Effect of temperature on the creatine kinase equilibrium

Reactive oxygen species generation by reverse electron transfer at mitochondrial complex I under simulated early reperfusion conditions

Ischemic tissues accumulate succinate, which is rapidly oxidized upon reperfusion, driving a burst of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that triggers cell death. In isolated mitochondria with succinate as the sole metabolic substrate under non-phosphorylating conditions, 90 % of ROS generation is from reverse electron transfer (RET) at the Q site of respiratory complex I (Cx-I). Together, these observations suggest Cx-I RET is the source of pathologic ROS in reperfusion injury. However, numerous factors present in early reperfusion may impact Cx-I RET, including: (i) High [NADH]; (ii) High [lactate]; (iii) Mildly acidic pH; (iv) Defined ATP/ADP ratios; (v) Presence of the nucleosides adenosine and inosine; and (vi) Defined free [Ca2+]. Herein, experiments with mouse cardiac mitochondria revealed that under simulated early reperfusion conditions including these factors, total mitochondrial ROS generation was only 56 ± 17 % of that seen with succinate alone (mean ± 95 % confidence intervals). Of this ROS, only 52 ± 20 % was assignable to Cx-I RET. A further 14 ± 7 % could be assigned to complex III, with the remainder (34 ± 11 %) likely originating from other ROS sources upstream of the Cx-I Q site. Together, these data suggest the relative contribution of Cx-I RET ROS to reperfusion injury may be overestimated, and other ROS sources may contribute a significant fraction of ROS in early reperfusion.

Reactive Oxygen Species Generation by Reverse Electron Transfer at Mitochondrial Complex I Under Simulated Early Reperfusion Conditions

Ischemic tissues accumulate succinate, which is rapidly oxidized upon reperfusion, driving a burst of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that triggers cell death. In isolated mitochondria with succinate as the sole metabolic substrate under non-phosphorylating conditions, 90% of ROS generation is from reverse electron transfer (RET) at the Q site of respiratory complex I (Cx-I). Together, these observations suggest Cx-I RET is the source of pathologic ROS in reperfusion injury. However, numerous factors present in early reperfusion may impact Cx-I RET, including: (i) High [NADH]; (ii) High [lactate]; (iii) Mildly acidic pH; (iv) Defined ATP/ADP ratios; (v) Presence of the nucleosides adenosine and inosine; and (vi) Defined free [Ca2+]. Herein, experiments with mouse cardiac mitochondria revealed that under simulated early reperfusion conditions including these factors, overall mitochondrial ROS generation was only 56% of that seen with succinate alone, and only 52% of this ROS was assignable to Cx-I RET. The residual non-RET ROS could be partially assigned to complex III (Cx-III) with the remainder likely originating from other ROS sources upstream of the Cx-I Q site. Together, these data suggest the relative contribution of Cx-I RET ROS to reperfusion injury may be overestimated, and other ROS sources may contribute a significant fraction of ROS in early reperfusion.

Creatine Kinase Equilibration and ΔGATP over an Extended Range of Physiological Conditions: Implications for Cellular Energetics, Signaling, and Muscle Performance

In this report, we establish a straightforward method for estimating the equilibrium constant for the creatine kinase reaction (CK Keq″) over wide but physiologically and experimentally relevant ranges of pH, Mg2+ and temperature. Our empirical formula for CK Keq″ is based on experimental measurements. It can be used to estimate [ADP] when [ADP] is below the resolution of experimental measurements, a typical situation because [ADP] is on the order of micromolar concentrations in living cells and may be much lower in many in vitro experiments. Accurate prediction of [ADP] is essential for in vivo studies of cellular energetics and metabolism and for in vitro studies of ATP-dependent enzyme function under near-physiological conditions. With [ADP], we were able to obtain improved estimates of ΔGATP, necessitating the reinvestigation of previously reported ADP- and ΔGATP-dependent processes. Application to actomyosin force generation in muscle provides support for the hypothesis that, when [Pi] varies and pH is not altered, the maximum Ca2+-activated isometric force depends on ΔGATP in both living and permeabilized muscle preparations. Further analysis of the pH studies introduces a novel hypothesis around the role of submicromolar ADP in force generation.

Energy demand and supply in human skeletal muscle

The energy required for muscle contraction is provided by the breakdown of ATP but the amount of ATP in muscles cells is sufficient to power only a short duration of contraction. Buffering of ATP by phosphocreatine, a reaction catalysed by creatine kinase, extends the duration of activity possible but sustained activity depends on continual regeneration of PCr. This is achieved using ATP generated by oxidative processes and, during intense activity, by anaerobic glycolysis. The rate of ATP breakdown ranges from 70 to 140 mM min^-1 during isometric contractions of various intensity to as much as 400 mM min^-1 during intense, dynamic activity. The maximum rate of oxidative energy supply in untrained people is ~50 mM min^-1 which, if the contraction duty cycle is 0.5 as is often the case in cyclic activity, is sufficient to match an ATP breakdown rate during contraction of 100 mM min^-1. During brief, intense activity the rate of ATP turnover can exceed the rates of PCr regeneration by combined oxidative and glycolytic energy supply, resulting in a net decrease in PCr concentration. Glycolysis has the capacity to produce between 30 and 50 mM of ATP so that, for example, anaerobic glycolysis could provide ATP at an average of 100 mM min^-1 over 30 s of exhausting activity. The creatine kinase reaction plays an important role not only in buffering ATP but also in communicating energy demand from sites of ATP breakdown to the mitochondria. In that role, creatine kinases acts to slow and attenuate the response of mitochondria to changes in energy demand.

