[Effect of hydrogen sulfide donor NaHs on the functional state of the respiratory chain of the rat heart mitochondria].

In experiments on mitochondria isolated from the heart tissue of adult rats we studied the effects of a donor of hydrogen sulfide, NaHS, on the respiratory chain of the organelles. We found that NaHS (10(-9)-10(-6) mol/l) caused a dose-dependent decrease in the rate of oxygen consumption in the presence of succinate and ADP (state 3 to Chance), and in the absence of ADP (state 4). The decrease in the rate of oxygen consumption in a concentration NaHS 10(-9) mol/l and 10(-8) mol/l associated with an increased conjugation of oxidation and phosphorylation, as evidenced by the increase in the respiratory control, the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation (ADP/O) is not changed. Our studies suggest a protective effect of hydrogen sulfide donor on the functional state of the mitochondria. To elucidate of other the mechanisms of the protective action H2S we also investigated the effect of hydrogen sulfide donor on the mitochondrial swelling. It was found that NaHS in the range of concentration 10(-12) - 10(-4) mol/l influences the level of mitochondria swelling of the rats heart in the dose-dependent manner. It was also shown that when the concentration of Ca2+ 1 nmol/mg protein in the medium, under the action of hydrogen sulfide in the donor concentration range 10(-12) - 10(-8) mol/l, there was a moderate swelling of rats heart mitochondria. Under the action of NaHS at a concentration of 10(-9) mol/l it was observed swelling of the mitochondria, the maximum change in the level of which was 11%. Inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(ATP) channels) 5-hydroxydecanoate (10(-4) mol/l) partially reduced the mitochondrial swelling in the presence of NaHS (10(-9) mol/l), which may indicate the activation of K(ATP) channels. Our studies point for possible involvement of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels in implementation of the mechanisms of H2S.

[Hydrogen sulfide inhibits Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

In experiments in vivo and in vitro on the mitochondria isolated from the control and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) hearts, we studied the effects of a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), NaHS, and H2S biosynthesis substrate, L-cysteine, on the sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening to its natural inductor, Ca2+. We found that NaHS (10(-4), 10(-5) and 5 10(-5) mol/l) influenced the mitochondrial swelling in a concentration-dependent manner in control and spontaneously hypertensive rats. The H2S donor NaHS used in physiological concentrations (10(-6), 10(-5) and 5 10(-5) mol/l) exerted the inhibiting effect on the Ca(2+)-induced mPTP opening in control hearts (corresponding values of such effect were 31, 76, and 100%, respectively), while in spontaneously hypertensive rats hearts the protector effect of NaHS was observed only at its concentration of 10(-5) - 10(-4) mol/l. In experiments in vivo, single intraperitoneal injections of L-cysteine (10(-3) mol/kg) resulted in a decrease in the sensitivity of mPTP to it's inductor Ca2+ in control rats and SHR. In experiments in vivo in which we used a specific blocker of cystathionine-gamma-lyase, propargylglycine (10(-4) mol/kg), with the further injections of L-cysteine we observed a decrease in the threshold Ca2+ concentration (that induce the mitochondrial swelling) by three orders of magnitude in SHR, but in control rats did not effect of L-cysteine. Thus, both endogenous and exogenous hydrogen sulfide inhibits Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, indicating its protective effect on pore formation in spontaneously hypertensive rats hearts. Therefore, our studies are indicative of the involvement of H2S in modulation of changes in the permeability of mitochondrial membranes, which can be an important regulatory factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

[Effect of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase modulation in neurons of the medulla oblongata on hemodynamic effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

The study was conducted in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats anesthetized with urethane (1600 mg/kg of animal weight, intraperitoneally). It has been shown that in normotensive rats, injections of a specific inhibitor of Na+, K(+)-ATPase ouabain (10(-8)-10(-5) mol/l) in the populations of the neurons within nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), paramedian reticular nucleus (PMn) and lateral reticular nucleus (LRN) were accompanied by the development of the hypertensive responses in a dose-dependent fashion. These data suggest that Na+, K(+)-ATPase of the neuron somatic membranes in the medullary cardiovascular nuclei is involved in neural control of the cardiovascular function, and its inhibition by microinjections of ouabain promotes the development of hypertension. In contrast to normotensive rats, ouabain injected in the medullary nuclei of spontaneously hypertensive animals induced either enhanced hypertensive or hypotensive responses. Biochemical analysis revealed that the activity of Na+, K(+)-ATPase in the microsomal fraction of the medulla oblongata of spontaneously hypertensive rats significantly exceeded its activity in the medulla oblongata of normotensive animals. Possible mechanisms of ouabain effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats have being discussed. Activation of Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity of the cardiovascular neurons with asparkam injections in the medullary nuclei resulted in hypotensive responses in both normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

[Increase in the sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to Ca2+ in heart of spontaneous hypertensive rat].

