Abstract
With the current resurgence of interest in the role of mitochondrial [Ca 2+] in energy production and cellular Ca 2+ signalling, ruthenium red (RR) is being increasingly used as an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake. In the present study, the effects of RR on cell and mitochondrial [Ca 2+], and on cell contractility were determined in isolated rat ventricular myocytes subjected to adrenergic and electrical stimulation. At low concentrations, 0–1 μM, RR inhibited mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake but this was a secondary effect due to a reduced total intracellular [Ca 2+], a conclusion supported by the ability of RR to inhibit cell shortening. 5 μM RR completely inhibited cell contraction, whereas higher concentrations, 10–25 μM, induced spontaneous Ca 2+ oscillations and contractile waves. These results indicate that great care must be taken when using RR in intact cells, and in interpreting any effects as resulting from a primary inhibition of mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake.
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