Mitochondrial Free Ca2 Research Articles

Increased mitochondrial free Ca2+ during ischemia is suppressed, but not eliminated by, germline deletion of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter

Mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is proposed to regulate cell death via opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. It is hypothesized that inhibition of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) will prevent Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia/reperfusion and thereby reduce cell death. To address this, we evaluate mitochondrial Ca2+ in ex-vivo-perfused hearts from germline MCU-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice using transmural spectroscopy. Matrix Ca2+ levels are measured with a genetically encoded, red fluorescent Ca2+ indicator (R-GECO1) using an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9) for delivery. Due to the pH sensitivity of R-GECO1 and the known fall in pH during ischemia, hearts are glycogen depleted to decrease the ischemic fall in pH. At 20min of ischemia, there is significantly less mitochondrial Ca2+ in MCU-KO hearts compared with MCU-WT controls. However, an increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ is present in MCU-KO hearts, suggesting that mitochondrial Ca2+ overload during ischemia is not solely dependent on MCU.

Levosimendan in rats decreases acute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation by improving mitochondrial dysfunction.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI), the most common complication after cardiac resuscitation, is highly prevalent and harmful. There is increasing evidence that levosimendan can improve cardiac output, increase renal blood flow, and prevent AKI. As a novel calcium sensitizer, levosimendan may exert its protective effect via mitochondria.MethodsRat models of asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were set up. Thirty healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into CPR group (CPR group, n=10), levosimendan-treated group (levo group, n=10), and sham-operated group (sham group, n=10). Twelve hours after CPR, serum renal function indicators were measured, the kidney injury and mitochondrial morphological changes were observed. Oxygen uptake of the mitochondria, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial free Ca2+ concentration were measured. Oxidative stress-related indicator levels in rat kidney tissues were further detected to analyze the differences in apoptosis rates among these three groups. Mitochondrial optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and apoptosis-related proteins were detected using Western blotting.ResultsCompared with the sham group, the CPR group had a significant increase in renal tissue damage. PAS staining and HE stains confirmed that CPR led to renal histopathological damage and destruction of the mitochondrial structure. Levosimendan improved the histopathological and ultrastructural damages of kidneys. Further analysis revealed that mitochondrial ATP content, NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase/cytochrome C oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (CSH-Px) decreased. Free Ca2+ concentration and malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased (all P<0.05) in the kidney tissues of rats in the CPR group. However, mitochondrial ATP content, NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase/cytochrome C oxidase, SOD, CAT, and CSH-Px increased, whereas free Ca2+ concentration and MDA decreased (all P<0.05) in the levo group. The apoptosis rate increased in the CPR group. There were significantly increased levels of Drp1 protein levels, and significantly decreased Opa1 expression (all P<0.05). However, the levo group showed the opposite effects (all P<0.05).ConclusionsLevosimendan can alleviate AKI following CPR, which may be achieved by improving mitochondrial dysfunction and suppressing the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Pancreatic stellate cells exhibit adaptation to oxidative stress evoked by hypoxia.

Pancreatic stellate cells play a key role in the fibrosis that develops in diseases such as pancreatic cancer. In the growing tumour, a hypoxia condition develops under which cancer cells are able to proliferate. The growth of fibrotic tissue contributes to hypoxia. In this study, the effect of hypoxia (1% O2 ) on pancreatic stellate cells physiology was investigated. Changes in intracellular free-Ca2+ concentration, mitochondrial free-Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential were studied by fluorescence techniques. The status of enzymes responsible for the cellular oxidative state was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, high-performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods and by Western blotting analysis. Cell viability and proliferation were studied by crystal violet test, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine cell proliferation test and Western blotting analysis. Finally, cell migration was studied employing the wound healing assay. Hypoxia induced an increase in intracellular and mitochondrial free-Ca2+ concentration, whereas mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. An increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production was observed. Additionally, an increase in the oxidation of proteins and lipids was detected. Moreover, cellular total antioxidant capacity was decreased. Increases in the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 were observed and superoxide dismutase activity was augmented. Hypoxia evoked a decrease in the oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio. An increase in the phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor and in expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalase, NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 were detected. The expression of cyclin A was decreased, whereas expression of cyclin D and the content of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine were increased. This was accompanied by an increase in cell viability. The phosphorylation state of c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinase was increased, whereas that of p44/42 and p38 was decreased. Finally, cells subjected to hypoxia maintained migration ability. Hypoxia creates pro-oxidant conditions in pancreatic stellate cells to which cells adapt and leads to increased viability and proliferation.