Energetics of contraction

Muscles convert energy from ATP into useful work, which can be used to move limbs and to transport ions across membranes. The energy not converted into work appears as heat. At the start of contraction heat is also produced when Ca(2+) binds to troponin-C and to parvalbumin. Muscles use ATP throughout an isometric contraction at a rate that depends on duration of stimulation, muscle type, temperature and muscle length. Between 30% and 40% of the ATP used during isometric contraction fuels the pumping Ca(2+) and Na(+) out of the myoplasm. When shortening, muscles produce less force than in an isometric contraction but use ATP at a higher rate and when lengthening force output is higher than the isometric force but rate of ATP splitting is lower. Efficiency quantifies the fraction of the energy provided by ATP that is converted into external work. Each ATP molecule provides 100 zJ of energy that can potentially be converted into work. The mechanics of the myosin cross-bridge are such that at most 50 zJ of work can be done in one ATP consuming cycle; that is, the maximum efficiency of a cross-bridge is ∼50%. Cross-bridges in tortoise muscle approach this limit, producing over 90% of the possible work per cycle. Other muscles are less efficient but contract more rapidly and produce more power.

On the theoretical limits of detecting cyclic changes in cardiac high-energy phosphates and creatine kinase reaction kinetics using in vivo ³¹P MRS

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is absolutely required to fuel normal cyclic contractions of the heart. The creatine kinase (CK) reaction is a major energy reserve reaction that rapidly converts creatine phosphate (PCr) to ATP during the cardiac cycle and at times of stress and ischemia, but is significantly impaired in conditions such as hypertrophy and heart failure. Because the magnitudes of possible in vivo cyclic changes in cardiac high-energy phosphates (HEPs) during the cardiac cycle are not well known from previous work, this study uses mathematical modeling to assess whether, and to what extent, cyclic variations in HEPs and in the rate of ATP synthesis through CK (CK flux) could exist in the human heart, and whether they could be measured with current in vivo (31)P MRS methods. Multi-site exchange models incorporating enzymatic rate equations were used to study the cyclic dynamics of the CK reaction, and Bloch equations were used to simulate (31)P MRS saturation transfer measurements of the CK reaction. The simulations show that short-term buffering of ATP by CK requires temporal variations over the cardiac cycle in the CK reaction velocities modeled by enzymatic rate equations. The maximum variation in HEPs in the normal human heart beating at 60 min(-1) was approximately 0.4 mM and proportional to the velocity of ATP hydrolysis. Such HEP variations are at or below the current limits of detection by in vivo (31)P MRS methods. Bloch equation simulations show that (31)P MRS saturation transfer estimates the time-averaged, pseudo-first-order forward rate constant, k(f,ap)', of the CK reaction, and that periodic short-term fluctuations in kf ' and CK flux are not likely to be detectable in human studies employing current in vivo (31)P MRS methods.

Effect of calcium on the oxidative phosphorylation cascade in skeletal muscle mitochondria

Calcium is believed to regulate mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thereby contributing to the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. Skeletal muscle, with an energy conversion dynamic range of up to 100-fold, is an extreme case for evaluating the cellular balance of ATP production and consumption. This study examined the role of Ca(2+) in the entire oxidative phosphorylation reaction network in isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria and attempted to extrapolate these results back to the muscle, in vivo. Kinetic analysis was conducted to evaluate the dose-response effect of Ca(2+) on the maximal velocity of oxidative phosphorylation (V(maxO)) and the ADP affinity. Force-flow analysis evaluated the interplay between energetic driving forces and flux to determine the conductance, or effective activity, of individual steps within oxidative phosphorylation. Measured driving forces [extramitochondrial phosphorylation potential (ΔG(ATP)), membrane potential, and redox states of NADH and cytochromes b(H), b(L), c(1), c, and a,a(3)] were compared with flux (oxygen consumption) at 37 °C; 840 nM Ca(2+) generated an ~2-fold increase in V(maxO) with no change in ADP affinity (~43 μM). Force-flow analysis revealed that Ca(2+) activation of V(maxO) was distributed throughout the oxidative phosphorylation reaction sequence. Specifically, Ca(2+) increased the conductance of Complex IV (2.3-fold), Complexes I and III (2.2-fold), ATP production/transport (2.4-fold), and fuel transport/dehydrogenases (1.7-fold). These data support the notion that Ca(2+) activates the entire muscle oxidative phosphorylation cascade, while extrapolation of these data to the exercising muscle predicts a significant role of Ca(2+) in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis.

