Underestimation of the Maximal Capacity of the Mitochondrial Electron Transport System in Oligomycin-Treated Cells

The maximal capacity of the mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS) in intact cells is frequently estimated by promoting protonophore-induced maximal oxygen consumption preceded by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation by oligomycin. In the present study, human glioma (T98G and U-87MG) and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells were titrated with different concentrations of the protonophore CCCP to induce maximal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) within respirometers in a conventional growth medium. The results demonstrate that the presence of oligomycin or its A-isomer leads to underestimation of maximal ETS capacity. In the presence of oligomycin, the spare respiratory capacity (SRC), i.e., the difference between the maximal and basal cellular OCR, was underestimated by 25 to 45%. The inhibitory effect of oligomycin on SRC was more pronounced in T98G cells and was observed in both suspended and attached cells. Underestimation of SRC also occurred when oxidative phosphorylation was fully inhibited by the ATP synthase inhibitor citreoviridin. Further experiments indicated that oligomycin cannot be replaced by the adenine nucleotide translocase inhibitors bongkrekic acid or carboxyatractyloside because, although these compounds have effects in permeabilized cells, they do not inhibit oxidative phosphorylation in intact cells. We replaced CCCP by FCCP, another potent protonophore and similar results were observed. Lower maximal OCR and SRC values were obtained with the weaker protonophore 2,4-dinitrophenol, and these parameters were not affected by the presence of oligomycin. In permeabilized cells or isolated brain mitochondria incubated with respiratory substrates, only a minor inhibitory effect of oligomycin on CCCP-induced maximal OCR was observed. We conclude that unless a previously validated protocol is employed, maximal ETS capacity in intact cells should be estimated without oligomycin. The inhibitory effect of an ATP synthase blocker on potent protonophore-induced maximal OCR may be associated with impaired metabolism of mitochondrial respiratory substrates.     

The abnormal-shaped mitochondria in thymus lymphocytes treated with inhibitors of mitochondrial energetics

The effects of uncouplers (DNP, FCCP), oligomycin, and rotenone on the energetics and mitochondrial ultrastructure in lymphocytes have been studied. We confirmed the previous observations done on Ehrlich ascites and cardiomyocyte culture cells that uncouplers and respiratory inhibitors cause the appearance of ringlike and dumbbell-like mitochondria. It is shown that this effect does not correlate with decrease in ATP concentration, changes in oxygen consumption, or condensation of the mitochondrial matrix. FCCP (2 µM) is more effective in the induction of abnormal-form mitochondria than 240 µM DNP, oligomycin, or rotenone. Combined treatment with DNP, oligomycin, and rotenone or with DNP and rotenone produces an effect as strong as 2 µm FCCP. DNP (240 µM) and FCCP (2 µM) have a similar effect on respiration and intracellular ATP, but only the latter induces condensation of the mitochondrial matrix.     

Intracellular acidosis protects cultured hepatocytes from the toxic consequences of a loss of mitochondrial energization

Cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with potassium cyanide, an inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase; valinomycin, a K+ ionophore; carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a protonophore; and the ATP synthetase inhibitor oligomycin. The effect of these agents on the viability of the cells was related to changes in ATP content and the deenergization of the mitochondria. The ATP content was reduced by over 90% by each inhibitor. All of the agents except oligomycin killed the cells within 4 h. With the exception of oligomycin, the mitochondrial membrane potential as measured by the distribution of [3H]triphenylmethylphosphonium collapsed with each of the agents. Monensin, a H+/Na+ ionophore, potentiated the toxicity of cyanide and CCCP, whereas the toxicity of valinomycin was reduced. The effect of cyanide and monesin on the cytoplasmic pH of cultured hepatocytes was measured with the fluorescent probe, 2',7'-biscarboxyethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein. Cyanide promptly acidified the cytosol, and the addition of 10 microM monensin caused a rapid alkalinization of the cytosol. A reduction of pH of the culture medium from 7.4 to 6.6 and 6.0 prevented the cell killing both by cyanide alone and by cyanide in the presence of monensin. However, neither monensin nor extracellular acidosis had any effect on the loss of mitochondrial energization in the presence of cyanide. It is concluded that ATP depletion per se is insufficient to explain the cell killing with cyanide, CCCP, and valinomycin. Rather, cell killing is better correlated with a loss of mitochondrial energization. With cyanide an intracellular acidosis interferes with the mechanism that couples collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential to lethal cell injury.     