Cyclosporin A Increases Mitochondrial Buffering of Calcium: An Additional Mechanism in Delaying Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening.

Regulation of mitochondrial free Ca2+ is critically important for cellular homeostasis. An increase in mitochondrial matrix free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) predisposes mitochondria to opening of the permeability transition pore (mPTP). Opening of the pore can be delayed by cyclosporin A (CsA), possibly by inhibiting cyclophilin D (Cyp D), a key regulator of mPTP. Here, we report on a novel mechanism by which CsA delays mPTP opening by enhanced sequestration of matrix free Ca2+. Cardiac-isolated mitochondria were challenged with repetitive CaCl2 boluses under Na+-free buffer conditions with and without CsA. CsA significantly delayed mPTP opening primarily by promoting matrix Ca2+ sequestration, leading to sustained basal [Ca2+]m levels for an extended period. The preservation of basal [Ca2+]m during the CaCl2 pulse challenge was associated with normalized NADH, matrix pH (pHm), and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Notably, we found that in PO43− (Pi)-free buffer condition, the CsA-mediated buffering of [Ca2+]m was abrogated, and mitochondrial bioenergetics variables were concurrently compromised. In the presence of CsA, addition of Pi just before pore opening in the Pi-depleted condition reinstated the Ca2+ buffering system and rescued mitochondria from mPTP opening. This study shows that CsA promotes Pi-dependent mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration to delay mPTP opening and, concomitantly, maintains mitochondrial function.

Ca2+-dependent inhibition of branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase by thiamine pyrophosphate

Catabolism of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine) is regulated by the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex, which in turn is regulated by phosphorylation catalyzed by BCKDH kinase (BDK). Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is required as a coenzyme for the E1 component of the BCKDH complex and can also bring about activation of the complex by inhibiting BDK. The present study shows that free Ca2+ in the physiological range greatly increases the sensitivity of BDK to inhibition by TPP (IC50 of 2.5 μM in the presence of 1 μM free Ca2+). This novel mechanism may be responsible for the stimulation of BCAA oxidation by conditions that increase mitochondrial free Ca2+ levels, e.g. in skeletal muscle during exercise.

STIM1 deficiency is linked to Alzheimer\u2019s disease and triggers cell death in SH-SY5Y cells by upregulation of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ entry

STIM1 is an endoplasmic reticulum protein with a role in Ca2+ mobilization and signaling. As a sensor of intraluminal Ca2+ levels, STIM1 modulates plasma membrane Ca2+ channels to regulate Ca2+ entry. In neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and in familial Alzheimer’s disease patient skin fibroblasts, STIM1 is cleaved at the transmembrane domain by the presenilin-1-associated γ-secretase, leading to dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis. In this report, we investigated expression levels of STIM1 in brain tissues (medium frontal gyrus) of pathologically confirmed Alzheimer’s disease patients, and observed that STIM1 protein expression level decreased with the progression of neurodegeneration. To study the role of STIM1 in neurodegeneration, a strategy was designed to knock-out the expression of STIM1 gene in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, as an in vitro model to examine the phenotype of STIM1-deficient neuronal cells. It was proved that, while STIM1 is not required for the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells, it is absolutely essential for cell survival in differentiating cells. Differentiated STIM1-KO cells showed a significant decrease of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I activity, mitochondrial inner membrane depolarization, reduced mitochondrial free Ca2+ concentration, and higher levels of senescence as compared with wild-type cells. In parallel, STIM1-KO cells showed a potentiated Ca2+ entry in response to depolarization, which was sensitive to nifedipine, pointing to L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels as mediators of the upregulated Ca2+ entry. The stable knocking-down of CACNA1C transcripts restored mitochondrial function, increased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, and dropped senescence to basal levels, demonstrating the essential role of the upregulation of voltage-operated Ca2+ entry through Cav1.2 channels in STIM1-deficient SH-SY5Y cell death.Key messagesSTIM1 protein expression decreases with the progression of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.STIM1 is essential for cell viability in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.STIM1 deficiency triggers voltage-regulated Ca2+ entry-dependent cell death.Mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence are features of STIM1-deficient differentiated cells.

