Ebselen induces mitochondrial permeability transition because of its interaction with adenine nucleotide translocase.

AIMS

Mitochondrial permeability transition is a process established through massive Ca(2+) load in addition to an inducer reagent. Ebselen (Ebs), an antioxidant seleno compound, has been introduced as a reagent which inhibits mitochondrial dysfunction induced by permeability transition. Paradoxically enough, it has been shown that Ebs may also be able to induce the opening of the mitochondrial non-selective pores. This study was performed with the purpose of establishing the membrane system involved in Ebs-induced pore opening.

MAIN METHODS

Permeability transition was appraised by analyzing the following: i) matrix Ca(2+) release, and mitochondrial swelling, ii) efflux of cytochrome c, and iii) the inhibition of superoxide dismutase. All of these adverse reactions were inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide and cyclosporin A.

KEY FINDINGS

At concentrations from 5 to 20 μM, we found that Ebs induces non-specific membrane permeability. Remarkably, Ebs blocks the binding of the fluorescent reagent eosin-5-maleimide to the thiol groups of the adenine nucleotide translocase.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on the above, it is tempting to hypothesize that Ebs induces pore opening through its binding to the ADP/ATP carrier.