Sulfhydryl oxidation induces calcium release from fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum even in the presence of glutathione.

Alcian blue and plumbagin induced transient Ca2+ release from fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum. Dithiothreitol (DTT) and glutathione (GSH) partially blocked Ca2+ release induced by these oxidizing compounds. Pretreatment of alcian blue and plumbagin with DTT or GSH for more than 1 min was required to abolish the ability of the oxidizing compounds to release Ca2+. Mg2+ and ruthenium red completely blocked alcian blue-and plumbagin-induced Ca2+ release. These results suggest that oxidation of sulfhydryls on Ca2+ release channels induces Ca2+ release even in the presence of GSH in situ.