In experiments vitro on the mitochondria isolated from adult and spontaneous hypertensive rat hearts, we studied the sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening to its natural inductor, Ca2+. We observed an increase in the sensitivity of mPTP opening to Ca2+ in the heart of spontaneous hypertensive rats because of a decrease in the threshold concentration of this ion required for organelles swelling by two orders of magnitude. It was shown that the classical inhibitor mPTP cyclosporin A (10(-5) mol/L) partially (54%) inhibited of mPTP opening in the heart of these animals, indicating that the presence in the heart of these animals of cyclosporin A-insensitive component of the mPTP. The results of our observations give reason to conclude that the hypertensive state of the organism is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, which is characterized, in particular, by an increased sensitivity mPTP to Ca2+, eliciting a widespread tissue damage and diseases of the cardiovascular system, especially hypertension.

[Hydrogen sulfide inhibits Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in adult and old rat heart].

In experiments in vivo and in vitro on the mitochondria isolated from adult and old rat hearts, we studied the effects of a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), NaHS, and H2S biosynthesis substrate, L-cysteine, on the sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening to its natural inductor, Ca(2+). We found that NaHS (10(-12) to 10(-4) mol/l) influenced mitochondrial swelling in a concentration-dependent manner. It was also demonstrated that the addition of NaHS (10(-12) to 10(-8) mol/l) to the calcium-free medium resulted in moderate a swelling of mitochondria from both adult and old rat hearts. At 10(-10) mol/l NaHS, the maximal values of the mitochondrial swelling observed in both adult and old hearts were 11 and 15 ,%, respectively. A specific inhibitor of KATP channels, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD; 10(-4) mol/l) decreased the mitochondrial swelling in the presence of NaHS (10)-10) mol/l), which can be indicative of the contribution of these channels to the calcium-independent conductance of the mitochondrial membranes in the rat hearts. The H2S donor NaHS used in physiological concentrations (10(-6), 10(-5) and 5 10(-5) mol/l) exerted the inhibiting effect on the Ca(2+)-induced mPTP opening in adult hearts (corresponding values of such effect were 31, 76, and 77%, respectively), while in old hearts the protector effect of NaHS was observed only at its concentration of 10(-5) mol/l. Therefore, the donor of H2S used in the tested concentrations (10(-12) to 10(-4) mol/l) exerted ambiguous effect on the mitochondrial swelling: low concentrations of NaHS (10(-12) to 10(-8) mol/l) increased the mitochondrial swelling, while its physiological concentrations (10(-6) to 5 10(-5) mol/l) exerted the protective effect on Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial swelling in adult and old hearts. Pre-incubation of isolated mitochondria with 5-HD (10(-4) mol/l) resulted in a decrease in the protective effect evoked by NaHS (10(-5) mol/l) on Ca(2+)-induced mPTP opening, which is indicative of the possible involvement of mitochondrial KATP-channels in the H2S-dependent inhibition of mPTP formation in both adult and old rat hearts. In experiments in vivo, single intraperitoneal injections of both NaHS (10(4) mol/kg) and L-cysteine ((10(-3) mol/kg) resulted in a decrease in the sensitivity of mPTP to its inductor Ca(2+) in adult and old rat hearts. The action of L-cysteine, as compared with that of NaHS, was more effective in prevention of Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial swelling. We observed a rise in Ca(2+) concentration by one order of magnitude, which evoked the mitochondrial swelling in adult and old hearts. In experiments in vivo in which we used a specific blocker ofcystathionine-g-lyase, propargylglycine (10(-4) mol/kg) that is involved in the synthesis of H2S, we observed an increase in the sensitivity of mPTP opening in old hearts because of a decrease in the threshold Ca(2+) concentration required for mitochondrial swelling by two orders of magnitude. We demonstrate the involvement of endogenous H2S in the control of mPTP formation in adult and old hearts. Our studies are indicative of the involvement of H2S in modulation of changes in the permeability of mitochondrial membranes, which can be an important regulatory factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

[Increased expression of voltage-dependent anion channel and adenine nucleotide translocase and the sensitivity of calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition opening pore in the old rat heart].