Characterizations of myosin essential light chain's N-terminal truncation mutant Δ43 in transgenic mouse papillary muscles by using tension transients in response to sinusoidal length alterations

Cross-bridge kinetics were studied at 20 °C in cardiac muscle strips from transgenic (Tg) mice expressing N-terminal 43 amino acid truncation mutation (Δ43) of myosin essential light chain (ELC), and the results were compared to those from Tg-wild type (WT) mice. Sinusoidal length changes were applied to activated skinned papillary muscle strips to induce tension transients, from which two exponential processes were deduced to characterize the cross-bridge kinetics. Their two rate constants were studied as functions of ATP, phosphate (Pi), ADP, and Ca(2+) concentrations to characterize elementary steps of the cross-bridge cycle consisting of six states. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the cross-bridge kinetics of Δ43 are accelerated owing to an acceleration of the rate constant k 2 of the cross-bridge detachment step, and that the number of strongly attached cross-bridges are decreased because of a reduction of the equilibrium constant K 4 of the force generation step. The isometric tension and stiffness of Δ43 are diminished compared to WT, but the force per cross-bridge is not changed. Stiffness measurement during rigor induction demonstrates a reduction in the stiffness in Δ43, indicating that the N-terminal extension of ELC forms an extra linkage between the myosin cross-bridge and actin. The tension-pCa study demonstrates that there is no Ca(2+) sensitivity change with Δ43, but the cooperativity is diminished. These results demonstrate the importance of the N-terminal extension of ELC in maintaining the myosin motor function during force generation and optimal cardiac performance.

Interleukin-1beta does not affect the energy metabolism of rat organotypic hippocampal-slice cultures

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the archetypal pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), on high-energy phosphate levels within an ex vivo rat organotypic hippocampal-slice culture (OHSC) preparation using phosphorus ((31)P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Intrastriatal microinjection of IL-1β induces a chronic reduction in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of tissue water, which may be indicative of metabolic failure as established by in vivo models of acute cerebral ischaemia. The OHSC preparation enables examination of the effects of IL-1β on brain parenchyma per se, independent of the potentially confounding effects encountered in vivo such as perfusion changes, blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and leukocyte recruitment. (31)P MRS is a technique that can detect multiple high-energy phosphate metabolites within a sample non-invasively. Here, for the first time, we characterise the energy metabolism of OHSCs using (31)P MRS and demonstrate that IL-1β does not compromise high-energy phosphate metabolism. Thus, the chronic reduction in ADC observed in vivo is unlikely to be a consequence of metabolic failure.

High efficiency in human muscle: an anomaly and an opportunity?

Can human muscle be highly efficient in vivo? Animal muscles typically show contraction-coupling efficiencies <50% in vitro but a recent study reports that the human first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle of the hand has an efficiency value in vivo of 68%. We examine two key factors that could account for this apparently high efficiency value: (1) transfer of cross-bridge work into mechanical work and (2) the use of elastic energy to do external work. Our analysis supports a high contractile efficiency reflective of nearly complete transfer of muscular to mechanical work with no contribution by recycling of elastic energy to mechanical work. Our survey of reported contraction-coupling efficiency values puts the FDI value higher than typical values found in small animals in vitro but within the range of values for human muscle in vivo. These high efficiency values support recent studies that suggest lower Ca(2+) cycling costs in working contractions and a decline in cost during repeated contractions. In the end, our analysis indicates that the FDI muscle may be exceptional in having an efficiency value on the higher end of that reported for human muscle. Thus, the FDI muscle may be an exception both in contraction-coupling efficiency and in Ca(2+) cycling costs, which makes it an ideal muscle model system offering prime conditions for studying the energetics of muscle contraction in vivo.

Treponema denticola PurE Is a bacterial AIR carboxylase

De novo purine biosynthesis proceeds by two divergent paths. In bacteria, yeasts, and plants, 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) is converted to 4-carboxy-AIR (CAIR) by two enzymes: N(5)-carboxy-AIR (N(5)-CAIR) synthetase (PurK) and N(5)-CAIR mutase (class I PurE). In animals, the conversion of AIR to CAIR requires a single enzyme, AIR carboxylase (class II PurE). The CAIR carboxylate derives from bicarbonate or CO(2), respectively. Class I PurE is a promising antimicrobial target. Class I and class II PurEs are mechanistically related but bind different substrates. The spirochete dental pathogen Treponema denticola lacks a purK gene and contains a class II purE gene, the hallmarks of CO(2)-dependent CAIR synthesis. We demonstrate that T. denticola PurE (TdPurE) is AIR carboxylase, the first example of a prokaryotic class II PurE. Steady-state and pre-steady-state experiments show that TdPurE binds AIR and CO(2) but not N(5)-CAIR. Crystal structures of TdPurE alone and in complex with AIR show a conformational change in the key active site His40 residue that is not observed for class I PurEs. A contact between the AIR phosphate and a differentially conserved residue (TdPurE Lys41) enforces different AIR conformations in each PurE class. As a consequence, the TdPurE·AIR complex contains a portal that appears to allow the CO(2) substrate to enter the active site. In the human pathogen T. denticola, purine biosynthesis should depend on available CO(2) levels. Because spirochetes lack carbonic anhydrase, the corresponding reduction in bicarbonate demand may confer a selective advantage.