Studies on the resolution of subcellular free calcium concentrations: a technological advance. Focus on “Detection of differentially regulated subsarcolemmal calcium signals activated by vasoactive agonists in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells”

One of the most striking facts about the elements is their unequal distribution and occurrence in nature . —C. R. Hammond free calcium is highly controlled in biological tissues, and much like the physical chemistry of elements ([5][1]), its concentration is unequal in distribution (for recent

Mitochondrial Ca2+-Handling in Fast Skeletal Muscle Fibers from Wild Type and Calsequestrin-Null Mice

Mitochondrial calcium handling and its relation with calcium released from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in muscle tissue are subject of lively debate. In this study we aimed to clarify how the SR determines mitochondrial calcium handling using dCASQ-null mice which lack both isoforms of the major Ca2+-binding protein inside SR, calsequestrin. Mitochondrial free Ca2+-concentration ([Ca2+]mito) was determined by means of a genetically targeted ratiometric FRET-based probe. Electron microscopy revealed a highly significant increase in intermyofibrillar mitochondria (+55%) and augmented coupling (+12%) between Ca2+ release units of the SR and mitochondria in dCASQ-null vs. WT fibers. Significant differences in the baseline [Ca2+]mito were observed between quiescent WT and dCASQ-null fibers, but not in the resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. The rise in [Ca2+]mito during electrical stimulation occurred in 20−30 ms, while the decline during and after stimulation was governed by 4 rate constants of approximately 40, 1.6, 0.2 and 0.03 s−1. Accordingly, frequency-dependent increase in [Ca2+]mito occurred during sustained contractions. In dCASQ-null fibers the increases in [Ca2+]mito were less pronounced than in WT fibers and even lower when extracellular calcium was removed. The amplitude and duration of [Ca2+]mito transients were increased by inhibition of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (mNCX). These results provide direct evidence for fast Ca2+ accumulation inside the mitochondria, involvement of the mNCX in mitochondrial Ca2+-handling and a dependence of mitochondrial Ca2+-handling on intracellular (SR) and external Ca2+ stores in fast skeletal muscle fibers. dCASQ-null mice represent a model for malignant hyperthermia. The differences in structure and in mitochondrial function observed relative to WT may represent compensatory mechanisms for the disease-related reduction of calcium storage capacity of the SR and/or SR Ca2+-leakage.

Selective Inhibition by Ethanol of Mitochondrial Calcium Influx Mediated by Uncoupling Protein-2 in Relation to N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Cytotoxicity in Cultured Neurons

