Neuroprotection — rationale for pharmacological modulation of Na+-channels

Summary The primary factor detrimental to neurons in neurological disorders associated with deficient oxygen supply or mitochondrial dysfunction is insufficient ATP production relative to their requirement. As a large part of the energy consumed by brain cells is used for maintenance of the Na⁺ gradient across the cellular membrane, reduction of energy demand by down-modulation of voltage-gated Na⁺-channels is a rational strategy for neuroprotection. In addition, preservation of the inward Na⁺ gradient may be beneficial because it is an essential driving force for vital ion exchanges and transport mechanisms such as Ca²⁺ homeostasis and neurotransmitter uptake.     

Emerging role of SIRT3 in mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases

As a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)⁺-dependent protein deacetylase, SIRT3 is highly expressed in tissues with high metabolic turnover and mitochondrial content. It has been demonstrated that SIRT3 plays a critical role in maintaining normal mitochondrial biological function through reversible protein lysine deacetylation. SIRT3 has a variety of substrates that are involved in mitochondrial biological processes such as energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species production and clearance, electron transport chain flux, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance, and mitochondrial dynamics. In the suppression of SIRT3, functional deficiencies of mitochondria contribute to the development of various cardiovascular disorders. Activation of SIRT3 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the improvement of mitochondrial function and the treatment of relevant cardiovascular disorders. In the current review, we discuss the emerging roles of SIRT3 in mitochondrial derangements and subsequent cardiovascular malfunctions, including cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension and atherosclerosis.     

Pathophysiology of mitochondrial volume homeostasis: Potassium transport and permeability transition

Regulation of mitochondrial volume is a key issue in cellular pathophysiology. Mitochondrial volume and shape changes can occur following regulated fission-fusion events, which are modulated by a complex network of cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins; and through regulation of ion transport across the inner membrane. In this review we will cover mitochondrial volume homeostasis that depends on (i) monovalent cation transport across the inner membrane, a regulated process that couples electrophoretic K⁺ influx on K⁺ channels to K⁺ extrusion through the K⁺-H⁺ exchanger; (ii) the permeability transition, a loss of inner membrane permeability that may be instrumental in triggering cell death. Specific emphasis will be placed on molecular advances on the nature of the transport protein(s) involved, and/or on diseases that depend on mitochondrial volume dysregulation.     

Regulatory mechanisms for glycogenolysis and K uptake in brain astrocytes

Recent advances in brain energy metabolism support the notion that glycogen in astrocytes is necessary for the clearance of neuronally-released K⁺ from the extracellular space. However, how the multiple metabolic pathways involved in K⁺-induced increase in glycogen turnover are regulated is only partly understood. Here we summarize the current knowledge about the mechanisms that control glycogen metabolism during enhanced K⁺ uptake. We also describe the action of the ubiquitous Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase for both ion transport and intracellular signaling cascades, and emphasize its importance in understanding the complex relation between glycogenolysis and K⁺ uptake.     

Alkylguanidine inhibition of ion absorption in oat roots

The effect of various alkylguanidines on ion absorption and energy metabolism in oat (Avena sativa cv. Goodfield) roots has been investigated. Of several alkylguanidines tested, octylguanidine was the most effective inhibitor of both K⁺ and Cl⁻ absorption by excised roots. At 225 μm octylguanidine, the transport of both ions was inhibited within 60 seconds and to a similar extent. Octylguanidine inhibited mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial adenosine 5′-triphosphatase (ATPase). The plasma membrane ATPase was also inhibited if the membranes were diluted and pretreated with Triton X-100.     

Effects of a high fat diet on liver mitochondria: increased ATP-sensitive K<Superscript>+</Superscript> channel activity and reactive oxygen species generation

High fat diets are extensively associated with health complications within the spectrum of the metabolic syndrome. Some of the most prevalent of these pathologies, often observed early in the development of high-fat dietary complications, are non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox state changes are also widely associated with alterations within the metabolic syndrome. We investigated the mitochondrial effects of a high fat diet leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. We found that the diet does not substantially alter respiratory rates, ADP/O ratios or membrane potentials of isolated liver mitochondria. However, H₂O₂ release using different substrates and ATP-sensitive K⁺ transport activities are increased in mitochondria from animals on high fat diets. The increase in H₂O₂ release rates was observed with different respiratory substrates and was not altered by modulators of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels, indicating it was not related to an observed increase in K⁺ transport. Altogether, we demonstrate that mitochondria from animals with diet-induced steatosis do not present significant bioenergetic changes, but display altered ion transport and increased oxidant generation. This is the first evidence, to our knowledge, that ATP-sensitive K⁺ transport in mitochondria can be modulated by diet.     

