Enterocyte mitochondrial dysfunction due to oxidative stress

The endogenous production of H2O2 in isolated rat intestinal mitochondria and oxidant induced damage to mitochondria were examined. There was an appreciable amount of H2O2 production in presence of succinate, glutamate and pyruvate, while the presence of rotenone with succinate further increased production. Superoxide generated by the X-XO system induced membrane permeability transition (MPT), calcium influx, lipid peroxidation and changes in membrane fluidity in mitochondria. A decreased mitochondrial ATPase activity and uncoupling of respiration was also observed. Spermine inhibited swelling induced by X-XO and also blocked the calcium influx and reversed the membrane fluidity changes.