Increased reactive oxygen species production and lower abundance of complex I subunits and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B protein despite normal mitochondrial respiration in insulin-resistant human skeletal muscle

OBJECTIVE

The contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to skeletal muscle insulin resistance remains elusive. Comparative proteomics are being applied to generate new hypotheses in human biology and were applied here to isolated mitochondria to identify novel changes in mitochondrial protein abundance present in insulin-resistant muscle.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Mitochondria were isolated from vastus lateralis muscle from lean and insulin-sensitive individuals and from obese and insulin-resistant individuals who were otherwise healthy. Respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production rates were measured in vitro. Relative abundances of proteins detected by mass spectrometry were determined using a normalized spectral abundance factor method.

RESULTS

NADH- and FADH(2)-linked maximal respiration rates were similar between lean and obese individuals. Rates of pyruvate and palmitoyl-DL-carnitine (both including malate) ROS production were significantly higher in obesity. Mitochondria from obese individuals maintained higher (more negative) extramitochondrial ATP free energy at low metabolic flux, suggesting that stronger mitochondrial thermodynamic driving forces may underlie the higher ROS production. Tandem mass spectrometry identified protein abundance differences per mitochondrial mass in insulin resistance, including lower abundance of complex I subunits and enzymes involved in the oxidation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and fatty acids (e.g., carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide data suggesting normal oxidative capacity of mitochondria in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle in parallel with high rates of ROS production. Furthermore, we show specific abundance differences in proteins involved in fat and BCAA oxidation that might contribute to the accumulation of lipid and BCAA frequently associated with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance.

Multiple ion binding equilibria, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics in dynamic models of biochemical pathways

The operation of biochemical systems in vivo and in vitro is strongly influenced by complex interactions between biochemical reactants and ions such as H(+), Mg(2+), K(+), and Ca(2+). These are important second messengers in metabolic and signaling pathways that directly influence the kinetics and thermodynamics of biochemical systems. Herein we describe the biophysical theory and computational methods to account for multiple ion binding to biochemical reactants and demonstrate the crucial effects of ion binding on biochemical reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. In simulations of realistic systems, the concentrations of these ions change with time due to dynamic buffering and competitive binding. In turn, the effective thermodynamic properties vary as functions of cation concentrations and important environmental variables such as temperature and overall ionic strength. Physically realistic simulations of biochemical systems require incorporating all of these phenomena into a coherent mathematical description. Several applications to physiological systems are demonstrated based on this coherent simulation framework.

Linking pulmonary oxygen uptake, muscle oxygen utilization and cellular metabolism during exercise

The energy demand imposed by physical exercise on the components of the oxygen transport and utilization system requires a close link between cellular and external respiration in order to maintain ATP homeostasis. Invasive and non-invasive experimental approaches have been used to elucidate mechanisms regulating the balance between oxygen supply and consumption during exercise. Such approaches suggest that the mechanism controlling the various subsystems coupling internal to external respiration are part of a highly redundant and hierarchical multi-scale system. In this work, we present a "systems biology" framework that integrates experimental and theoretical approaches able to provide simultaneously reliable information on the oxygen transport and utilization processes occurring at the various steps in the pathway of oxygen from air to mitochondria, particularly at the onset of exercise. This multi-disciplinary framework provides insights into the relationship between cellular oxygen consumption derived from measurements of muscle oxygenation during exercise and pulmonary oxygen uptake by indirect calorimetry. With a validated model, muscle oxygen dynamic responses is simulated and quantitatively related to cellular metabolism under a variety of conditions.

Critical temperatures in the cephalopodSepia officinalisinvestigated usingin vivo31P NMR spectroscopy

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis of an oxygen limitation defining thermal tolerance in the European cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). Mantle muscle organ metabolic status and pHiwere monitored using in vivo31P NMR spectroscopy, while mantle muscle performance was determined by recording mantle cavity pressure oscillations during ventilation and spontaneous exercise.

Under control conditions (15°C), changes in muscle phospho-l-arginine (PLA) and inorganic phosphate (Pi)levels could be linearly related to frequently occurring, high-pressure mantle contractions with pressure amplitudes (MMPA) of &gt;0.2 kPa. Accordingly,mainly MMPA of &gt;2 kPa affected muscle PLA reserves, indicating that contractions with MMPA of &lt;2 kPa only involve the thin layers of aerobic circular mantle musculature. On average, no more than 20% of muscle PLA was depleted during spontaneous exercise under control conditions.

Subjecting animals to acute thermal change at an average rate of 1 deg. h–1 led to significant Pi accumulation (equivalent to PLA breakdown) and decrements in the free energy of ATP hydrolysis(dG/dζ) at both ends of the temperature window, starting at mean critical temperatures (Tc) of 7.0 and 26.8°C,respectively. Frequent groups of high-pressure mantle contractions could not(in the warm) or only partially (in the cold) be related to net PLA breakdown in mantle muscle, indicating an oxygen limitation of routine metabolism rather than exercise-related phosphagen use. We hypothesize that it is mainly the constantly working radial mantle muscles that become progressively devoid of oxygen. Estimates of very low dG/dζ values (–44 kJ mol–1) in this compartment, along with correlated stagnating ventilation pressures in the warm, support this hypothesis. In conclusion, we found evidence for an oxygen limitation of thermal tolerance in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, as indicated by a progressive transition of routine mantle metabolism to an anaerobic mode of energy production.