Modulating NAD+ metabolism,from bench to bedside

Discovered in the beginning of the 20^th century, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) has evolved from a simple oxidoreductase cofactor to being an essential cosubstrate for a wide range of regulatory proteins that include the sirtuin family of NAD⁺‐dependent protein deacylases, widely recognized regulators of metabolic function and longevity. Altered NAD⁺ metabolism is associated with aging and many pathological conditions, such as metabolic diseases and disorders of the muscular and neuronal systems. Conversely, increased NAD⁺ levels have shown to be beneficial in a broad spectrum of diseases. Here, we review the fundamental aspects of NAD⁺ biochemistry and metabolism and discuss how boosting NAD⁺ content can help ameliorate mitochondrial homeostasis and as such improve healthspan and lifespan.     

The comparative transport of K+ and Rb+ in normal and malignant rat tissuesin vivo and in liver slices,diaphragm, and tumor slicesin vitro

Summary The selectivity in the steady state uptakes of Rb⁺ and K⁺ has been studied in a number of normal and malignant rat tissues. The selectivity is minimal in erythrocytes and the two fastest-growing of four transplantable tumors, in which there is little discrimination between the two ions, and ranges upwards to a maximum Rb⁺ uptake in liver. In each tissue, the selectivity is independent of Rb⁺ concentration or of K⁺ deficiency (except in skeletal muscle). In liver slicesin vitro, reduction of energy metabolism by lowering the temperature or by the addition of metabolic inhibitors reduces the Rb⁺K⁺ discrimination proportionately much more than K⁺ transport. Diaphragm and slices of a transplantable tumor give similar results. With temperature reduction, there is a logarithmic relation between the Rb⁺K⁺ discrimination ratio and the respiration rate of liver slices. The results are quantitatively accounted for by simultaneous diffusion and metabolically coupled transport across a homogeneous membrane in which Rb⁺ transport is more closely coupled than that of K⁺ to a metabolic flux across the membrane. There is evidence that the tissue differences in Rb⁺K⁺ selectivity originate in the different levels of the coupling metabolic flux in different cell types and thus of the energy expenditure on ion transport. In contrast to the differences in steady state selectivity between Rb⁺ and K⁺, the initial ratio of uptakes of trace⁴³K and⁸⁶Rb, in otherwise steady state conditions, is close to unity in both liver and tumor slices, in agreement with theoretical calculations.     

Neutral amino acid transport in surface membrane vesicles isolated from mouse fibroblasts: Intrinsic and extrinsic models of regulation