Unveiling Interactions among Mitochondria,Caspase-Like Proteases,and the Actin Cytoskeleton during Plant Programmed Cell Death (PCD)

Aponogeton madagascariensis produces perforations over its leaf surface via programmed cell death (PCD). PCD begins between longitudinal and transverse veins at the center of spaces regarded as areoles, and continues outward, stopping several cells from these veins. The gradient of PCD that exists within a single areole of leaves in an early stage of development was used as a model to investigate cellular dynamics during PCD. Mitochondria have interactions with a family of proteases known as caspases, and the actin cytoskeleton during metazoan PCD; less is known regarding these interactions during plant PCD. This study employed the actin stain Alexa Fluor 488 phalloidin, the actin depolymerizer Latrunculin B (Lat B), a synthetic caspase peptide substrate and corresponding specific inhibitors, as well as the mitochondrial pore inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) to analyze the role of these cellular constituents during PCD. Results depicted that YVADase (caspase-1) activity is higher during the very early stages of perforation formation, followed by the bundling and subsequent breakdown of actin. Actin depolymerization using Lat B caused no change in YVADase activity. In vivo inhibition of YVADase activity prevented PCD and actin breakdown, therefore substantiating actin as a likely substrate for caspase-like proteases (CLPs). The mitochondrial pore inhibitor CsA significantly decreased YVADase activity, and prevented both PCD and actin breakdown; therefore suggesting the mitochondria as a possible trigger for CLPs during PCD in the lace plant. To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study using either caspase-1 inhibitor (Ac-YVAD-CMK) or CsA, following which the actin cytoskeleton was examined. Overall, our findings suggest the mitochondria as a possible upstream activator of YVADase activity and implicate these proteases as potential initiators of actin breakdown during perforation formation via PCD in the lace plant.     

Primary granule exocytosis in human neutrophils is regulated by Rac-dependent actin remodeling

The actin cytoskeleton regulates exocytosis in all secretory cells. In neutrophils, Rac2 GTPase has been shown to control primary (azurophilic) granule exocytosis. In this report, we propose that Rac2 is required for actin cytoskeletal remodeling to promote primary granule exocytosis. Treatment of neutrophils with low doses (< or = 10 microM) of the actin-depolymerizing drugs latrunculin B (Lat B) or cytochalasin B (CB) enhanced both formyl peptide receptor- and Ca(2+) ionophore-stimulated exocytosis. Higher concentrations of CB or Lat B, or stabilization of F-actin with jasplakinolide (JP), inhibited primary granule exocytosis measured as myeloperoxidase release but did not affect secondary granule exocytosis determined by lactoferrin release. These results suggest an obligatory role for F-actin disassembly before primary granule exocytosis. However, lysates from secretagogue-stimulated neutrophils showed enhanced actin polymerization activity in vitro. Microscopic analysis showed that resting neutrophils contain significant cortical F-actin, which was redistributed to sites of primary granule translocation when stimulated. Exocytosis and actin remodeling was highly polarized when cells were primed with CB; however, polarization was reduced by Lat B preincubation, and both polarization and exocytosis were blocked when F-actin was stabilized with JP. Treatment of cells with the small molecule Rac inhibitor NSC23766 also inhibited actin remodeling and primary granule exocytosis induced by Lat B/fMLF or CB/fMLF, but not by Ca(2+) ionophore. Therefore, we propose a role for F-actin depolymerization at the cell cortex coupled with Rac-dependent F-actin polymerization in the cell cytoplasm to promote primary granule exocytosis.     

Effects of hypoxia, anoxia, and metabolic inhibitors on KATP channels in rat femoral artery myocytes