We investigated mRNA and protein expression of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), mRNA adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) as well as the sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening (MPTP) to Ca2+ in the adult and old rat heart. It was shown that in the old rats hearts VDAC mRNA expression increased by 1.7 (p < 0.05) times and mRNA ANT expression increased by 1.8 (p < 0.05) times in comparison with adult animals. The Western Blot analysis showed that the level of VDAC protein expression in the old rat hearts also significantly increased compared with adult animals. In the hearts of old rats, the sensitivity of MPTP opening to calcium (10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l) determined by mitochondria swelling, increased two-fold (p < 0.05). Therefore, an increased VDAC and ANT expression, as the main structural functional components of the MPTP, and an increased sensitivity of MPTP opening to Ca2+ caused an increase in the permeability of mitochondrial membranes in aging. Each of these factors may contribute to alterations in mitochondrial barrier properties and lead to mitochondrial dysfunction.

[Cardioprotective action of coenzyme Q in conditions of its endogenous synthesis activation in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion in old rats].

The changes of functional state isolated by Lanhendorf old rat hearts with low content of ubiqinone--coenzyme Q (CoQ) under activation of it endogenous synthesis through administration of precursors--4-hydroxybenzoic acid, methionine and modulator vitamin E were studied. The activation of ubiqinone biosynthesis contribute to cardioprotective effect due to reduce the degree of the ischemia-reperfusion injury in old rat heart, namely the restoration of myocardial contractile function and coronary flow as well as decrease the end diastolic pressure and oxygen cost of the heart compared with control group of the animals during ischemia-reperfusion. Thus the results allow to conclude that the activation of KoQ biosynthesis under administration of it precursors has protective effect in the development of the heart postreperfusion damages in aging.

[Expression of UCP3 and the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to Ca2+ in old rat heart under activation of biosynthesis of coenzyme Q].

The expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), as well as the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening (MPTP) to Ca2+ (10(-4) mol/l) in old rat heart under activation in vivo of ubiquinone synthesis--coenzyme Q, (CoQ) via administration of the precursors (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, aminoacid methionine and modulator vitamin E) were studied. It was shown that the expression level of UCP3 decreased by 63% in old rats compared to adult rats and this was accompanied by an increased sensitivity of the MPT to calcium. Under activation of endogenous synthesis of CoQ it was observed almost complete restoration of UCP3 expression in old rat heart and a decrease in the sensitivity of the MPTP opening to Ca2+. In mitochondria from old rat hearts we noted an increased content of the superoxide (O2) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals and of the stable metabolite of active oxygen species hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as compared to those in adult animals. Following activation of endogenous synthesis of CoQ in old rat heart mitochondria it was observed a decreased content of H2O2, and the tendency for decreasing the levels of the radicals O2 and MOH. The results obtained allowed to conclude that the CoQ-dependent restoration of the UCP3 levels in old rat heart and antioxidant/cardioprotective effects of CoQ related to the MPTP opening inhibition can reduce the oxidative stress and thus prevent the manifestation of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging heart. We suggest that UCP3 is not involved in the increase of the passive H-conductance through the inner mitochondrial membrane in the aging heart, and that CoQ as a factor of respiratory chain could be an important endogenous regulator of the uncoupling proteins, in particular UCP3, in the heart.

[In vivo effect of precursors of ubiquinone biosynthesis on sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the heart of old rats].