Membrane transport carrier function, its regulation and coupling to metabolism, can be selectively investigated dissociated from metabolism and in the presence of a defined electrochemical ion gradient driving force, using the single internal compartment system provided by vesiculated surface membranes. Vesicles isolated from nontransformed and Simian virus 40-transformed mouse fibroblast cultures catalyzed carrier-mediated transport of several neutral amino acids into an osmotically-sensitive intravesicular space without detectable metabolic conversion of substrate. When a Na⁺ gradient, external Na⁺ > internal Na⁺, was artifically imposed across vesicle membranes, accumulation of several neutral amino acids achieved apparent intravesicular concentrations 6- to 9-fold above their external concentrations. Na⁺-stimulated alanine transport activity accompanied plasma membrane material during subcellular fractionation procedures. Competitive interactions among several neutral amino acids for Na⁺-stimulated transport into vesicles and inactivation studies indicated that at least 3 separate transport systems with specificity properties previously defined for neutral amino acid transport in Ehrlich ascites cells were functional in vesicles from mouse fibroblasts: the A system, the L system and a glycine transport system. The pH profiles and apparent K_m values for alanine and 2-aminoisobutyric acid transport into vesicles were those expected of components of the corresponding cellular uptake system. Several observations indicated that both a Na⁺ chemical concentration gradient and an electrical membrane potential contribute to the total driving force for active amino acid transport via the A system and the glycine system. Both the initial rate and quasi-steady-state of accumulation were stimulated as a function of increasing concentrations of Na⁺ applied as a gradient (external > internal) across the membrane. This stimulation was independent of endogenous Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in vesicles and was diminished by monensin or by preincubation of vesicles with Na⁺. The apparent K_m for transport of alanine and 2-aminoisobutyric acid was decreased as a function of Na⁺ concentration. Similarly, in the presence of a standard initial Na⁺ gradient, quasi-steady-state alanine accumulation in vesicles increased as a function of increasing magnitudes of interior-negative membrane potential imposed across the membrane by means of K⁺ diffusion potentials (internal > external) in the presence of valinomycin; the magnitude of this electrical component was estimated by the apparent distributions of the freely permeant lipophilic cation triphenylme thylphosphonium ion. Alanine transport stimulation by charge asymmetry required Na⁺ and was blocked by the further addition of either nigericin or external K⁺. As a corollary, Na⁺-stimulated alanine transport was associated with an apparent depolarization, detectable as an increased labeled thiocyanate accumulation. Permeant anions stimulated Na⁺-coupled active transport of these amino acids but did not affect Na⁺-independent transport. Translocation of K⁺, H⁺, or anions did not appear to be directly involved in this transport mechanism. These characteristics support an electrogenic mechanism in which amino acid translocation is coupled t o an electrochemical Na⁺ gradient by formation of a positively charged complex, stoichiometry unspecified, of Na⁺, amino acid, and membrane component. Functional changes expressed in isolated membranes were observed t o accompany a change in cellular proliferative state or viral transformation. Vesicles from Simian virus 40-transformed cells exhibited an increased Vmax of Na⁺-stimulated 2-aminoisobutyric acid transport, as well as an increased capacity for steady-state accumulation of amino acids in response t o a standard Na⁺ gradient, relative t o vesicles from nontransformed cells. Density-inhibition of nontransformed cells was associated with a marked decrease in these parameters assayed in vesicles. Several possibilities for regulatory interactions involving gradient-coupled transport systems are discussed.     

3-Methylcrotonylglycine Disrupts Mitochondrial Energy Homeostasis and Inhibits Synaptic Na+,K+-ATPase Activity in Brain of Young Rats

Deficiency of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase activity is an inherited metabolic disease biochemically characterized by accumulation and high urinary excretion of 3-methylcrotonylglycine (3MCG), and also of 3-hydroisovalerate in lesser amounts. Affected patients usually have neurologic dysfunction, brain abnormalities and cardiomyopathy, whose pathogenesis is still unknown. The present study investigated the in vitro effects of 3MCG on important parameters of energy metabolism, including CO₂ production from labeled acetate, enzyme activities of the citric acid cycle, as well as of the respiratory chain complexes I–IV (oxidative phosphorylation), creatine kinase (intracellular ATP transfer), and synaptic Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase (neurotransmission) in brain cortex of young rats. 3MCG significantly reduced CO₂ production, implying that this compound compromises citric acid cycle activity. Furthermore, 3MCG diminished the activities of complex II-III of the respiratory chain, mitochondrial creatine kinase and synaptic membrane Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase. Furthermore, antioxidants were able to attenuate or fully prevent the inhibitory effect of 3MCG on creatine kinase and synaptic membrane Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activities. We also observed that lipid peroxidation was elicited by 3MCG, suggesting the involvement of free radicals on 3MCG-induced effects. Considering the importance of the citric acid cycle and the electron flow through the respiratory chain for brain energy production, creatine kinase for intracellular energy transfer, and Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase for the maintenance of the cell membrane potential, the present data indicate that 3MCG potentially impairs mitochondrial brain energy homeostasis and neurotransmission. It is presumed that these pathomechanisms may be involved in the neurological damage found in patients affected by 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency.     

A Biophysically Based Mathematical Model for the Kinetics of Mitochondrial Na-Ca Antiporter

Sodium-calcium antiporter is the primary efflux pathway for Ca²⁺ in respiring mitochondria, and hence plays an important role in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Although experimental data on the kinetics of Na⁺-Ca²⁺ antiporter are available, the structure and composition of its functional unit and kinetic mechanisms associated with the Na⁺-Ca²⁺ exchange (including the stoichiometry) remains unclear. To gain a quantitative understanding of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis, a biophysical model of Na⁺-Ca²⁺ antiporter is introduced that is thermodynamically balanced and satisfactorily describes a number of independent data sets under a variety of experimental conditions. The model is based on a multistate catalytic binding mechanism for carrier-mediated facilitated transport and Eyring's free energy barrier theory for interconversion and electrodiffusion. The model predicts the activating effect of membrane potential on the antiporter function for a 3Na⁺:1Ca²⁺ electrogenic exchange as well as the inhibitory effects of both high and low pH seen experimentally. The model is useful for further development of mechanistic integrated models of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling and bioenergetics to understand the mechanisms by which Ca²⁺ plays a role in mitochondrial signaling pathways and energy metabolism.     

Mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase-1 is essential for murine CD4 T cell metabolic activation

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase-1 is the first rate limiting step in de novo glycerophospholipid synthesis. We have previously demonstrated that GPAT-1 deletion can significantly alter T cell function resulting in a T cell phenotype similar to that seen in aging. Recent studies have suggested that changes in the metabolic profile of T cells are responsible for defining specific effector functions and T cell subsets. Therefore, we determined whether T cell dysfunction in GPAT-1 ^−/− CD4⁺ T cells could be explained by changes in cellular metabolism. We show here for the first time that GPAT-1 ^−/− CD4⁺ T cells exhibit several key metabolic defects. Striking decreases in both the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) were observed in GPAT-1 ^−/− CD4⁺ T cells following CD3/CD28 stimulation indicating an inherent cellular defect in energy production. In addition, the spare respiratory capacity (SRC) of GPAT-1 ^−/− CD4 + T cells, a key indicator of their ability to cope with mitochondrial stress was significantly decreased. We also observed a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential in GPAT-1 ^−/− CD4⁺ T cells compared to their WT counterparts, indicating that GPAT-1 deficiency results in altered or dysfunctional mitochondria. These data demonstrate that deletion of GPAT-1 can dramatically alter total cellular metabolism under conditions of increased energy demand. Furthermore, altered metabolic response following stimulation may be the defining mechanism underlying T cell dysfunction in GPAT-1 ^−/− CD4⁺ T cells. Taken together, these results indicate that GPAT-1 is essential for the response to the increased metabolic demands associated with T cell activation.     

Peculiarities of functioning of liver mitochondria of the river lamprey <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lampetra fluviatilis</Emphasis> and the common frog <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana temporaria</Emphasis> at periods of suppression and activation of energy metabolism

The work dealt with study of mitochondria in reversible metabolic suppression of heap-tocytes of the river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis in the course of prespawning starvation and of liver mitochondria of the common frog Rana temporaria during hibernation and activity. In winter the metabolic depression of lamprey hepatocytes, unlike that of frog hepatocytes, has been found to be due to deactivation of complex I of the electron transport mitochondrial chain, a low rate of NAD-dependent substrate oxidation, a low content of adenine nucleotide content, and a high degree of mitochondrial membrane permeability to H⁺ and other monovalent ions (KCl^–, K⁺). The mitochondrial membrane permeability decreases in the presence of ethyleneglycoldiamineethyltetraacetic acid (EGTA), cyclosporine A (CsA), adenosine-5′-diphosphate (ADP), and Mg²⁺. These facts indicate the presence in these mitochondria of the Ca²⁺-dependent unspecific pore in the low-conductance state. Histological studies showed the lamprey and the frog to have principal differences in use of energy substrates at the period of metabolic depression. Lampreys utilize predominantly lipids, whereas frogs—glycogen. The clearly pronounced activation of lipid consumption is observed at the spring period before spawning and death of lamprey. Possible causes of metabolic depression are discussed as well as similarity and difference in behavior of mitochondria of cyclostomes and amphibians throughout depression and activity.     

Neurotensin effect on Na+, K+-ATPase is CNS area- and membrane-dependent and involves high affinity NT1 receptor

We have previously shown that peptide neurotensin inhibits cerebral cortex synaptosomal membrane Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, an effect fully prevented by blockade of neurotensin NT₁ receptor by antagonist SR 48692. The work was extended to analyze neurotensin effect on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity present in other synaptosomal membranes and in CNS myelin and mitochondrial fractions. Results indicated that, besides inhibiting cerebral cortex synaptosomal membrane Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, neurotensin likewise decreased enzyme activity in homologous striatal membranes as well as in a commercial preparation obtained from porcine cerebral cortex. However, the peptide failed to alter either Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in cerebellar synaptosomal and myelin membranes or ATPase activity in mitochondrial preparations. Whenever an effect was recorded with the peptide, it was blocked by antagonist SR 48692, indicating the involvement of the high affinity neurotensin receptor (NT₁), as well as supporting the contention that, through inhibition of ion transport at synaptic membrane level, neurotensin plays a regulatory role in neurotransmission.     

