Uptake, retention, and efflux of Ca2+ by mitochondrial preparations from skeletal muscle

Functionally intact mitochondria, substantially free of contamination, were isolated from rabbit gastrocnemius muscle after protease digestion and their Ca2+-handling properties examined. When judged by their capacity to retain large Ca2+ loads and the magnitude of basal and Na+-stimulated Ca2+ effluxes, the most suitable isolation method was digestion of finely minced muscle in buffered isoosmotic KCl with low levels (0.4 mg/g) of trypsin or the bacterial protease nagarse, followed by differential centrifugation. Polytron disruption of skeletal muscle in both sucrose- and KCl-based media released mitochondria deficient in cytochrome c. Use of the divalent ion chelator EDTA rather than EGTA in the isolation medium sharply reduced Ca2+-dependent respiratory control and tolerance of the mitochondria to Ca2+ loads, probably by removing Mg2+ essential to membrane integrity. ADP-dependent respiratory control was not altered in mitochondria prepared in an EDTA-containing isolation medium. Purification of mitochondria on a Percoll density gradient did not improve their Ca2+-handling ability despite removal of minor contaminants. Mitochondria prepared by the protease method could accumulate micromole loads of Ca2+/mg while maintaining a low basal Ca2+ efflux. Addition of BSA to the assay medium slightly improved Ca2+ retention but was not essential either during isolation or assay. Ca2+-dependent state 3 respiration was maximal at pH 6.5-7.0 while respiratory control and Ca2+/O were optimal at pH 7.0-7.5. Neither Pi nor oxaloacetate induced Ca2+ release from loaded mitochondria when monitored for 30 min after ruthenium red addition. Na+-stimulated Ca2+ efflux had sigmoidal kinetics with a Hill coefficient of 3. Since skeletal muscle mitochondria can be isolated and assayed in simple media, functional deficiencies of mitochondria from diseased muscle are unlikely to be masked.     

The epithelial calcium channel, ECaC, is activated by hyperpolarization and regulated by cytosolic calcium.

The recently cloned epithelial Ca(2+) channel, ECaC, which is expressed in the apical membrane of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-responsible epithelia, was characterized in Xenopus laevis oocytes by measuring the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current which is a sensitive read-out of the Ca(2+) influx. ECaC-expressing oocytes responded to a voltage ramp with a maximal inward current of -2.1 +/- 0.3 microA at a holding potential of -99 +/- 1 mV. The inward current decreased progressively at less negative potentials and at +50 mV a small Ca(2+)-induced outward current was observed. The Ca(2+) influx-evoked current at a hyperpolarizing pulse to -100 mV displayed a fast activation followed by a rapid but partial inactivation. Loading of the oocytes with the Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA delayed the activation and blocked the inactivation of ECaC. When a series of brief hyperpolarizing pulses were given a significant decline in the peak response and subsequent plateau phase was observed. In conclusion, the distinct electrophysiological features of ECaC are hyperpolarization-dependent activation, Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of channel conductance and desensitization during repetitive stimulation.     

Comparative properties of hydroquinone and hydroxylamine reduction of the Ca(2+)-stabilized O2-evolving complex of photosystem II: reductant-dependent Mn2+ formation and activity inhibition.

Calcium binding to photosystem II slows NH2OH inhibition of O2 evolution; Mn2+ is retained by the O2-evolving complex [Mei, R., & Yocum, C. F. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 7836-7842]. This Ca(2+)-induced stability has been further characterized using the large reductant hydroquinone. Salt-washed photosystem II membranes reduced by hydroquinone in the presence of Ca2+ retain 80% of steady-state O2 evolution activity and contain about 2 Mn2+/reaction center that can be detected at room temperature by electron paramagnetic resonance. This Mn2+ produces a weak enhancement of H2O proton spin-lattice relaxation rates, cannot be easily extracted by a chelator, and is reincorporated into the O2-evolving complex upon illumination. A comparison of the properties of Ca(2+)-supplemented photosystem II samples reduced by hydroquinone or NH2OH alone or in sequence reveals the presence of a subpopulation of manganese atoms at the active site of H2O oxidation that is not accessible to facile hydroquinone reduction. At least one of these manganese atoms can be readily reduced by NH2OH following a noninhibitory hydroquinone reduction step. Under these conditions, about 3 Mn2+/reaction center are lost and O2 evolution activity is irreversibly inhibited. We interpret the existence of distinct sites of reductant action on manganese as further evidence that the Ca(2+)-binding site in photosystem II participates in regulation of the organization of manganese-binding ligands and the overall structure of the O2-evolving complex.     