Generalized Anomeric Interpretation of the “High-Energy” N−P Bond in N-Methyl-N‘-phosphorylguanidine: Importance of Reinforcing Stereoelectronic Effects in “High-Energy” Phosphoester Bonds

Electronic structure calculations have been performed on a model N-phosphorylguanidine, or phosphagen, to understand the stereoelectronic factors contributing to the lability of the "high-energy" N-P bond. The lability of the N-P bond is central to the physiological role of phosphagens involving phosphoryl transfer reactions important in cellular energy buffering and metabolism. Eight protonated forms of N-methyl-N'-phosphorylguanidine have been energy minimized at levels of theory ranging up to B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and MP2/6-311++G(d,p) to investigate the correlation between protonation state and N-P bond length. Selected forms have also been minimized using the CCSD/6-311++G(d,p) and QCISD/6-311++G(d,p) levels of theory. Bulk solvation energies using the polarized continuum model (PCM) with B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) test the influence of the surroundings on computed structures and energies. The N-P bond length depends on the overall protonation state where increased protonation at the phosphoryl group or deprotonation at the unsubstituted N'' nitrogen results in shorter, stronger N-P bonds. Natural bond orbital analysis shows that the protonation state affects the N-P bond length by altering the magnitude of stabilizing n(O) --> sigma*(N-P) stereoelectronic interactions and to a lesser extent the sigma(N-P) --> sigma*(C-N'') and sigma(N-P) --> sigma*(C-N) interactions. The computations do not provide evidence of a competition between the phosphoryl and guanidinium groups for the same lone pair on the bridging nitrogen, as previously suggested by opposing resonance theory. The computed n(O) --> sigma*(N-P) anomeric effect provides a novel explanation of "high-energy" N-P bond lability. This offers new mechanistic insight into phosphoryl transfer reactions involving both phosphagens and other biochemically important "high-energy" phosphoester bonds.

The efficiency of muscle contraction

When a muscle contracts and shortens against a load, it performs work. The performance of work is fuelled by the expenditure of metabolic energy, more properly quantified as enthalpy (i.e., heat plus work). The ratio of work performed to enthalpy produced provides one measure of efficiency. However, if the primary interest is in the efficiency of the actomyosin cross-bridges, then the metabolic overheads associated with basal metabolism and excitation-contraction coupling, together with those of subsequent metabolic recovery process, must be subtracted from the total heat and work observed. By comparing the cross-bridge work component of the remainder to the Gibbs free energy of hydrolysis of ATP, a measure of thermodynamic efficiency is achieved. We describe and quantify this partitioning process, providing estimates of the efficiencies of selected steps, while discussing the errors that can arise in the process of quantification. The dependence of efficiency on animal species, fibre-type, temperature, and contractile velocity is considered. The effect of contractile velocity on energetics is further examined using a two-state, Huxley-style, mathematical model of cross-bridge cycling that incorporates filament compliance. Simulations suggest only a modest effect of filament compliance on peak efficiency, but progressively larger gains (vis-à-vis the rigid filament case) as contractile velocity approaches Vmax. This effect is attributed primarily to a reduction in the component of energy loss arising from detachment of cross-bridge heads at non-zero strain.

Quantitative mathematical expressions for accurate in vivo assessment of cytosolic [ADP] and DeltaG of ATP hydrolysis in the human brain and skeletal muscle

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy affords the possibility of assessing in vivo the thermodynamic status of living tissues. The main thermodynamic variables relevant for the knowledge of the health of living tissues are: DeltaG of ATP hydrolysis and cytosolic [ADP], the latter as calculated from the apparent equilibrium constant of the creatine kinase reaction. In this study we assessed the stoichiometric equilibrium constant of the creatine kinase reaction by in vitro (31)P NMR measurements and computer calculations resulting to be: logK(CK)=8.00+/-0.07 at T=310 K and ionic strength I=0.25 M. This value refers to the equilibrium: PCr(2-)+ADP(3-)+ H(+)=Cr+ATP(4-). We also assessed by computer calculation the stoichiometric equilibrium constant of ATP hydrolysis obtaining the value: logK(ATP-hyd)=-12.45 at T=310 K and ionic strength I=0.25 M, which refers to the equilibrium: ATP(4-)+H(2)O=ADP(3-)+PO(4)(3-)+2H(+). Finally, we formulated novel quantitative mathematical expressions of DeltaG of ATP hydrolysis and of the apparent equilibrium constant of the creatine kinase reaction as a function of total [PCr], pH and pMg, all quantities measurable by in vivo (31)P MRS. Our novel mathematical expressions allow the in vivo assessment of cytosolic [ADP] and DeltaG of ATP hydrolysis in the human brain and skeletal muscle taking into account pH and pMg changes occurring in living tissues both in physiological and pathological conditions.

