Effects of mitoxantrone and doxorubicin on energy metabolism of the rat heart.

In animal models anthracyclines and anthracenediones show similar antineoplastic activity but somewhat different cardiotoxicity. The effects of doxorubicin and the free base of mitoxantrone (NSC-279836) on the energy metabolism of the rat heart were compared. Both compounds not only reduced oxygen consumption in heart mitochondria ex vivo, but also uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation, inhibited creatine phosphate kinase, and damaged the semipermeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane (measured as creatine influx). The effects on the myocyte membrane activities, calcium transport, and Na/K, Mg, and Ca ATPases were slightly different for the two compounds. Cardiotoxicity of the two compounds may have its origin in their interference with heart cell energy metabolism.