This research work is devoted to study of the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening to its inductors--ions Ca2+ (10(-4) mol/l) and oxidant phenylarsine oxide (10(-4) mol/l) and content of ubiquinone (coenzyme Q, CoQ) and vitamin E in heart mitochondria of adult, old (control) and old rats under administration of precursors an modulator of CoQ biosynthesis--4-hydroxybenzoic acid, methionine and modulator of CoQ biosynthesis, namely vitamin E. The results of our research demonstrate that administration of complex of biologically active substances, which are precursors and modulators of CoQ biosynthesis, leads to decrease in the sensitivity of MPTP opening to its inductors and increase of CoQ and vitamin E content in old rats heart mitochondria. Therefore the results obtained lead to a conclusion that increase of CoQ content due to administration of precursors and modulator of its biosynthesis is an effective way in the inhibition of MPTP opening. This approach as well as application of CoQ-containing medicals may be used for correction of mitochondrial dysfunction under various pathologies of cardiovascular system and in aging.

[Mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening inhibition by ecdysterone in heart mitochondria of aging rats].

Nitric oxide reacts rapidly with superoxide to produce the potent oxidant peroxynitrite. In vivo mitochondria produce superoxide as well as NO. In heart mitochondria of aging rats the amount of NO and O2(-) are increased thus the levels of peroxynitrite produced may be increased too, in this reason mitochondria may be a major site of peroxynitrite formation. Oxidative stress induces cyclosporine A-sensitive mitochondrial efflux of calcium and proapoptotic factors through MPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore) opening in heart mitochondria which may contribute to tissue damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in aging rats. We tested the levels of NO and superoxide generation in mitochondria simultaneously with cyclosporine A-sensitive MPTP opening by Ca2+ and phenylarsine oxide (PAO) to determine whether downregulation of both NO and O2(-) generation in heart mitochondria by potent steroid antioxidant and free radical scavenger ecdysterone may protect heart mitochondria of aging rats again tissue damage. C27-phytosteroid hormone ecdysterone (10 mkg/100g, per os, 2 weeks) mimics action of its structural analog C27- steroid hormone calcitriol (1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) and exert its cardio protection in aging heart mitochondria by inhibition of MPTP opening with effectivity of action of hormone melatonine (150 mkg/100g, 2 weeks [ V.F. Sagach et al. Fyziol. J (Ukr), 2006, 52(2), 3-15]). MPTP inhibition is dependent on paradoxycally high activation by ecdusterone of oxidative degradation of L-arginine by mtcNOS in mitochondria, by downregulation of superoxide generation and L-arginine degradation by arginase II and NO generation by mtiNOS in de novo and by NADP-dependent mtNR (nitrate reductase) in salvage pathways. These results suggest that MPTP opening may be directly influenced by ecdysterone signaling in mitochondria. The signaling pathway by which ecdysterone may coregulate the O2(-) and NO generation in heart mitochondria of aging rats may involve an outer mitochondrial membrane estrogen receptor coupled to mitochondrial PI3K/Akt/PKB activation results in superactivation and constitutive NO synthesis by mtcNOS.

[Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore is one of the mechanisms of cardioprotective effect of coenzyme Q10].

Protective properties of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the: (i) Langendorff isolated guinea pig heart's function under ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) and on the isolated mitochondria (ii) the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening under exposure to calcium as natural MPTP inductor and phenylarsine oxide as oxidant--were studied. Physiological characteristic of contractile function, myocardial oxygen consumption and mitochondrial factor release as index of MPTP opening were compared before and after ischemia of isolated heart in control animals and animals with preliminary administration of CoQ10 per os. It have been shown that I/R disturbances of heart function were decreased and oxygen metabolism was normalised in animals treated with CoQ10 in compare to non-treated control. It was accompanied with substantial stabilization of mitochondrial membrane. Decreased I/R disturbances of isolated heart from CoQ10-treated animals were correlated to amount of mitochondrial factor released to coronary flow. Moreover, preliminary incubation of mitochondria, isolated from rat heart, with CoQ10 (10(-5) mol/l) substantially prevented calcium and phenylarsine-induced, cyclosporine A-sensitive mitochondrial swelling. This protective effect was increased in experiments with deenergizing mitochondria. Results of physiological and biochemical study reveal that one of the mechanisms of CoQ10's cardioprotective effect could be direct inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening during ischemia and reperfusion of the heart.

[Melatonin recovers ischemic tolerance and decreases the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in the heart of aging rats].