Analysis of functional coupling: mitochondrial creatine kinase and adenine nucleotide translocase

The mechanism of functional coupling between mitochondrial creatine kinase (MiCK) and adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) in isolated heart mitochondria is analyzed. Two alternative mechanisms are studied: 1), dynamic compartmentation of ATP and ADP, which assumes the differences in concentrations of the substrates between intermembrane space and surrounding solution due to some diffusion restriction and 2), direct transfer of the substrates between MiCK and ANT. The mathematical models based on these possible mechanisms were composed and simulation results were compared with the available experimental data. The first model, based on a dynamic compartmentation mechanism, was not sufficient to reproduce the measured values of apparent dissociation constants of MiCK reaction coupled to oxidative phosphorylation. The second model, which assumes the direct transfer of substrates between MiCK and ANT, is shown to be in good agreement with experiments--i.e., the second model reproduced the measured constants and the estimated ADP flux, entering mitochondria after the MiCK reaction. This model is thermodynamically consistent, utilizing the free energy profiles of reactions. The analysis revealed the minimal changes in the free energy profile of the MiCK-ANT interaction required to reproduce the experimental data. A possible free energy profile of the coupled MiCK-ANT system is presented.

On being the right size: heart design, mitochondrial efficiency and lifespan potential

1. From the smallest shrew or bumble-bee bat to the largest blue whale, heart size varies by over seven orders of magnitude (from 12 mg to 600 kg). This study reviews the scaling relationships between heart design, cellular bioenergetics and mitochondrial efficiencies in mammals of different body sizes. 2. The [31P]-nuclear magnetic resonance-derived [phosphocreatine]/[ATP] ratio in hearts of smaller mammals is significantly higher (2.7 +/- 0.3 for mouse; n = 22) than in larger mammals (1.6 +/- 0.3 for humans; n = 13). 3. The inverse of the free myocardial cytosolic [ADP] concentration and the cytosolic phosphorylation ratio ([ATP]/[ADP][Pi]) scales with heart size and with absolute mitochondrial and myofibrillar volumes, close to a quarter-power (from -0.22 to -0.28; r = 0.99). 4. Assuming a similar mitochondrial P/O ratio and the same maximal amount of work required to convert 1 mol NADH to 0.5 mol O2 (i.e. 212.25 kJ/mol), the higher [ATP]/[ADP][Pi] ratios or cellular driving forces (DeltaG'ATP) in hearts of smaller mammals imply greater mitochondrial efficiencies in coupling ATP production to electron transport as body size decreases. For a P/O ratio of 2.5, the mitochondrial efficiency in the heart of a shrew, mouse, human and whale is 84, 82, 71 and 65%, respectively. 5. Higher cytosolic ATP]/[ADP][Pi] ratios and DeltaG'ATP values imply that the hearts of smaller mammals operate further from equilibrium than hearts of larger mammals. 6. As a consequence of scaling relationships, a number of remarkable invariants emerge when comparing heart function from the smallest shrew to the largest whale; the total volume of blood pumped by each heart in a lifetime is approximately 200 million L/kg heart and the total number of heart beats is approximately 1.1 billion per lifetime. 7. Similarly, the metabolic potential (total O2 consumed during adult lifespan per g bodyweight) for a 2 g shrew or a 100000 kg blue whale is approximately 38 L O2 consumed or 8.5 mol ATP/g body mass per lifetime. 8. The importance of quarter-power scaling relationships linking structural, metabolic and bioenergetic design to the natural ageing process and maximum lifespan potential is discussed.

Thermodynamics of the pyruvate kinase reaction and the reversal of glycolysis in heart and skeletal muscle

The effect of temperature, pH, and free [Mg(2+)] on the apparent equilibrium constant of pyruvate kinase (phosphoenol transphosphorylase) (EC ) was investigated. The apparent equilibrium constant, K', for the biochemical reaction P-enolpyruvate + ADP = ATP + Pyr was defined as K' = [ATP][Pyr]/[ADP][P-enolpyruvate], where each reactant represents the sum of all the ionic and metal complexed species in M. The K' at pH 7.0, 1.0 mm free Mg(2+) and I of 0.25 m was 3.89 x 10(4) (n = 8) at 25 degrees C. The standard apparent enthalpy (DeltaH' degrees ) for the biochemical reaction was -4.31 kJmol(-1) in the direction of ATP formation. The corresponding standard apparent entropy (DeltaS' degrees ) was +73.4 J K(-1) mol(-1). The DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees values for the reference reaction, P-enolpyruvate(3-) + ADP(3-) + H(+) = ATP(4-) + Pyr(1-), were -6.43 kJmol(-1) and +180 J K(-1) mol(-1), respectively (5 to 38 degrees C). We examined further the mass action ratio in rat heart and skeletal muscle at rest and found that the pyruvate kinase reaction in vivo was close to equilibrium i.e. within a factor of about 3 to 6 of K' in the direction of ATP at the same pH, free [Mg(2+)], and T. We conclude that the pyruvate kinase reaction may be reversed under some conditions in vivo, a finding that challenges the long held dogma that the reaction is displaced far from equilibrium.