Functional coupling between ryanodine receptors, mitochondria and Ca(2+) ATPases in rat submandibular acinar cells

Agonist stimulation of exocrine cells leads to the generation of intracellular Ca(2+) signals driven by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) that rapidly become global due to propagation throughout the cell. In many types of excitable cells the intracellular Ca(2+) signal is propagated by a mechanism of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR), mediated by ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Expression of RyRs in salivary gland cells has been demonstrated immunocytochemically although their functional role is not clear. We used microfluorimetry to measure Ca(2+) signals in the cytoplasm, in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and in mitochondria. In permeabilized acinar cells caffeine induced a dose-dependent, transient decrease of Ca(2+) concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca(2+)](ER)). This decrease was inhibited by ryanodine but was insensitive to heparin. Application of caffeine, however, did not elevate cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) suggesting fast local buffering of Ca(2+) released through RyRs. Indeed, activation of RyRs produced a robust mitochondrial Ca(2+) transient that was prevented by addition of Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA but not EGTA. When mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake was blocked, activation of RyRs evoked only a non-transient increase in [Ca(2+)](i) and substantially smaller Ca(2+) release from the ER. Upon simultaneous inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake and either plasmalemmal or ER Ca(2+) ATPase, activation of RyRs caused a transient rise in [Ca(2+)](i). Collectively, our data suggest that Ca(2+) released through RyRs is mostly "tunnelled" to mitochondria, while Ca(2+) ATPases are responsible for the fast initial sequestration of Ca(2+). Ca(2+) uptake by mitochondria is critical for maintaining continuous CICR. A complex interplay between RyRs, mitochondria and Ca(2+) ATPases is accomplished through strategic positioning of mitochondria close to both Ca(2+) release sites in the ER and Ca(2+) pumping sites of the plasmalemma and the ER.     

Quinone toxicity in hepatocytes: studies on mitochondrial Ca2+ release induced by benzoquinone derivatives

Hepatocyte cytotoxicity caused by substituted benzoquinones was associated with increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. p-Benzoquinone-induced hepatotoxicity was enhanced when the hepatocytes were loaded with Ca2+ by preincubation with ATP. A similar order of potency of the substituted benzoquinones in releasing Ca2+ from isolated mitochondria and inducing hepatocyte cytotoxicity was found; in decreasing order, this was 2-Br-, unsubstituted-, 2-CH3-, 2,6-(CH3O)2-, 2,6-(CH3)2-, 2,5-(CH3)2-, 2,3,5-(CH3)3-, and 2,3,5,6-(CH3)4-benzoquinones (duroquinone). The cellular products of quinone metabolism, hydroquinones and glutathione conjugates, did not cause mitochondrial Ca2+ release. Benzoquinone-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ release was preceded by GSH conjugate formation and NAD(P)H oxidation but followed by mitochondrial swelling. With duroquinone, a slow GSH and NADPH oxidation preceded Ca2+ release, but GSH oxidation did not occur with Se-deficient mitochondria lacking glutathione peroxidase activity. Cyanide-insensitive respiration was also observed with duroquinone but not with benzoquinone, suggesting that duroquinone undergoes redox cycling. GSH was depleted by both arylation and oxidation with 2,6-(CH3O)2-, 2,6-(CH3)2-, 2,5(CH3)2-, and 2,3,5-(CH3)3-benzoquinones. Benzoquinone concentrations that totally depleted GSH did not cause Ca2+ release until intramitochondrial NAD(P)H was oxidized. Ca2+ release was also prevented when NAD(P)H generation was stimulated by the presence of isocitrate or 3-hydroxybutyrate. This suggests that mitochondrial Ca2+ release is associated with NAD(P)H oxidation catalyzed by NADH dehydrogenase with benzoquinone or by the glutathione peroxidase-glutathione reductase system with duroquinone.     