Computational Flux Balance Analysis Predicts that Stimulation of Energy Metabolism in Astrocytes and their Metabolic Interactions with Neurons Depend on Uptake of K<Superscript>+</Superscript> Rather than Glutamate

Brain activity involves essential functional and metabolic interactions between neurons and astrocytes. The importance of astrocytic functions to neuronal signaling is supported by many experiments reporting high rates of energy consumption and oxidative metabolism in these glial cells. In the brain, almost all energy is consumed by the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, which hydrolyzes 1 ATP to move 3 Na⁺ outside and 2 K⁺ inside the cells. Astrocytes are commonly thought to be primarily involved in transmitter glutamate cycling, a mechanism that however only accounts for few % of brain energy utilization. In order to examine the participation of astrocytic energy metabolism in brain ion homeostasis, here we attempted to devise a simple stoichiometric relation linking glutamatergic neurotransmission to Na⁺ and K⁺ ionic currents. To this end, we took into account ion pumps and voltage/ligand-gated channels using the stoichiometry derived from available energy budget for neocortical signaling and incorporated this stoichiometric relation into a computational metabolic model of neuron-astrocyte interactions. We aimed at reproducing the experimental observations about rates of metabolic pathways obtained by ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy in rodent brain. When simulated data matched experiments as well as biophysical calculations, the stoichiometry for voltage/ligand-gated Na⁺ and K⁺ fluxes generated by neuronal activity was close to a 1:1 relationship, and specifically 63/58 Na⁺/K⁺ ions per glutamate released. We found that astrocytes are stimulated by the extracellular K⁺ exiting neurons in excess of the 3/2 Na⁺/K⁺ ratio underlying Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase-catalyzed reaction. Analysis of correlations between neuronal and astrocytic processes indicated that astrocytic K⁺ uptake, but not astrocytic Na⁺-coupled glutamate uptake, is instrumental for the establishment of neuron-astrocytic metabolic partnership. Our results emphasize the importance of K⁺ in stimulating the activation of astrocytes, which is relevant to the understanding of brain activity and energy metabolism at the cellular level.     

Cation-induced asymmetry of choline flux across presynaptic plasma membranes

Highly cholinergic synaptosomes from the optic lobes of Sepia officinalis retain their ability to concentrate K⁺ and extrude Na⁺ and to synthesise acetylcholien in vitro. Choline uptake is hemicholinium-3 and Na⁺ sensitive but is not obligatorily coupled to choline metabolism, or an energy supply as shown by the action of metabolic and ion pump inhibitors. The influx and efflux and/or steady-state distributions of choline in the presence of Na⁺, Li⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺ and mannitol were studied. The influx studies at different cis-choline concentrations revealed two systems for choline influx with different monovalent cation sensitivity and suggested a 1 : 1 interaction of choline with both mechanisms. Choline efflux was stimulated by trans-choline. Calculations of the internal/external concentration ratio expected if choline transport were coupled to the Na⁺ gradient gave a maximal value of about 10². A secondary active transport of choline, where Na⁺ is the driver solute provides an explanation for the cation sensitivity of the mechanism as well as for the method of coupling of choline transport to the varying demands of the nervous system for acetylcholine.     

Ecto-ATPase

Summary An ecto-adenosine triphosphatase (E.C. 3.6.1.4 ATP-phosphohydrolase) is shown to be localised on the outer surface of varieties of cell membrane. The enzyme is different from the ATPase involved in biological energy transduction and ion transport mechanism. The characteristic of the enzyme lies in having a very broad substrate specificity and is inhibited by EDTA and higher concentration of ATP. The enzyme is dependent on bivalent metal ions, Mg⁺⁺ or Ca⁺⁺ for its optimum activity. The enzyme is highly sensitive to SH-reagents but insensitive to inhibitors of mitochondrial ATPase or Na⁺−K⁺-ATPase. The possible functions of the enzyme in being oriented outside the cell membrane is discussed.     

Pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenases of parasitic helminths.