Evolution and physiological roles of phosphagen systems

Phosphagens are phosphorylated guanidino compounds that are linked to energy state and ATP hydrolysis by corresponding phosphagen kinase reactions: phosphagen + MgADP + H(+) <--> guanidine acceptor + MgATP. Eight different phosphagens (and corresponding phosphagen kinases) are found in the animal kingdom distributed along distinct phylogenetic lines. By far, the creatine phosphate/creatine kinase (CP/CK) system, which is found in the vertebrates and is widely distributed throughout the lower chordates and invertebrates, is the most extensively studied phosphagen system. Phosphagen kinase reactions function in temporal ATP buffering, in regulating inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels, which impacts glycogenolysis and proton buffering, and in intracellular energy transport. Phosphagen kinase reactions show differences in thermodynamic poise, and the phosphagens themselves differ in terms of certain physical properties including intrinsic diffusivity. This review evaluates the distribution of phosphagen systems and tissue-specific expression of certain phosphagens in an evolutionary and functional context. The role of phosphagens in regulation of intracellular Pi levels likely evolved early. Thermodynamic poise of the phosphagen kinase reaction profoundly impacts this capacity. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the capacity for intracellular targeting of CK evolved early as a means of facilitating energy transport in highly polarized cells and was subsequently exploited for temporal ATP buffering and dynamic roles in metabolic regulation in cells displaying high and variable rates of aerobic energy production.

Cardioplegia and ischemia in the canine heart evaluated by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Warm continuous blood cardioplegia provides excellent protection, but must be interrupted by ischemic intervals to aid visualization. We hypothesized that (1) as ischemia is prolonged, the reduced metabolic rate offered by cooling gives the advantage to hypothermic cardioplegia; and (2) prior cardioplegia mitigates the deleterious effects of normothermic ischemia.

METHODS

Isolated cross-perfused canine hearts underwent cardioplegic arrest followed by 45 minutes of global ischemia at 10 degrees C or 37 degrees C, or 45 minutes of normothermic ischemia without prior cardioplegia. Left ventricular function was measured at baseline and during 2 hours of recovery. Metabolism was continuously evaluated by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Adenosine triphosphate was 71% +/- 4%, 71% +/- 7%, and 38% +/- 5% of baseline at 30 minutes, and 71% +/- 4%, 48% +/- 5%, and 39% +/- 6% at 42 minutes of ischemia in the cold ischemia, warm ischemia, and normothermic ischemia without prior cardioplegia groups, respectively. Left ventricular systolic function, left ventricular relaxation, and high-energy phosphate levels recovered fully after cold cardioplegia and ischemia. Prior cardioplegia delayed the decline in intracellular pH during normothermic ischemia initially by 9 minutes, and better preserved left ventricular relaxation during recovery, but did not ameliorate the severe postischemic impairment of left ventricular systolic function, marked adenosine triphosphate depletion, and creatine phosphate increase. Left ventricular distensibility decreased in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

When cardioplegia is followed by prolonged ischemia, better protection is provided by hypothermia than by normothermia. Prior cardioplegia confers little advantage on recovery after prolonged normothermic ischemia but delays initial ischemic metabolic deterioration, which would contribute to the safety of brief interruptions of warm cardioplegia.

Temperature dependence of human gastrocnemius pH and high-energy phosphate concentration by noninvasive techniques

It is well established that ADP is an important regulator of the oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria. Thus, by means of noninvasive techniques it is demonstrated that the relationship between O(2) consumption of the human gastrocnemius at rest and its temperature is likely determined by at least two factors: 1) the modulation of the rate of the chemical reactions imposed by the "physical" temperature-effect; 2) the influence of temperature-induced ADP concentration changes ( approximately 0.83 microM degrees C(-1)) on oxidative phosphorylation. ADP was assessed by applying the temperature-corrected Lohmann equilibrium equation. PCr and ATP were found to increase, with decreasing temperature (-0.54+/-0.05 and -0.17+/-mM degrees C(-1), respectively), while pH varies following the alpha-stat hypothesis (-0.016+/-0.001 pH degrees C(-1)). These findings should be of value when dealing with muscle physiology in extreme environments or clinical applications of hypothermia.

Physiological disturbances at critically high temperatures: a comparison between stenothermal antarctic and eurythermal temperate eelpouts (Zoarcidae)

