effect of calcium modifying agents on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

ABSTRACT

In this study, preparation of heart mitochondria was isolated from the heart of adult female Wistar rats. The integrity of mitochondrial preparation was assessed by application of the following tests Respiratory activity, respiratory control index [RCI], ADP O ratio [relationship between phosphorylation and respiration] and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. The determination of mitochondrial protein concentration and measurement of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation using Clark-type oxygen electrode were assessed for isolated mitochondria. Verapamil [100-200mu M], bepridil [50-200muM] and palmitoyl DL-carnitine [50-200 muM] produced a significant inhibition of rat heart mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The results demonstrated the ability of calcium antagonists to modify mitochondrial integrity and function under physiological conditions and provided a further evidence of potential ability of these compounds to be effective in the prophylactic treatment of ischemia in vivo condition