Leucine zipper EF hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (Letm1) and uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 (UCP2/3) contribute to two distinct mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake pathways

Cytosolic Ca(2+) signals are transferred into mitochondria over a huge concentration range. In our recent work we described uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 (UCP2/3) to be fundamental for mitochondrial uptake of high Ca(2+) domains in mitochondria-ER junctions. On the other hand, the leucine zipper EF hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (Letm1) was identified as a mitochondrial Ca(2+)/H(+) antiporter that achieved mitochondrial Ca(2+) sequestration at small Ca(2+) increases. Thus, the contributions of Letm1 and UCP2/3 to mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake were compared in endothelial cells. Knock-down of Letm1 did not affect the UCP2/3-dependent mitochondrial uptake of intracellularly released Ca(2+) but strongly diminished the transfer of entering Ca(2+) into mitochondria, subsequently, resulting in a reduction of store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Knock-down of Letm1 and UCP2/3 did neither impact on cellular ATP levels nor the membrane potential. The enhanced mitochondrial Ca(2+) signals in cells overexpressing UCP2/3 rescued SOCE upon Letm1 knock-down. In digitonin-permeabilized cells, Letm1 exclusively contributed to mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake at low Ca(2+) conditions. Neither the Letm1- nor the UCP2/3-dependent mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake was affected by a knock-down of mRNA levels of mitochondrial calcium uptake 1 (MICU1), a protein that triggers mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake in HeLa cells. Our data indicate that Letm1 and UCP2/3 independently contribute to two distinct, mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake pathways in intact endothelial cells.     

The evaluation of the role of endogenous Ca-dependent regulators and protein kinases in activating and inhibiting ion-transport ATPases]

The data on hormonal regulation of ATP-driving ion pumps are contradictory depending on the object used: whether native cells or isolated membranes. To eliminate this contrariety, we studied the ion transporting ATPases in saponin-permeabilized cells in the presence of all endogenous regulators. In permeabilized erythrocytes we obtained the presence of Ca(2+)-dependent activation of Ca(2+)-ATPase by factor(s) not affected by calmodulin antagonist R24571. We obtained also Ca(2+)-dependent activation and inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase. At a concentration of Mg(2+)-ions corresponding to the intracellular level (370 microM), the 0.5-0.7 microM Ca(2+)-activated Na+,K(+)-ATPase (up to 3-fold), whereas the 1-5 microM Ca2+ inhibited it. The cyclic AMP (10(-5) M) inhibited or eliminated Ca(2+)-dependent activation. The decrease in Mg(2+)-ion concentration to 50 microM eliminated the activation and strengthened the inhibition, which reached 100% at the 1-2 microM Ca2+ concentration. The washing of membranes with EGTA eliminated Ca2+ effects on Na+,K(+)-ATPase. These data suggest that the ion-transporting ATPases are activated or inhibited by Ca(2+)-dependent regulators whose activities may be changed by protein kinase catalysed phosphorylation.     

Properties of a new calcium ion antagonist on cellular uptake and mitochondrial efflux of calcium ions.

Compound YS 035 [NN-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-N-methylamine] is a new synthetic compound capable of inhibiting Ca2+ uptake by different cells. The inhibition of Ca2+ uptake by muscle cells isolated from chicken embryo is dose-dependent in the compound YS 035 concentration range 10-30 microM. The new compound also inhibits Ca2+ entry into rat brain synaptosomes and less effectively into baby-hamster kidney cells. Compound YS 035 partially inhibits the slow Ca2+ release induced by Ruthenium Red and the rapid Na+-dependent efflux from heart mitochondria. The inhibition of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange appears to be of a non-competitive type with an apparent Ki of 28 microM. The new Ca2+ antagonist totally inhibits the Ca2+ efflux from liver mitochondria induced by Ruthenium Red, but it does not affect the release induced by uncoupler, respiratory inhibitor or chelator, nor the mitochondrial ATP synthesis and membrane potential. The properties shown by the new compound indicate it to be a Ca2+ antagonist and a useful tool for studies on the mitochondrial Ca2+ transport.     

Barium and Calcium Stimulate Secretion from Digitonin-Permeabilized Bovine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells by Similar Pathways

We compared the characteristics of secretion stimulated by EGTA-buffered Ba(2+)- and Ca(2+)-containing solutions in digitonin-permeabilized bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Half-maximal secretion occurred at approximately 100 microM Ba2+ or 1 microM Ca2+. Ba(2+)-stimulated release was not due to release of sequestered intracellular Ca2+ because at a constant free Ba2+ concentration, increasing unbound EGTA did not diminish the extent of release due to Ba2+. The maximal extents of Ba(2+)- and Ca(2+)-dependent secretion in the absence of MgATP were identical. MgATP enhanced Ba(2+)-induced secretion to a lesser extent than Ca(2+)-induced secretion. Half-maximal concentrations of Ba2+ and Ca2+, when added together to cells, yielded approximately additive amounts of secretion. Maximal concentrations of Ba2+ and Ca2+ when added together to cells for 2 or 15 min were not additive. Tetanus toxin inhibited Ba(2+)- and Ca(2+)-dependent secretion to a similar extent. Ba2+, unlike Ca2+, did not activate polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. These data indicate that (1) Ba2+ directly stimulates exocytosis, (2) Ba(2+)-induced secretion is stimulated to a lesser extent than Ca(2+)-dependent secretion by MgATP, (3) Ba2+ and Ca2+ use similar pathways to trigger exocytosis, and (4) exocytosis from permeabilized cells does not require activation of polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C.     