The effect of the hormone of pineal gland melatonin on the ischemic tolerance and the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in old rat heart were studied. It has been shown in the Langendorf's isolated rat heart that heart contractile functional changes under ischemia and reperfusion were more pronounced in old (24-27 months) rat hearts in comparison with the adult (5-6 months) animals. A two-week's in vivo course of intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (1,5 mg/kg weight) to old rats contributed to the rehabilitation of the functional changes of isolated heart after ischemia during reperfusion and decreased the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to Ca2+ and phenilarsinoxide in comparison with old animals which did not received melatonin. It was accompanied by the significant decreasing in mRNA bax expression in old rat heart, lessening in content of the superoxide radicals and dien conjugates and twice increasing in the activity of constitutive NO-synthase in heart mitochondria of old rat after a course of melatonin injection. The protective feffect of melatonin on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening could be used for correction of the cardiac dysfunction with aging.

[Effect of the hypoxia training on the sensitivity of phenylarsineoxide-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in the rat heart].

On the mitochondria isolated from the heart tissue of adult rats we studied the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening to its inductor--phenylarsine oxide (PAO) after mitochondrial swelling, registered by spectrophotometric technique at n = 520 nm. In adult rat under influence of two modes of normobaric intermittent hypoxic training (IHT): i) softer but prolonged one induced by breathing in normobaric chamber with 11% O2 gas mixture, 15 minuets sessions with 15 minuets rest intervals, 5 times daily (first mode) and ii) more severe but shorter one induced by breathing with 8% O2 gas mixture (second mode) were used. The intensity of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanisms in rat organism were estimated before and after IHT by measuring malon dialdehyde (MDA) content and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the blood and the liver. It has been shown that IHT in the first mode didn't essentially influence both on PAO induced, cyclosporin A--sensitive mitochondrial swelling and indexes of lipid peroxidation as well as the SOD and CAT enzymatic activity. It was established that IHT in the second mode caused pronounced increase in MDA content both in the blood and the liver by 67% and 32% respectively; considerable augmentation of SOD activity in this tissues (by 49% and 32% respectively) and CAT activity (by 18% and 43% respectively). Moreover, in forty five days the activity of SOD exceeded its initial level in three times in both the blood and the liver. It has been established that IHT in the second mode provoke to twice decrease in PAO-induced mitochondrial swelling as compared with mitochondria of the control group, and even in forty five days after IHT stopping the protective effect on mitochondrial PTP opening was well-preserved. These effects were completely abolished in the presence of an inhibitor--cyclosporin A (10(-5) mol/l) that demonstrated mitochondrial swelling to be due to the mitochondrial PTP opening. Our experiments showed that the influence of IHT in more severe mode decreased the sensitivity of mitochondria to the PAO in rat heart mitochondria. Thus resistance of the mitochondrial membrane to an inductor of PTP opening--PAO increase under the influence of IHT in the second mode.

[Aging-related increase of sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore to inductors in the rat heart]. / Starinnia pidvyshchyie chutlyvist' do induktoriv mitokhondrial'noï pory v sertsi shchuriv.