Vascular ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels have an important role in hypoxic vasodilation. Because KATP channel activity depends on intracellular nucleotide concentration, one hypothesis is that hypoxia activates channels by reducing cellular ATP production. However, this has not been rigorously tested. In this study we measured KATP current in response to hypoxia and modulators of cellular metabolism in single smooth muscle cells from the rat femoral artery by using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. KATP current was not activated by exposure of cells to hypoxic solutions (Po2 approximately 35 mmHg). In contrast, voltage-dependent calcium current and the depolarization-induced rise in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was inhibited by hypoxia. Blocking mitochondrial ATP production by using the ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin B (3 microM) did not activate current. Blocking glycolytic ATP production by using 2-deoxy-D-glucose (5 mM) also did not activate current. The protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (1 microM) depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential and activated KATP current. This activation was reversed by oligomycin B, suggesting it occurred as a consequence of mitochondrial ATP consumption by ATP synthase working in reverse mode. Finally, anoxia induced by dithionite (0.5 mM) also depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential and activated KATP current. Our data show that: 1) anoxia but not hypoxia activates KATP current in femoral artery myocytes; and 2) inhibition of cellular energy production is insufficient to activate KATP current and that energy consumption is required for current activation. These results suggest that vascular KATP channels are not activated during hypoxia via changes in cell metabolism. Furthermore, part of the relaxant effect of hypoxia on rat femoral artery may be mediated by changes in [Ca2+]i through modulation of calcium channel activity.     

Vasodilation induced by oxygen/glucose deprivation is attenuated in cerebral arteries of SUR2 null mice

Physiological functions of arterial smooth muscle cell ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels, which are composed of inwardly rectifying K(+) channel 6.1 and sulfonylurea receptor (SUR)-2 subunits, during metabolic inhibition are unresolved. In the present study, we used a genetic model to investigate the physiological functions of SUR2-containing K(ATP) channels in mediating vasodilation to hypoxia, oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) or metabolic inhibition, and functional recovery following these insults. Data indicate that SUR2B is the only SUR isoform expressed in murine cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. Pressurized SUR2 wild-type (SUR2(wt)) and SUR2 null (SUR2(nl)) mouse cerebral arteries developed similar levels of myogenic tone and dilated similarly to hypoxia (<10 mmHg Po(2)). In contrast, vasodilation induced by pinacidil, a K(ATP) channel opener, was ～71% smaller in SUR2(nl) arteries. Human cerebral arteries also expressed SUR2B, developed myogenic tone, and dilated in response to hypoxia and pinacidil. OGD, oligomycin B (a mitochondrial ATP synthase blocker), and CCCP (a mitochondrial uncoupler) all induced vasodilations that were ～39-61% smaller in SUR2(nl) than in SUR2(wt) arteries. The restoration of oxygen and glucose following OGD or removal of oligomycin B and CCCP resulted in partial recovery of tone in both SUR2(wt) and SUR2(nl) cerebral arteries. However, SUR(nl) arteries regained ～60-82% more tone than did SUR2(wt) arteries. These data indicate that SUR2-containing K(ATP) channels are functional molecular targets for OGD, but not hypoxic, vasodilation in cerebral arteries. In addition, OGD activation of SUR2-containing K(ATP) channels may contribute to postischemic loss of myogenic tone.     

Actin filaments play a critical role in vacuolar trafficking at the Golgi complex in plant cells

Actin filaments are thought to play an important role in intracellular trafficking in various eukaryotic cells. However, their involvement in intracellular trafficking in plant cells has not been clearly demonstrated. Here, we investigated the roles actin filaments play in intracellular trafficking in plant cells using latrunculin B (Lat B), an inhibitor of actin filament assembly, or actin mutants that disrupt actin filaments when overexpressed. Lat B and actin2 mutant overexpression inhibited the trafficking of two vacuolar reporter proteins, sporamin:green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Arabidopsis thaliana aleurain-like protein:GFP, to the central vacuole; instead, a punctate staining pattern was observed. Colocalization experiments with various marker proteins indicated that these punctate stains corresponded to the Golgi complex. The A. thaliana vacuolar sorting receptor VSR-At, which mainly localizes to the prevacuolar compartment, also accumulated at the Golgi complex in the presence of Lat B. However, Lat B had no effect on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi trafficking of sialyltransferase or retrograde Golgi to ER trafficking. Lat B also failed to influence the Golgi to plasma membrane trafficking of H+-ATPase:GFP or the secretion of invertase:GFP. Based on these observations, we propose that actin filaments play a critical role in the trafficking of proteins from the Golgi complex to the central vacuole.     

