Uptake of spermine by rat liver mitochondria and its influence on the transport of phosphate.

Spermine, a polyamine present in the mammalian cells at rather high concentration, has, among other actions, a remarkable stabilizing effect on mitochondria, functions which have generally been attributed to the capability of this and other polyamines to bind to membrane anionic sites. In the present paper evidence is provided that at physiological concentrations spermine may also be transported into rat liver mitochondrial matrix space, provided that mitochondria are energized and inorganic phosphate is simultaneously transported. The close dependence of spermine transport is also demonstrated by the concurrent efflux of spermine and inorganic phosphate when mitochondria preloaded with the two ionic species are deenergized either with uncouplers or respiratory chain inhibitors. Furthermore, Mersalyl, the known inhibitor of phosphate transport, prevents both spermine uptake and release. Mg2+ inhibits the transport of spermine conceivably by competing for the some binding sites on the mitochondrial membrane. The physiological significance of these results is discussed.