BackgroundWe have shown the involvement of mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) in the cytotoxicity by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) through a mechanism relevant to the increased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels in HEK293 cells with acquired NMDAR channels. Here, we evaluated pharmacological profiles of ethanol on the NMDA-induced increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ levels in cultured murine neocortical neurons.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn neurons exposed to glutamate or NMDA, a significant increase was seen in mitochondrial Ca2+ levels determined by Rhod-2 at concentrations of 0.1 to 100 µM. Further addition of 250 mM ethanol significantly inhibited the increase by glutamate and NMDA in Rhod-2 fluorescence, while similarly potent inhibition of the NMDA-induced increase was seen after exposure to ethanol at 50 to 250 mM in cultured neurons. Lentiviral overexpression of UCP2 significantly accelerated the increase by NMDA in Rhod-2 fluorescence in neurons, without affecting Fluo-3 fluorescence for intracellular Ca2+ levels. In neurons overexpressing UCP2, exposure to ethanol resulted in significantly more effective inhibition of the NMDA-induced increase in mitochondrial free Ca2+ levels than in those without UCP2 overexpression, despite a similarly efficient increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels irrespective of UCP2 overexpression. Overexpression of UCP2 significantly increased the number of dead cells in a manner prevented by ethanol in neurons exposed to glutamate. In HEK293 cells with NMDAR containing GluN2B subunit, more efficient inhibition was similarly induced by ethanol at 50 and 250 mM on the NMDA-induced increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ levels than in those with GluN2A subunit. Decreased protein levels of GluN2B, but not GluN2A, subunit were seen in immunoprecipitates with UCP2 from neurons with brief exposure to ethanol at concentrations over 50 mM.Conclusions/SignificanceEthanol could inhibit the interaction between UCP2 and NMDAR channels to prevent the mitochondrial Ca2+ incorporation and cell death after NMDAR activation in neurons.

Mitochondrial Free Ca2+ Levels and Their Effects on Energy Metabolism in Drosophila Motor Nerve Terminals

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake exerts dual effects on mitochondria. Ca2+ accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix dissipates membrane potential (ΔΨm), but Ca2+ binding of the intramitochondrial enzymes accelerates oxidative phosphorylation, leading to mitochondrial hyperpolarization. The levels of matrix free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) that trigger these metabolic responses in mitochondria in nerve terminals have not been determined. Here, we estimated [Ca2+]m in motor neuron terminals of Drosophila larvae using two methods: the relative responses of two chemical Ca2+ indicators with a 20-fold difference in Ca2+ affinity (rhod-FF and rhod-5N), and the response of a low-affinity, genetically encoded ratiometric Ca2+ indicator (D4cpv) calibrated against known Ca2+ levels. Matrix pH (pHm) and ΔΨm were monitored using ratiometric pericam and tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester probe, respectively, to determine when mitochondrial energy metabolism was elevated. At rest, [Ca2+]m was 0.22 ± 0.04 μM, but it rose to ∼26 μM (24.3 ± 3.4 μM with rhod-FF/rhod-5N and 27.0 ± 2.6 μM with D4cpv) when the axon fired close to its endogenous frequency for only 2 s. This elevation in [Ca2+]m coincided with a rapid elevation in pHm and was followed by an after-stimulus ΔΨm hyperpolarization. However, pHm decreased and no ΔΨm hyperpolarization was observed in response to lower levels of [Ca2+]m, up to 13.1 μM. These data indicate that surprisingly high levels of [Ca2+]m are required to stimulate presynaptic mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Ca2+‐induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening is substrate‐dependent

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening is a key event in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Several factors modulate mPTP opening, of which the increase in mitochondrial free Ca2+ plays a critical role. During I/R, there is a substrate switch in mitochondria and it is not known with certainty if/how substrate conditions influence mPTP opening. Hence, we investigated Ca2+‐induced mPTP opening by monitoring Ca2+ retention capacity (CRC) under different substrate conditions. Guinea pig heart mitochondria were suspended in respiration media containing rhodamine 123 or indo‐1 to monitor changes in ΔΨ or extra matrix [Ca2+], respectively. Either pyruvate or succinate was added first, followed by continuous infusion of CaCl2. ΔΨ became depolarized at 275±25 s or at 687±37 s with pyruvate or succinate, respectively. Indo‐1 experiments showed mitochondrial Ca2+ release in the buffer that paralleled ΔΨ depolarization. Adding cyclosporine A prolonged CRC with both substrates indicating that ΔΨ depolarization and Ca2+ release were due to mPTP opening. It is widely accepted that mPTP opening occurs upon reperfusion due to normalization of cytosolic pH. However, our results suggest a role for the complex I substrate pyruvate in Ca2+‐induced mPTP opening and thus, mitochondrial utilization of succinate during reperfusion may prove beneficial against mPTP opening.