A Reevaluation of the Role of Mitochondria in Neuronal Ca2+ Homeostasis

Abstract: The ability of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transport to limit the elevation in free cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration in neurones following an imposed Ca²⁺ load is reexamined. Cultured cerebellar granule cells were monitored by digital fura-2 imaging. Following KCI depolarization, addition of the protonophore carbonylcyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) to depolarize mitochondria released a pool of Ca²⁺ into the cytoplasm in both somata and neurites. No CCCP-releasable pool was found in nondepolarized cells. Although the KCI-evoked somatic and neurite Ca²⁺ concentration elevations were enhanced when CCCP was present during KCI depolarization, this was associated with a collapsed ATP/ADP ratio. In the presence of the ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin, glycolysis maintained high ATP/ADP ratios for at least 10 min. The further addition of the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone led to a collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, monitored by rhodamine-123, but had no effect on ATP/ADP ratios. In the presence of rotenone/oligomycin, no CCCP-releasable pool was found subsequent to KCI depolarization, consistent with the abolition of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transport; however, paradoxically the KCI-evoked Ca²⁺ elevation is decreased. It is concluded that the CCCP-induced increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ response to KCI is due to inhibition of nonmitochondrial ATP-dependent transport and that mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transport enhances entry of Ca²⁺, perhaps by removing the cation from cytoplasmic sites responsible for feedback inhibition of voltage-activated Ca²⁺ channel activity.     

Cytopathic effects of the cytomegalovirus-encoded apoptosis inhibitory protein vMIA

Replication of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) requires the expression of the viral mitochondria-localized inhibitor of apoptosis (vMIA). vMIA inhibits apoptosis by recruiting Bax to mitochondria, resulting in its neutralization. We show that vMIA decreases cell size, reduces actin polymerization, and induces cell rounding. As compared with vMIA-expressing CMV, vMIA-deficient CMV, which replicates in fibroblasts expressing the adenoviral apoptosis suppressor E1B19K, induces less cytopathic effects. These vMIA effects can be separated from its cell death-inhibitory function because vMIA modulates cellular morphology in Bax-deficient cells. Expression of vMIA coincided with a reduction in the cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level. vMIA selectively inhibited one component of the ATP synthasome, namely, the mitochondrial phosphate carrier. Exposure of cells to inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation produced similar effects, such as an ATP level reduced by 30%, smaller cell size, and deficient actin polymerization. Similarly, knockdown of the phosphate carrier reduced cell size. Our data suggest that the cytopathic effect of CMV can be explained by vMIA effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics.     

Mitochondrial dynamics in yeast with repressed adenine nucleotide translocator AAC2

The mitochondrial network structure dynamically adapts to cellular metabolic challenges. Mitochondrial depolarisation, particularly, induces fragmentation of the network. This fragmentation may be a result of either a direct regulation of the mitochondrial fusion machinery by transmembrane potential or an indirect effect of metabolic remodelling. Activities of ATP synthase and adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) link the mitochondrial transmembrane potential with the cytosolic NTP/NDP ratio. Given that mitochondrial fusion requires cytosolic GTP, a decrease in the NTP/NDP ratio might also account for protonophore-induced mitochondrial fragmentation. For evaluating the contributions of direct and indirect mechanisms to mitochondrial remodelling, we assessed the morphology of the mitochondrial network in yeast cells with inhibited ANT. We showed that the repression of AAC2 (PET9), a major ANT gene in yeast, increases mitochondrial transmembrane potential. However, the mitochondrial network in this strain was fragmented. Meanwhile, AAC2 repression did not prevent mitochondrial fusion in zygotes; nor did it inhibit mitochondrial hyperfusion induced by Dnm1p inhibitor mdivi-1. These results suggest that the inhibition of ANT, rather than preventing mitochondrial fusion, facilitates mitochondrial fission. The protonophores were not able to induce additional mitochondrial fragmentation in an AAC2-repressed strain and in yeast cells with inhibited ATP synthase. Importantly, treatment with the ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin A also induced mitochondrial fragmentation and hyperpolarization. Taken together, our data suggest that ATP/ADP translocation plays a crucial role in shaping of the mitochondrial network and exemplify that an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential does not necessarily oppose mitochondrial fragmentation.     

The insensitivity to uncouplers of testis mitochondrial ATPase

Albumin-free testis mitochondrial ATPase activity failed to be stimulated by either 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) or carbonyl cyanide rho-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). DNP scarcely enhanced the state 4 respiration and mitochondria proved to be poorly coupled. When 1% bovine serum albumin was added to the isolation medium, DNP or FCCP stimulated ATPase nearly twofold and the dose-response curves for the uncouplers on the QO2 reached a plateau at five- to sixfold. The DNP coupling index (q) also showed a 30-40% improvement. A dose-response curve for oligomycin on the rate of [gamma-32P]ATP synthesis showed a stimulation of ATP synthase activity by 10-100 ng inhibitor/mg protein, suggesting a possible blockade of "open" F0 channels. In the albumin preparation oligomycin inhibited ATP synthesis in the range 10-100 ng/mg protein. Since testis ATPase is known to be loosely bound to the membrane, an effect of albumin, improving tightness in the interaction of the F1 and the F0 sectors of the ATPase, is suggested.     