An age-related increase in the sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) to inductors of it's opening, Ca2+ ions and phenylarsineoxide (PAO) was studied in experiments in vitro on isolated heart mitochondria of adult and old rats. Two indices were measured spectrophotometrically (lambda = 520 nm) by a decrease in an optical density (OD), resulting from mitochondrial swelling and a release of mitochondrial unidentified substances (mitochondrial factor, MF) registered also spectrophotometrically in a range of waves lambda = 230-260 nm. Dose-dependent effect of Ca2+ (10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l) and PAO (10(-8)-10(-4) mol/l) on swelling of the mitochondria were observed in samples from both adult and old rats. Swelling of the mitochondria from the heart of old rats induced by application of the above inductors was more intensive than the respective effect in samples from adult rats. In samples from the heart of both adult and old rats Ca2+ ions within the tested concentration range (10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l) evoked the release of MF in a dose-dependent manner. Mitochondria from the heart of old rats were found to be capable of releasing some amounts of MF in the absence of the MPTP inductors PAO. When this inductor was applied in a 10(-9) to 10(-4) mol/l concentration range, isolated mitochondria from the heart of old rats released unidentified substances with the absorption peaks at two wavelength, lambda = 230 nm and lambda = 240-245 nm. The former peak was found to be Cyclosporin A-insensitive, while the latter peak could be practically completely inhibited by this antibiotic. The concentrations of tested solutions (10(-7) mol/l CaCl2 and 10(-9) mol/l PAO), at which the release of the factor from the mitochondria of the old rat heart was observed, were significantly lower than those in adult rats. Our experimental data show that mitochondria isolated from the heart tissue of old rats demonstrate significantly higher sensitivity to inductors of MPTP-opening, Ca(2+)-overload and PAO as compared to that typical of adult animals. A higher sensitivity of MPTP-opening in the heart of old rats was accompanied by a higher basal level of expression of mRNA of the bax gene, as compared to that found in adult animals. The expression of the bcl-2 gene showed no age group-related differences. It can be supposed that a proapoptotic agent, the Bax protein, is related to an increase in the sensitivity of the MPTP (in particular to that manifested in the processes of pore formation) in the course of aging. Antioxidants, melathonin and trolox, when applied in 10(-5) mol/l concentration, presented to a certain extent opening of the MPTP-induced by 10(-5) mol/l PAO in samples from adult and old rats. These findings can be used for correction of increased sensitivity of the MPTP to different inductors, which is typical of old rats. We conclude that physiological aging is accompanied by the mitochondrial dysfunction. The MF-released capability of the mitochondria from heart tissue of old rats observed both in the presence and absence of MPTP-opening inductors (probably related to a higher sensitivity of MPTP-opening) is one of the manifestation of such dysfunction.

[Sensitivity of phenylarsineoxide-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in the heart of old rats during intermittent hypoxic training]. / Chutlyvist' fenilarsynoksydindukovanoho vidkryttia mitokhondrial'noï pory v sertsi starykh shchuriv za umov vplyvu na nykh interval'nykh hipoksychnykh trenuvan'.

We studied the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening to its inductor-phenylarsineoxide (PAO) in adult (6 months), old rat heart (24 months) and in old rat heart under conditions of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT). We defined the sensitivity of MPTP opening on two parameters: the alterations in mitochondrial swelling and the release ofmitochondrial substances (mitochondrial factor). It was shown that mitochondria of old rat heart are more sensitive to PAO which caused opening of cyclosporin-sensitive MPTP and MPTP-dependent factor release, in comparison with those of adult rat heart mitochondria. One of the causes of increased sensitivity of MPTP opening to PAO is development of an oxidative stress with age that was accompanied by increase of an active metabolite of oxygen IHT on PAO-induced MPTP-opening and MPTP-dependent factor release from old rat heart mitochondria. IHT also reduced the content of H2O2 and *OH in old rat hearts. IHT can be used as protective procedure preventing MPTP opening in aging and, probably, in a numerous chronic pathological states of organism under oxidative stress.

[Release of unidentified substances of mitochondrial origin--evidence of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in the heart mitochondria of rats ]. / Vyvil'nennia neidentifikovanykh rechovyn mitokhondrial'noho pokhodzhennia--pokaznyk vidkryttia mitokhondrial'noï pory sertsia shchuriv.

In experiments in vitro on isolated heart mitochondria of rats, an activation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) was induced by either modelling an oxidative stress with PTP-inductor phenylarsine oxide (PAO) or by calcium overload (CaCl2). PTP-opening was determined spectrophotometrically (lambda = 520 nm) by a decrease in an optical density (OD), resulting from mitochondrial swelling. We also observed a release of mitochondrial unidentified substances (mitochondrial factor, MF) registered spectrophotometrically in a range of waves lambda = 230-260 nm. Both correlation between mitochondrial swelling and a release of the mitochondrial factor have been found in experiments with PAO at concentrations 10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l, and in those with CaCl2 at concentrations 10(-6)-10(-4) mol/l. The classical inhibitor of mitochondrial PTP cyclosporin A (Cs A, 10(-5) mol/l) inhibited mitochondrial swelling and a release of that factor completely. Our experimental data give evidence for mitochondrial origin of the factor and its release following PTP-opening by PTP-inductors--PAO and CaCl2. Mitochondrial swelling that accompanied the factor's release might contribute to PTP-opening and be useful in defining the mitochondrial sensitivity either with inductors or inhibitors of mitochondrial PTP in different tissues under normal and pathological states of organism.