Ebselen Alters Mitochondrial Physiology and Reduces Viability of Rat Hippocampal Astrocytes

The seleno-organic compound and radical scavenger ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one) have been extensively employed as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective compound. However, its glutathione peroxidase activity at the expense of cellular thiols groups could underlie certain deleterious actions of the compound on cell physiology. In this study, we have analyzed the effect of ebselen on rat hippocampal astrocytes in culture. Cellular viability, the intracellular free-Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]c), the mitochondrial free-Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]m), and mitochondrial membrane potential (ψm) were analyzed. The caspase-3 activity was also assayed. Our results show that cell viability was reduced by treatment of cells with ebselen, depending on the concentration employed. In the presence of ebselen, we observed an initial transient increase in [Ca(2+)]c that was then followed by a progressive increase to an elevated plateau. We also observed a transient increase in [Ca(2+)]m in the presence of ebselen that returned toward a value over the prestimulation level. The compound induced depolarization of ψm and altered the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane. Additionally, a disruption of the mitochondrial network was observed. Finally, we did not detect changes in caspase-3 activation in response to ebselen treatment. Collectively, these data support the likelihood of ebselen, depending on the concentration employed, reduces viability of rat hippocampal astrocytes via its action on the mitochondrial activity. These may be early effects that do not involve caspase-3 activation. We conclude that, depending on the concentration used, ebselen might exert deleterious actions on astrocyte physiology that could compromise cell function.

Reverse remodeling and recovery from cachexia in rats with aldosteronism

The congestive heart failure (CHF) syndrome with soft tissue wasting, or cachexia, has its pathophysiologic origins rooted in neurohormonal activation. Mechanical cardiocirculatory assistance reveals the potential for reverse remodeling and recovery from CHF, which has been attributed to device-based hemodynamic unloading whereas the influence of hormonal withdrawal remains uncertain. This study addresses the signaling pathways induced by chronic aldosteronism in normal heart and skeletal muscle at organ, cellular/subcellular, and molecular levels, together with their potential for recovery (Recov) after its withdrawal. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were examined at 4 wk of aldosterone/salt treatment (ALDOST) and following 4-wk Recov. Compared with untreated, age-/sex-/strain-matched controls, ALDOST was accompanied by 1) a failure to gain weight, reduced muscle mass with atrophy, and a heterogeneity in cardiomyocyte size across the ventricles, including hypertrophy and atrophy at sites of microscopic scarring; 2) increased cardiomyocyte and mitochondrial free Ca(2+), coupled to oxidative stress with increased H(2)O(2) production and 8-isoprostane content, and increased opening potential of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore; 3) differentially expressed genes reflecting proinflammatory myocardial and catabolic muscle phenotypes; and 4) reversal to or toward recovery of these responses with 4-wk Recov. Aldosteronism in rats is accompanied by cachexia and leads to an adverse remodeling of the heart and skeletal muscle at organ, cellular/subcellular, and molecular levels. However, evidence presented herein implicates that these tissues retain their inherent potential for recovery after complete hormone withdrawal.

Dynamics of matrix-free Ca2+ in cardiac mitochondria: two components of Ca2+ uptake and role of phosphate buffering