Morphological changes of T cells following formation of the immunological synapse modulate intracellular calcium signals

Sustained Ca(2+) influx through plasma membrane Ca(2+) released-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels is essential for T cell activation. Since inflowing Ca(2+) inactivates CRAC channels, T cell activation is only possible if Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation is prevented. We have previously reported that sustained Ca(2+) influx through CRAC channels requires both mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake and mitochondrial translocation towards the plasma membrane in order to prevent Ca(2+)-dependent channel inactivation. Here, we show that morphological changes following formation of the immunological synapse (IS) modulate Ca(2+) influx through CRAC channels. Cell shape changes were dependent on the actin cytoskeleton, and they sustained Ca(2+) entry by bringing mitochondria and the plasma membrane in closer proximity. The increased percentage of mitochondria beneath the plasma membrane following shape changes occurred in all 3 dimensions and correlated with an increase in the amplitude of Ca(2+) signals. The shape change-dependent mitochondrial localization close to the plasma membrane prevented CRAC channel inactivation even in T cells in which dynein motor protein-dependent mitochondria movements towards the plasma membrane were completely abolished, highlighting the importance of the shape change-dependent control of Ca(2+) influx. Our results suggest that morphological changes do not only facilitate an efficient contact with antigen presenting cells but also strongly modulate Ca(2+) dependent T cell activation.     

Bile acids induce a cationic current, depolarizing pancreatic acinar cells and increasing the intracellular Na+ concentration

Biliary disease is a major cause of acute pancreatitis. In this study we investigated the electrophysiological effects of bile acids on pancreatic acinar cells. In perforated patch clamp experiments we found that taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate depolarized pancreatic acinar cells. At low bile acid concentrations this occurred without rise in the cytosolic calcium concentration. Measurements of the intracellular Na(+) concentration with the fluorescent probe Sodium Green revealed a substantial increase upon application of the bile acid. We found that bile acids induce Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent components of the Na(+) concentration increase. The Ca(2+)-independent component was resolved in conditions when the cytosolic Ca(2+) level was buffered with a high concentration of the calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). The Ca(2+)-dependent component of intracellular Na(+) increase was clearly seen during stimulation with the calcium-releasing agonist acetylcholine. During acetylcholine-induced Ca(2+) oscillations the recovery of cytosolic Na(+) was much slower than the recovery of Ca(2+), creating a possibility for the summation of Na(+) transients. The bile-induced Ca(2+)-independent current was found to be carried primarily by Na(+) and K(+), with only small Ca(2+) and Cl(-) contributions. Measurable activation of such a cationic current could be produced by a very low concentration of taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (10 microm). This bile acid induced a cationic current even when applied in sodium- and bicarbonate-free solution. Other bile acids, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, and bile itself also induced cationic currents. Bile-induced depolarization of acinar cells should have a profound effect on acinar fluid secretion and, consequently, on transport of secreted zymogens.     

Calreticulin differentially modulates calcium uptake and release in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria

To study the role of calreticulin in Ca(2+) homeostasis and apoptosis, we generated cells inducible for full-length or truncated calreticulin and measured Ca(2+) signals within the cytosol, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and mitochondria with "cameleon" indicators. Induction of calreticulin increased the free Ca(2+) concentration within the ER lumen, [Ca(2+)](ER), from 306 +/- 31 to 595 +/- 53 microm, and doubled the rate of ER refilling. [Ca(2+)](ER) remained elevated in the presence of thapsigargin, an inhibitor of SERCA-type Ca(2+) ATPases. Under these conditions, store-operated Ca(2+) influx appeared inhibited but could be reactivated by decreasing [Ca(2+)](ER) with the low affinity Ca(2+) chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine. In contrast, [Ca(2+)](ER) decreased much faster during stimulation with carbachol. The larger ER release was associated with a larger cytosolic Ca(2+) response and, surprisingly, with a shorter mitochondrial Ca(2+) response. The reduced mitochondrial signal was not associated with visible morphological alterations of mitochondria or with disruption of the contacts between mitochondria and the ER but correlated with a reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Altered ER and mitochondrial Ca(2+) responses were also observed in cells expressing an N-truncated calreticulin but not in cells overexpressing calnexin, a P-domain containing chaperone, indicating that the effects were mediated by the unique C-domain of calreticulin. In conclusion, calreticulin overexpression increases Ca(2+) fluxes across the ER but decreases mitochondrial Ca(2+) and membrane potential. The increased Ca(2+) turnover between the two organelles might damage mitochondria, accounting for the increased susceptibility of cells expressing high levels of calreticulin to apoptotic stimuli.     