[Effect of inductors and inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore on its opening and release of unidentified mitochondrial factor]. / Vplyv induktoriv ta inhibitoriv mitokhondrial'noï pory na ïï utvorennia ta na vyvil'nennia neidentyfikovanoho mitokhondrial'noho faktora.

The release of an unidentified substance (factor) induced by sulfhydryl group (SH) modifier and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPT) inductor phenylarsine oxide (PAO) has been found in vitro on isolated guinea-pig and rat heart mitochondria. The factor was also released at oxidative stress. The factor release induced by PAO was inhibited by cyclosporin A (CsA), the MPT inhibitor. Protective actions of antioxidants melatonin and trolox in vitro and in vivo, as well as dithiothreitol (DTT) and diethylmaleat (DEM) were studied. The influences of nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the mitochondrial factor release were also studied. We have shown the participation of this agent in the regulation of factor formation after inhibition of NO-synthase activity (NOS) by aminoguanidine. The data were obtained about MPT-opening after Ca2+ loading and under the influence of the MPT inductor PAO, inhibited by CsA. The results obtained on isolated mitochondria are in a good agreement with the those on the isolated guinea-pig heart after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. It was concluded that mitochondria are essential for the factor formation and its release under ischemia-reperfusion of the myocardium.

[Endothelial factors in the regulation of Na+, K(+)-ATPase]. / Endotelial'ni faktory v rehuliatsiï aktyvnosti Na+, K(+)-ATFazy.

Endothelial vasoactive agents such as endothelin, angiotensin, nitric oxide and others are essential in regulation of the Na-pump functions in vascular and others tissues. In our review the intracellular mechanisms of activating and inhibition of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase by endothelial vasoactive agents are discussed. In the control of vascular tone and heart function as well as the regulation of the Na-pump endothelial vasoactive agents act individually or in close interaction with other physiologically active substances including the ouabain-like factor, endogenous inhibitor of the Na-pump. Some aspects ouabain-like factor physiological action are under the discussion. Recent advances in study and comprehension of intracellular mechanisms the mediating role of endothelial agents in Na-pump regulation are reviewed also.

[The participation of L-arginine in correcting the activity of the membrane-transport enzymes Na+,K(+)-, Ca2(+)- and Na(+)-ATPases in experimental hypercholesterolemia]. / Uchast' L-arhininu v korektsiï aktyvnosti membrannykh transportnykh fermentiv Na+,K(+)-, Ca2(+)- ta Na(+)-ATFaz za umov eksperimentalnoï hiperkholesterynemiï.

The influence of precursor of biosynthesis of nitric oxide L-arginine on the level of transport enzymes Na+, K(+)-, Ca(2+)- and Na(+)-ATPases activity under rabbits experimental hypercholesterolemia have been studied. The significant changes in Na+, K(+)-, Ca(2+)- and Na(+)-ATPases activity in different tissues (the cortex of kidney, the endothelium of aorta, the epithelium of small intestine, the liver) had been found for the rabbits with inhibition of the activity of this enzymes to the different levels in all these tissues. Injection of L-arginine during the hypercholesterolemia caused the recovery of Na+, K(+)-, Ca(2+)- and Na(+)-ATPases approximately to the control levels. Obtained results demonstrate that exogenous L-arginine may participate in the correction of the activity of membrane transport enzymes under the condition of the rabbits experimental hypercholesterolemia. The authors discuss the possible mechanisms of L-arginine effect on the studied transport enzymes under the experimental atherosclerosis.

[The antioxidant action of taurine in acute hypoxic hypoxia]. / Antyoksydantna diia taurynu za umov hostroï hipoksychnoï hipoksiï.

It was found that preliminary treatment by amino acid taurine protected rats from lipid peroxidation intensification (expressed in terms of malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes contents) in the liver, brain and heart under acute severe normobaric hypoxic hypoxia. The mechanisms of the antioxidant action of taurine are connected to the prevention of lactate accumulation in tissues and cell membrane structure disorders (expressed in a decrease of membrane Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity). It was also shown that taurine reduced significantly a decrease of glutathione antioxidant system activity protecting tissues against reduced glutathione pool depletion and preventing a decrease of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities in acute severe hypoxia.