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is thought to provide an important signal to increase energy production to meet demand but, in excess, can also trigger cell death. The mechanisms defining the relationship between total Ca2+ uptake, changes in mitochondrial matrix free Ca2+, and the activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) are not well understood. We quantitatively measure changes in [Ca2+]out and [Ca2+]mito during Ca2+ uptake in isolated cardiac mitochondria and identify two components of Ca2+ influx. [Ca2+]mito recordings revealed that the first, MCUmode1, required at least 1 µM Ru360 to be completely inhibited, and responded to small Ca2+ additions in the range of 0.1 to 2 µM with rapid and large changes in [Ca2+]mito. The second component, MCUmode2, was blocked by 100 nM Ru360 and was responsible for the bulk of total Ca2+ uptake for large Ca2+ additions in the range of 2 to 10 µM; however, it had little effect on steady-state [Ca2+]mito. MCUmode1 mediates changes in [Ca2+]mito of 10s of μM, even in the presence of 100 nM Ru360, indicating that there is a finite degree of Ca2+ buffering in the matrix associated with this pathway. In contrast, the much higher Ca2+ loads evoked by MCUmode2 activate a secondary dynamic Ca2+ buffering system consistent with calcium-phosphate complex formation. Increasing Pi potentiated [Ca2+]mito increases via MCUmode1 but suppressed [Ca2+]mito changes via MCUmode2. The results suggest that the role of MCUmode1 might be to modulate oxidative phosphorylation in response to intracellular Ca2+ signaling, whereas MCUmode2 and the dynamic high-capacity Ca2+ buffering system constitute a Ca2+ sink function. Interestingly, the trigger for PTP activation is unlikely to be [Ca2+]mito itself but rather a downstream byproduct of total mitochondrial Ca2+ loading.

Modeling Dynamic Regulation of Mitochondrial free Ca2+: Effects of Ca2+ Sequestration and Precipitation

One of the most intriguing features of cardiac mitochondria is their ability to accumulate, retain and release enormous amount of Ca2+ via sophisticated Ca2+ transport and buffering systems. Mitochondrial free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) is mainly regulated by integrated function of Ca2+ uptake and extrusion pathways and Ca2+ sequestration and precipitation mechanisms. In spite of significant studies on the kinetics and regulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport systems, the mechanisms involved in mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration and precipitation remain obscure. Here we developed a detailed computational model by integrating our recent biophysical models of cation transporters and a novel Ca2+ sequestration mechanism into our existing model of mitochondrial bioenergetics to quantitatively understand the dynamic regulation of [Ca2+]m. Experiments were conducted to measure time course of [Ca2+]m, [Ca2+]e, [NADH]m and pH in guinea pig heart mitochondria suspended in buffer media subjected to incremental concentrations of CaCl2 (0–40 μM) and NaCl (0–20 mM). Model analyses of the data suggest (1) with a constant Ca2+ buffering capacity, it is not possible to explain the dynamics of [Ca2+]m, (2) [Ca2+]m is largely influenced by a Ca2+‐dependent Ca2+ sequestration mechanism and least affected by Ca2+‐phosphate precipitation and, (3) there may be additional pathways for Ca2+ uptake (RaM), apart from the Ca2+ uniporter.

Isoflurane Increases Mitochondrial Free Ca2+ by Attenuating the Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Activity

Volatile anesthetics protect against cardiac ischemia/perfusion (IR) injury. Excess mitochondrial free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) is a major cause of mitochondria ‐mediated IR injury. To better understand mechanisms of anesthetic ‐mediated protection of mitochondrial function, we monitored time courses of NADH redox state, respiration, ΔΨm, and matrix Ca2+ uptake/efflux kinetics during anesthetic exposure. Isolated mitochondria from rat hearts were energized with 10 mM Na+‐or K+‐pyruvate+malate, or with Na+‐succinate followed by isoflurane (0.5 to 2 mM), CaCl2 (≈ 200 nM free Ca2+), and ADP (250 μM). Our data showed that isoflurane: (a) increased [Ca2+]m despite ΔΨm depolarization, while decreasing Na+‐dependent Ca2+ efflux (NCE), (b) decreased state 3 NADH oxidation and increased state 3 duration with Na+‐pyruvate/malate, but c) caused no change in state 3 NADH oxidation but reduced state 3 duration with Na+‐succinate. These data indicate that isoflurane (1) increases [Ca2+]m by attenuating activity of NCE and, (2) decreases the rate of ADP phosphorylation while reducing the duration of state 3 respiration by attenuating complex I activity. Isoflurane's effects on inhibiting NCE and complex I together may act as the protective mechanism against IR injury at the mitochondrial level.