Mitochondria from the parasitic helminth, Hymenolepis diminuta, catalyzed both NADPH:NAD⁺ and NADH:NADP⁺ transhydrogenase reactions which were demonstrable employing the appropriate acetylpyridine nucleotide derivative as the hydride ion acceptor. Thionicotinamide NAD⁺ would not serve as the oxidant in the former reaction. Under the assay conditions employed, neither reaction was energy linked, and the NADPH:NAD⁺ system was approximately five times more active than the NADH:NADP⁺ system. The NADH:NADP⁺ reaction was inhibited by phosphate and imidazole buffers, EDTA, and adenyl nucleotides, while the NADPH:NAD⁺ reaction was inhibited only slightly by imidazole and unaffected by EDTA and adenyl nucleotides. Enzyme coupling techniques revealed that both transhydrogenase systems functioned when the appropriate physiological pyridine nucleotide was the hydride ion acceptor. An NADH:NAD⁺ transhydrogenase system, which was unaffected by EDTA, or adenyl nucleotides, also was demonstrable in the mitochondria of H. diminuta. Saturation kinetics indicated that the NADH:NAD⁺ reaction was the product of an independent enzyme system. Mitochondria derived from another parasitic helminth, Ascaris lumbricoides, catalyzed only a single transhydrogenase reaction, i.e., the NADH:NAD⁺ activity. Transhydrogenase systems from both parasites were essentially membrane bound and localized on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Physiologically, the NADPH:NAD⁺ transhydrogenase of H. diminuta may serve to couple the intramitochondrial metabolism of malate (via an NADP linked “malic” enzyme) to the anaerobic NADH-dependent ATP-generating fumarate reductase system. In A. lumbricoides, where the intramitochondrial metabolism of malate depends on an NAD-linked “malic” enzyme which is localized primarily in the intermembrane space, the NADH:NAD⁺ transhydrogenase activity may serve physiologically in the translocation of hydride ions across the inner membrane to the anaerobic energy-generating fumarate reductase system.     

Characterization of temperature-sensitive mutants of animal cells

An early increase in lymphocyte plasma membrane K⁺ transport is essential for PHA stimulated lymphocytes to divide. Little is known about the specific source and amount of energy required to support the increased transport by activated lymphocytes. Since ouabain, a cardiac glycoside, specifically inhibits the transport ATPase, we have measured the decrement in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity when untreated and PHA treated lymphocytes were exposed to ouabain. This metabolic decrement represents the portion of metabolism associated with monovalent cation transport and closely related processes. Since TCA cycle activity accounted for only 0.2% of glucose consumption, aerobic glycolysis was the major source of energy, i.e., ATP, for increased transport. Approximately one-third of the total lactate production in both control and PHA stimulated lymphocytes was ouabain-sensitive. Ouabain sensitive lactate production in control, 105 μmol/10¹⁰ cells/hour, increased 1.8-fold to 193 μmol/10¹⁰ cells/hour after PHA treatment. Active K⁺ influx in similar cell populations increased from 40 μmol/10¹⁰ cells/hour to 74 μmol/10¹⁰ cells/hour (1.9-fold) after PHA treatment. The increment in ouabain-sensitive energy production and K⁺ transport were closely correlated and, therefore, 0.38 moles of K⁺ are transported for each mole of ATP generated in both control and PHA treated cells. The increased requirement for transport related energy is provided by increasing the ouabain-sensitive ATP production rather than altering the efficiency of ATP transduction.     

Kinetics and Energetics of Light-enhanced Potassium Absorption by Corn Leaf Tissue

The effect of illumination on the absorption of K⁺ by leaf tissue of Zea mays was investigated. The rate of K⁺ absorption was enhanced by exposure of slices of corn leaf tissue to light, even of relatively low intensities. Potassium was transported inward, with virtually no efflux of previously accumulated K⁺. The evidence indicates that the transport mechanism for absorption of K⁺ is the same in the light as in the dark, but that the source of energy for absorption of K⁺ is different in the light from that in the dark. Various anti-metabolites were used to establish that the energy utilized for active ion transport in the light came partly from ATP supplied by cyclic photophosphorylation. Expenditure of ATP was required in the dark too, but this ATP was formed by oxidative phosphorylation. Establishing the ultimate source of energy for active ion uptake by higher plants might be facilitated by demonstration of an ion-transport process that is not linked directly with the transfer of electrons in the mitochondrial cytochrome chain.