, and IV). This suggests that Cu²⁺-induced liver toxicity is the result of metal’s disruptive effect on liver hepatocyte mitochondrial respiratory chain that is the obvious cause of Cu²⁺-induced ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential decline, and cytochrome c expulsion which start cell death signaling.     

Dissociation of cytochrome c from the inner mitochondrial membrane during cardiac ischemia

Mitochondria isolated from ischemic cardiac tissue exhibit diminished rates of respiration and ATP synthesis. The present study was undertaken to determine whether cytochrome c release was responsible for ischemia-induced loss in mitochondrial function. Rat hearts were perfused in Langendorff fashion for 60 min (control) or for 30 min followed by 30 min of no flow ischemia. Mitochondria isolated from ischemic hearts in a buffer containing KCl exhibited depressed rates of maximum respiration and a lower cytochrome c content relative to control mitochondria. The addition of cytochrome c restored maximum rates of respiration, indicating that the release of cytochrome c is responsible for observed declines in function. However, mitochondria isolated in a mannitol/sucrose buffer exhibited no ischemia-induced loss in cytochrome c content, indicating that ischemia does not on its own cause the release of cytochrome c. Nevertheless, state 3 respiratory rates remained depressed, and cytochrome c release was enhanced when mitochondria from ischemic relative to perfused tissue were subsequently placed in a high ionic strength buffer, hypotonic solution, or detergent. Thus, events that occur during ischemia favor detachment of cytochrome c from the inner membrane increasing the pool of cytochrome c available for release. These results provide insight into the sequence of events that leads to release of cytochrome c and loss of mitochondrial respiratory activity during cardiac ischemia/reperfusion.     

Ionophorous Properties of SY-1 (20-Deoxysalinomycin) in Rat Liver Mitochondri

SY-1 (20-deoxysalinomycin), a monocarboxylic polyether antibiotic closely related to salinomycin, caused a rapid release of previously accumulated alkali metal cations by valinomycin or monazomycin in rat liver mitochondria, and simultaneously reversed swelling of mitochondria.

With a strict specificity for substrate and cation, SY-1 exhibited a property of inhibiting mitochondrial functions such as substrate oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP hydrolysis induced by valinomycin or monazomycin, In comparative study with salinomycin, SY-1 was found to be more effective on the mitochondrial functions than salinomycin.

On the basis of the results so far obtained, the inhibitory effect of SY-1 on mitochondria is interpreted as a result of interaction with essential cations, especially with K⁺, in mitochondria.