Mitochondrial permeability transition in rat hepatocytes after anoxia/reoxygenation: role of Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen species

Onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is the penultimate event leading to lethal cellular ischemia-reperfusion injury, but the mechanisms precipitating the MPT after reperfusion remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of mitochondrial free Ca(2+) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pH- and MPT-dependent reperfusion injury to hepatocytes. Cultured rat hepatocytes were incubated in anoxic Krebs-Ringer-HEPES buffer at pH 6.2 for 4 h and then reoxygenated at pH 7.4 to simulate ischemia-reperfusion. Some cells were loaded with the Ca(2+) chelators, BAPTA/AM and 2-[(2-bis-[carboxymethyl]aono-5-methoxyphenyl)-methyl-6-methoxy-8-bis[carboxymethyl]aminoquinoline, either by a cold loading protocol for intramitochondrial loading or by warm incubation for cytosolic loading. Cell death was assessed by propidium iodide fluorometry and immunoblotting. Mitochondrial Ca(2+), inner membrane permeability, membrane potential, and ROS formation were monitored with Rhod-2, calcein, tetramethylrhodamine methylester, and dihydrodichlorofluorescein, respectively. Necrotic cell death increased after reoxygenation. Necrosis was blocked by 1 μM cyclosporin A, an MPT inhibitor, and by reoxygenation at pH 6.2. Confocal imaging of Rhod-2, calcein, and dichlorofluorescein revealed that an increase of mitochondrial Ca(2+) and ROS preceded onset of the MPT after reoxygenation. Intramitochondrial Ca(2+) chelation, but not cytosolic Ca(2+) chelation, prevented ROS formation and subsequent necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Reoxygenation with the antioxidants, desferal or diphenylphenylenediamine, also suppressed MPT-mediated cell death. However, inhibition of cytosolic ROS by apocynin or diphenyleneiodonium chloride failed to prevent reoxygenation-induced cell death. In conclusion, Ca(2+)-dependent mitochondrial ROS formation is the molecular signal culminating in onset of the MPT after reoxygenation of anoxic hepatocytes, leading to cell death.

Enhanced charge-independent mitochondrial free Ca2 + and attenuated ADP-induced NADH oxidation by isoflurane: Implications for cardioprotection

Modulation of mitochondrial free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) is implicated as one of the possible upstream factors that initiates anesthetic-mediated cardioprotection against ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. To unravel possible mechanisms by which volatile anesthetics modulate [Ca2+]m and mitochondrial bioenergetics, with implications for cardioprotection, experiments were conducted to spectrofluorometrically measure concentration-dependent effects of isoflurane (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2mM) on the magnitudes and time-courses of [Ca2+]m and mitochondrial redox state (NADH), membrane potential (ΔΨm), respiration, and matrix volume. Isolated mitochondria from rat hearts were energized with 10mM Na+- or K+-pyruvate/malate (NaPM or KPM) or Na+-succinate (NaSuc) followed by additions of isoflurane, 0.5mM CaCl2 (≈200nM free Ca2+ with 1mM EGTA buffer), and 250μM ADP. Isoflurane stepwise: (a) increased [Ca2+]m in state 2 with NaPM, but not with KPM substrate, despite an isoflurane-induced slight fall in ΔΨm and a mild matrix expansion, and (b) decreased NADH oxidation, respiration, ΔΨm, and matrix volume in state 3, while prolonging the duration of state 3 NADH oxidation, respiration, ΔΨm, and matrix contraction with PM substrates. These findings suggest that isoflurane's effects are mediated in part at the mitochondrial level: (1) to enhance the net rate of state 2 Ca2+ uptake by inhibiting the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCE), independent of changes in ΔΨm and matrix volume, and (2) to decrease the rates of state 3 electron transfer and ADP phosphorylation by inhibiting complex I. These direct effects of isoflurane to increase [Ca2+]m, while depressing NCE activity and oxidative phosphorylation, could underlie the mechanisms by which isoflurane provides cardioprotection against IR injury at the mitochondrial level.