The promotion of gravitropism in Arabidopsis roots upon actin disruption is coupled with the extended alkalinization of the columella cytoplasm and a persistent lateral auxin gradient

The actin cytoskeleton has been implicated in regulating plant gravitropism. However, its precise role in this process remains uncertain. We have shown previously that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with Latrunculin B (Lat B) strongly promoted gravitropism in maize roots. These effects were most evident on a clinostat as curvature that would exceed 90 degrees despite short periods of horizontal stimulation. To probe further the cellular mechanisms underlying these enhanced gravity responses, we extended our studies to roots of Arabidopsis. Similar to our observations in other plant species, Lat B enhanced the response of Arabidopsis roots to gravity. Lat B (100 nm) and a stimulation time of 5-10 min were sufficient to induce enhanced bending responses during clinorotation. Lat B (100 nm) disrupted the fine actin filament network in different regions of the root and altered the dynamics of amyloplasts in the columella but did not inhibit the gravity-induced alkalinization of the columella cytoplasm. However, the duration of the alkalinization response during continuous gravistimulation was extended in Lat B-treated roots. Indirect visualization of auxin redistribution using the DR5:beta-glucuronidase (DR5:GUS) auxin-responsive reporter showed that the enhanced curvature of Lat B-treated roots during clinorotation was accompanied by a persistent lateral auxin gradient. Blocking the gravity-induced alkalinization of the columella cytoplasm with caged protons reduced Lat B-induced curvature and the development of the lateral auxin gradient. Our data indicate that the actin cytoskeleton is unnecessary for the initial perception of gravity but likely acts to downregulate gravitropism by continuously resetting the gravitropic-signaling system.     

The role of ATP in the cytostructure of the hepatocytes

We have previously described the preparation of hepatocytes from which the plasma membrane was removed by digitonin treatment. Such "nude" cells were found to be very stable in sucrose media containing above 50 mM NaCl or KCl, but they disintegrate near instantly in salt-free media, liberating nuclei, mitochondria, and other organelles. We show here that disintegration occurs at a physiologic pH and in the presence of oxygen. Disintegration was blocked by rotenone, oligomycin, KCN, and carboxyatractyloside, establishing that oxidative phosphorylation and ATP generation is essential for disintegration to occur. The addition of ATP, GTP, ITP, or ADP (but not AMP) in the presence of the inhibitors, induced breakdown. Taxol, an inhibitor of tubulin depolymerization and phalloidin, a drug that stabilizes actin fibers, prevented disintegration in salt-free media. The effect of these drugs was counteracted by the addition of ATP. Our results show that two conditions are essential to induce the disintegration of the nude cell: media of low ionic strength, and ATP generation. The ATP effect is likely to be of physiological significance, suggesting role of ATP generation in affecting polymerization of cytoskeletal elements.     

EFFECT OF OLIGOMYCIN ON DARK RESPIRATION IN THE MARINE DIATOM PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE): IMPLICATIONS FOR DETERMINATION OF MAINTENANCE RESPIRATION

Oligomycin is an inhibitor of the mitochondrial ATP synthase. In nitrogen-replete cells of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, the rate of dark respiration was high and markedly inhibited (62%–74%) in the presence of oligomycin. In contrast, the rate of dark respiration in nitrogen-deprived cells was about half that in nitrogen-replete cells but was only slightly inhibited (16%–30%) by oligomycin. Consistent with these effects on rates of dark respiration, oligomycin decreased the ATP level and the ATP:ADP ratio by about 40% in nitrogen-replete cells incubated in darkness but had a negligible effect on the ATP level and ATP:ADP ratio in nitrogen-deprived cells. In sodium and nitrogen-deprived cells, the rate of dark respiration was greater than that in nitrogen-replete cells, but there was little effect of oligomycin on the rate of dark respiration. In light-limited cells, the rate of dark respiration was similar to that in nitrogen-deprived cells, but the inhibition (57%) in the presence of oligomycin was greater. These results suggest that most of the O₂ consumption by nitrogen-replete cells was linked to mitochondrial ATP synthesis and that the rate of mitochondrial ATP synthesis in nitrogen-deprived and sodium and nitrogen-deprived cells was low. The potential implications of these results for our understanding of maintenance respiration are discussed.     