Store-operated Ca2+ entry depends on mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake

Store-operated Ca(2+) channels, which are activated by the emptying of intracellular Ca(2+) stores, provide one major route for Ca(2+) influx. Under physiological conditions of weak intracellular Ca(2+) buffering, the ubiquitous Ca(2+) releasing messenger InsP(3) usually fails to activate any store-operated Ca(2+) entry unless mitochondria are maintained in an energized state. Mitochondria rapidly take up Ca(2+) that has been released by InsP(3), enabling stores to empty sufficiently for store-operated channels to activate. Here, we report a novel role for mitochondria in regulating store-operated channels under physiological conditions. Mitochondrial depolarization suppresses store-operated Ca(2+) influx independently of how stores are depleted. This role for mitochondria is unrelated to their actions on promoting InsP(3)-sensitive store depletion, can be distinguished from Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of the store-operated channels and does not involve changes in intracellular ATP, oxidants, cytosolic acidification, nitric oxide or the permeability transition pore, but is suppressed when mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake is impaired. Our results suggest that mitochondria may have a more fundamental role in regulating store-operated influx and raise the possibility of bidirectional Ca(2+)-dependent crosstalk between mitochondria and store-operated Ca(2+) channels.     

Calcium release in HSY cells conforms to a steady-state mechanism involving regulation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor Ca2+ channel by luminal [Ca2+]

In many cell types, low concentrations of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) release only a portion of the intracellular IP3-sensitive Ca2+ store, a phenomenon known as "quantal" Ca2+ release. It has been suggested that this effect is a result of reduced activity of the IP3- dependent Ca2+ channel with decreasing calcium concentration within the IP3-sensitive store ([Ca2+]s). To test this hypothesis, the properties of IP3-dependent Ca2+ release in single saponin-permeabilized HSY cells were studied by monitoring [Ca2+]s using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye mag-fura-2. In permeabilized cells, blockade of the sarco/ER Ca(2+)-ATPase pump in stores partially depleted by IP3 induced further Ca2+ release via an IP3-dependent route, indicating that Ca2+ entry via the sarco/ER Ca(2+)-ATPase pump had been balanced by Ca2+ loss via the IP3-sensitive channel before pump inhibition. IP3- dependent Mn2+ entry, monitored via quenching of luminal mag-fura-2 fluorescence, was readily apparent in filled stores but undetectable in Ca(2+)-depleted stores, indicating markedly reduced IP3-sensitive channel activity in the latter. Also consistent with reduced responsiveness of Ca(2+)-depleted stores to IP3, the initial rate of refilling of these stores was unaffected by the presence of 0.3 microM IP3, a concentration that was clearly effective in eliciting Ca2+ release from filled stores. Analysis of the rate of Ca2+ release at various IP3 concentrations indicated a significant shift of the IP3 dose response toward higher [IP3] with decreasing [Ca2+]s. We conclude that IP3-dependent Ca2+ release in HSY cells is a steady-state process wherein Ca2+ efflux via the IP3 receptor Ca2+ channel is regulated by [Ca2+]s, apparently via changes in the sensitivity of the channel to IP3.     

The permeability transition in heart mitochondria is regulated synergistically by ADP and cyclosporin A.