Mitochondrial and cytosolic calcium in rat hearts under high-K+ cardioplegia and pyruvate: mechano-energetic performance

High-K(+)-cardioplegia (CPG) and pyruvate (Pyr) are used as cardioprotective agents. Considering that mitochondria play a critical role in cardiac dysfunction, we investigated the effect of CPG on mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake and sarcorreticular (SR) calcium handling. Cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca(2+), as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were assessed in rat cardiomyocytes by confocal microscopy. Mechano-calorimetrical correlation was studied in perfused hearts. CPG did not modify JC-1 (ΔΨm), but transiently increased, by up to 1.8 times, the Fura-2 (intracellular Ca concentration, [Ca(2+)]i) and Rhod-2 (mitochondrial free Ca concentration [Ca(2+)]m) fluorescence of resting cells, with exponential decays. The addition of 5µmol·L(-1) thapsigargin (Tpg) increased the Rhod-2 fluorescence in a group of cells without any effect on the Fura-2 signal. In rat hearts perfused with CPG, 1µmol·L(-1) Tpg decreased resting heat rate (ΔH(r):-0.44± 0.07mW·g(-1)), while the addition of 5µmol·L(-1) KB-R7943 increased resting pressure (ΔrLVP by+5.26± 1.10mm Hg; 1mm Hg= 133.322 Pa). The addition of 10mmol·L(-1) Pyr to CPG increased H(r) (+3.30± 0.24mW·g(-1)) and ΔrLVP (+2.2± 0.4mm Hg), which are effects potentiated by KB-R7943. The results suggest that under CPG, (i) there was an increase in [Ca(2+)]i and [Ca(2+)]m (without changing ΔΨm) that decayed by exothermic removal mechanisms; (ii) mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake contributed to the removal of cytosolic Ca(2+), in a process that was potentiated by inhibition of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), and reduced by KB-R7943; (iii) under these conditions, SERCA represents the main energetic consumer; (iv) Pyr increased the energetic performance of hearts,mainly by inducing mitochondrial metabolism.

Isoflurane Increases Mitochondrial Free Ca 2+ by Enhancing Transport via the Ca 2+ Uniporter Independent of ΔΨ m

1, Amadou K.S. Camara2, David F. Stowe2, Zeljko J. Bosnjak2, Daniel A. Beard1, and Ranjan K. Dash1. 1Physiology, 2Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Modulation of mitochondrial free Ca2+ (m[Ca2+]) is implicated as one of the possible upstream factors that initiates anesthetic-mediated cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. To help unravel the mechanisms by which volatile anesthetics modulate m[Ca2+], experiments were conducted to spectrofluorometrically measure dose-dependent effects of isoflurane (0.5-2 mM) on the time courses of mitochondrial bioenergetics (NADH redox state, respiration, and ΔΨm) and Ca2+ uptake into the matrix. Isolated mitochondria from rat hearts were energized with 10 mM pyruvate/malate (state 2); this was followed by sequentially adding isoflurane (0.5 to 2 mM), 0.5 mM CaCl2 (with 1 mM EGTA in the buffer),and 250 μM ADP (state 3). The data showed that: (a) isoflurane dose-dependently increased m[Ca2+] in state 2 in spite of a slight ΔΨm depolarization, (b) isoflurane increased the duration of state 3 respiration as well as the duration of the ADP-induced rise in m[Ca2+], and (c) isoflurane decreased state 3 NADH oxidation (i.e., increased NADH level compared to control). These data indicate the possible roles of isoflurane (1) to modulate m[Ca2+] by directly activating the Ca2+ uniporter, independent of ΔΨm, (2) to decrease the rate of ADP phosphorylation while prolonging the duration of state 3 respiration (possibly by inhibiting complex I), and (3) to prolong the duration of ADP-induced increase in m[Ca2+] response during state 3 because of reduced electron flux and slower ADP phosphorylation.