Active electrogenic transport H+ in plasma membrane vesicles of cow parsnip phloem cells

Generation of electric (delta psi) and chemical (delta pH) components of electrochemical proton gradient delta muH+, in plasma membrane vesicles of Heracleum sosnovskyi phloem cells was investigated. ATP-dependent generation of delta psi at pH 6.0 in the presence of Mg2+ and K+ was established with the help of fluorescent probes AU+ and ANS-. Protonophore CCCP and proton ATPase inhibitor DCCD suppressed generation, whereas oligomycin, the inhibitor of mitochondrial ATPases did not affect it. Measurings of delta psi value indicated its oscillations within the limits from 10 to 60 mV. ATP-dependent generation of delta pH was established by means of fluorescent probe 9-AA. The effect was eliminated by CCCP and stimulated by K+, that may testify to the transformation of a part of delta psi into delta pH at antiport H+/K+. Existence of H+-ATPase in the plasma membranes of higher plant cells insuring generation of delta muH+ is supposed.     

Mitochondrial inhibitors activate influx of external Ca in sea urchin sperm

Sea urchin sperm have a single mitochondrion which, aside from its main ATP generating function, may regulate motility, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and possibly the acrosome reaction (AR). We have found that acute application of agents that inhibit mitochondrial function via differing mechanisms (CCCP, a proton gradient uncoupler, antimycin, a respiratory chain inhibitor, oligomycin, a mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor and CGP37157, a Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange inhibitor) increases [Ca²⁺]_i with at least two differing profiles. These increases depend on the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺, which indicates they involve Ca²⁺ uptake and not only mitochondrial Ca²⁺ release. The plasma membrane permeation pathways activated by the mitochondrial inhibitors are permeable to Mn²⁺. Store-operated Ca²⁺ channel (SOC) blockers (Ni²⁺, SKF96365 and Gd²⁺) and internal-store ATPase inhibitors (thapsigargin and bisphenol) antagonize Ca²⁺ influx induced by the mitochondrial inhibitors. The results indicate that the functional status of the sea urchin sperm mitochondrion regulates Ca²⁺ entry through SOCs. As neither CCCP nor dicycloexyl carbodiimide (DCCD), another mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor, eliminate the oligomycin induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i, apparently oligomycin also has an extra mitochondrial target.     

Inhibition of 2,4-dinitrophenol-induced potassium efflux by adenine nucleotides in mitochondria

The influence of nucleotides on 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-induced K+ efflux from intact rat liver mitochondria has been studied. ATP and ADP at micromolar concentrations were found to inhibit mitochondrial potassium transport, whereas GTP, GDP, CTP, and UTP did not show tha same effect. The values of half-maximal inhibition (IC50) were approximately 20 microM for ATP and approximately 60 microM for ADP. It is suggested that adenine nucleotides exert their inhibitory action at the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane since the inhibitor of adenine nucleotide translocase atractyloside at concentration of 1 microM completely removed the inhibitory effect of ATP and ADP. The mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor oligomycin (2 microg/ml) was found to reduce slightly the rate of DNP-induced K+ efflux and had no effect on inhibition by adenine nucleotides; the latter was insensitive to Mg2+ and the changes in pH. It seems likely that the regulation of potassium transport is not due to phosphorylation of the channel-forming protein but to binding of the nucleotides in specific regulatory sites. The possibility of potassium efflux from mitochondria in the presence of uncoupler via the ATP-dependent potassium channel is discussed.     

Oligomycin A and the IPLB-LdFB insect cell line: actin and mitochondrial responses

Oligomycin A, an inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthase, provokes simultaneous and different responses in IPLB-LdFB insect cell line. The oligomycin A treatment causes mitochondrial loss, increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), destabilization/reorganization of the actin microfilaments and, finally, autophagic cell death. We speculate that oligomycin A affects the mitochondria and that the impairment of these organelles leads to the generation of ROS in quantities that exceed the antioxidant capacity of the cell. This in turn would lead to a feedback loop of increased mitochondrial impairment, amplification of ROS production and the removal of damaged organelles through autophagy.