Heart mitochondria respiring in a sucrose medium containing P(i) show a permeability transition when challenged with Ca2+ and an oxidant such as cumene hydroperoxide. The transition results from the opening of a Ca(2+)-dependent pore and is evidenced by loss of membrane potential (delta psi) and osmotic swelling due to uptake of sucrose and other solutes. In the absence of oxidant, high concentrations of Ca2+ (100-150 microM) are necessary to induce loss of delta psi and initiate swelling. Cyclosporin A delays the loss of delta psi but enhances swelling under these conditions, apparently by promoting better retention of accumulated Ca2+. Cyclosporin A and ADP together restore delta psi in respiring mitochondria that have undergone the permeability transition at levels that are not effective when either is added alone. When the state of the Ca(2+)-dependent pore is assessed using passive osmotic contraction in response to polyethylene glycol (Haworth, R. A., and Hunter, D. R. (1979) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 195, 460-467), cyclosporin A is found to be a partial inhibitor of solute flow through the open pore. Cyclosporin A decreases the Vmax of passive contraction and increases the Km for Ca2+ without affecting the Hill slope. ADP in the presence of carboxyatractyloside closes the pore almost completely even in the presence of 40 microM Ca2+. ADP shows mixed type inhibition of the Ca(2+)-dependent pore, and cyclosporin A increases the affinity of the pore for ADP. It is concluded that cyclosporin A and ADP act synergistically to close the Ca(2+)-dependent pore of the mitochondrion and that the pore is probably not formed directly from the adenine nucleotide transporter.     

The role of the matrix calcium level in the enhancement of mitochondrial pyruvate carboxylation by glucagon pretreatment.

The effect of Ca2+ on the rate of pyruvate carboxylation was studied in liver mitochondria from control and glucagon-treated rats, prepared under conditions that maintain low Ca2+ levels (1-3 nmol/mg of protein). When the matrix-free [Ca2+] was low (less than 100 nM), the rate of pyruvate carboxylation was not significantly different in mitochondria from control and glucagon-treated rats. Accumulation of 5-8 nmol of Ca2+/mg, which increased the matrix [Ca2+] to 2-5 microM in both preparations, significantly enhanced pyruvate carboxylase flux by 20-30% in the mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats, but had little effect in control preparations. Higher levels of Ca2+ (up to 75 nmol/mg) inhibited pyruvate carboxylation in both preparations, but the difference between the mitochondria from control and glucagon-treated animals was maintained. The enhancement of pyruvate dehydrogenase flux by mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was also significantly greater in mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats. These differential effects of Ca2+ uptake on enzyme fluxes did not correlate with changes in the mitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio, the pyrophosphate level, or the matrix volume. Arsenite completely prevented 14CO2 incorporation when pyruvate was the only substrate, but caused only partial inhibition when succinate and acetyl carnitine were present as alternative sources of energy and acetyl-CoA. Under these conditions, mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats were less sensitive to arsenite than the control preparations, even at low Ca2+ levels. We conclude that the Ca(2+)-dependent enhancement of pyruvate carboxylation in mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats is a secondary consequence of pyruvate dehydrogenase activation; glucagon treatment is suggested to affect the conditions in the mitochondria that change the sensitivity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex to dephosphorylation by the Ca(2+)-sensitive pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase.     

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by enabling the Ca2+-dependent inactivation of calcium release-activated calcium/orai channels normally prevented by mitochondria

Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation contributes to occlusive and proliferative disorders of the vessel wall. Salicylate and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit VSMC proliferation by an unknown mechanism unrelated to anti-inflammatory activity. In search for this mechanism, we have studied the effects of salicylate and other NSAIDs on subcellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and Ca(2+)-dependent cell proliferation in rat aortic A10 cells, a model of neointimal VSMCs. We found that A10 cells displayed both store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) and voltage-operated Ca(2+) entry (VOCE), the former being more important quantitatively than the latter. Inhibition of SOCE by specific Ca(2+) released-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC/Orai) channels antagonists prevented A10 cell proliferation. Salicylate and other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, indomethacin, and sulindac, inhibited SOCE and thereby Ca(2+)-dependent, A10 cell proliferation. SOCE, but not VOCE, induced mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake in A10 cells, and mitochondrial depolarization prevented SOCE, thus suggesting that mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake controls SOCE (but not VOCE) in A10 cells. NSAIDs depolarized mitochondria and prevented mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake, suggesting that they favor the Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of CRAC/Orai channels. NSAIDs also inhibited SOCE in rat basophilic leukemia cells where mitochondrial control of CRAC/Orai is well established. NSAIDs accelerate slow inactivation of CRAC currents in rat basophilic leukemia cells under weak Ca(2+) buffering conditions but not in strong Ca(2+) buffer, thus excluding that NSAIDs inhibit SOCE directly. Taken together, our results indicate that NSAIDs inhibit VSMC proliferation by facilitating the Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of CRAC/Orai channels which normally is prevented by mitochondria clearing of entering Ca(2+).