[Effect of taurine on the ion transport system in mitochondria].

The influence of taurine on the ATP-dependent mitochondrial swelling, which characterizes the activity of the ATP-dependent K+ channel and the opening of Ca(2+)-dependent pores differing in the sensitivity to cyclosporin A in rat liver mitochondria has been studied. It was shown that taurine at small (0.5-125 microM) concentrations produces a stimulating effect on the ATP-dependent mitochondrial swelling. Taurine in physiological concentrations (0.5-20 mM) di not affect the ATP-dependent mitochondrial swelling and cyclosporin A-insensitive palmitate/Ca(2+)-activated pore formation in mitochondria. Taurine in these concentrations increased the rate of cyclosporin A-sensitive swelling induced by Ca2+ and P(i) and decreased the Ca2+ capacity of mitochondria.