The effect of gradually increased water temperature on the metabolism of temperate eelpout from the North Sea (Zoarces viviparus) and Antarctic eelpout (Pachycara brachycephalum) was investigated. Standard metabolic rate (SMR) was similar in cold-adapted P. brachycephalum and cold-acclimated Z. viviparus in the low temperature range. This indicates that Antarctic eelpout show no metabolic cold adaptation (as originally defined by Wohlschlag); however, they do show a compensatory increase of oxygen consumption compared to warm-acclimated eelpout. SMR increased more strongly with rising temperature in P. brachycephalum than in Z. viviparus, which is reflected in a higher Arrhenius activation energy for oxygen consumption (99+/−5 kJ mol(−)(1), versus 55+/−3 kJ mol(−)(1) for cold-acclimated Z. viviparus; means +/− s.d.). The intracellular pH in the white musculature of Z. viviparus follows alphastat regulation over the whole investigated temperature range and dropped at a rate of −0.016 pH units per degrees C between 3 degrees C and 24 degrees C. In Antarctic eelpout white muscle pH declined at a rate of −0.015 pH units per degrees C between 0 degrees C and 3 degrees C, but deviated from alphastat at higher temperatures, indicating that thermal stress leads to acid-base disturbances in this species. The upper critical temperature limit (Tc(II); characterised by a transition to anaerobic metabolism) was found to be between 21 degrees C and 24 degrees C for Z. viviparus and around 9 degrees C for P. brachycephalum. In both species a rise of succinate concentration in the liver tissue turned out to be the most useful indicator of Tc(II). Obviously, liver is more sensitive to heat stress than is white muscle. Accordingly, the energy status of white muscle is not diminished at Tc(II). Heat-induced hyperglycaemia was observed in Antarctic eelpout (at 9 degrees C and 10 degrees C), but not in common eelpout. Based on our results and on literature data, impaired respiration in combination with circulatory failure is suggested as the final cause of heat death. Our data suggest that the southern distribution limit of Zoarces viviparus is correlated with the limit of thermal tolerance. Therefore, it can be anticipated that global warming would cause a shift in the distribution of this species.

Thermodynamics of the arginine kinase reaction

The effect of temperature, pH, free [Mg(2+)], and ionic strength on the apparent equilibrium constant of arginine kinase (EC 2.7.3.3) was determined. At equilibrium, the apparent K' was defined as [see text] where each reactant represents the sum of all the ionic and metal complex species. The K' at pH 7.0, 1.0 mM free [Mg(2+)], and 0. 25 M ionic strength was 29.91 +/- 0.59, 33.44 +/- 0.46, 35.44 +/- 0. 71, 39.64 +/- 0.74, and 45.19 +/- 0.65 (n = 8) at 40, 33, 25, 15, and 5 degrees C, respectively. The standard apparent enthalpy (DeltaH degrees') is -8.19 kJ mol(-1), and the corresponding standard apparent entropy of the reaction (DeltaS degrees') is + 2. 2 J K(-1)mol(-1) in the direction of ATP formation at pH 7.0, free [Mg(2+)] =1.0 mM, ionic strength (I) =0.25 M at 25 degrees C. We further show that the magnitude of transformed Gibbs energy (DeltaG degrees ') of -8.89 kJ mol(-1) is mostly comprised of the enthalpy of the reaction, with 7.4% coming from the entropy TDeltaS degrees' term (+0.66 kJ mol(-1)). Our results are discussed in relation to the thermodynamic properties of its evolutionary successor, creatine kinase.

A new method of ATP regeneration rate measurement using a pH meter

A new method was developed for measuring the ATP regeneration rate by creatine kinase from creatine phosphate and ADP. The ATP regeneration rate was calculated to be 0.20 mM x s(-1) at room temperature from the pH change of the regeneration mixture.

Rate of phosphate release after photoliberation of adenosine 5'-triphosphate in slow and fast skeletal muscle fibers

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) release was determined by means of a fluorescent Pi-probe in single permeabilized rabbit soleus and psoas muscle fibers. Measurements of Pi release followed photoliberation of approximately 1.5 mM ATP by flash photolysis of NPE-caged ATP in the absence and presence of Ca2+ at 15 degrees C. In the absence of Ca2+, Pi release occurred with a slow rate of 11 +/- 3 microM . s-1 (n = 3) in soleus fibers and 23 +/- 1 microM . s-1 (n = 10) in psoas fibers. At saturating Ca2+ concentrations (pCa 4.5), photoliberation of ATP was followed by rapid force development. The initial rate of Pi release was 0.57 +/- 0.05 mM . s-1 in soleus (n = 13) and 4.7 +/- 0.2 mM . s-1 in psoas (n = 23), corresponding to a rate of Pi release per myosin head of 3.8 s-1 in soleus and 31.5 s-1 in psoas. Pi release declined at a rate of 0.48 s-1 in soleus and of 5.2 s-1 in psoas. Pi release in soleus was slightly faster in the presence of an ATP regenerating system but slower when 0.5 mM ADP was added. The reduction in the rate of Pi release results from an initial redistribution of cross-bridges over different states and a subsequent ADP-sensitive slowing of cross-bridge detachment.

Functional and metabolic effects of extracellular magnesium in normoxic and ischemic myocardium

Metabolic and functional responses to extracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]o) were studied in perfused rat heart. Elevations of [Mg2+]o from 1.2 to 2.4, 5.0, and 8.0 mM dose dependently reduced contractile function and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) up to 80%. Intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) remained stable (0.45-0.50 mM) during perfusion with 1.2-5. 0 mM [Mg2+]o but increased to 0.81 +/- 0.14 mM with 8.0 mM [Mg2+]o. Myocardial ATP was unaffected by [Mg2+]o, phosphocreatine (PCr) increased up to 25%, and Pi declined by up to 50%. Free energy of ATP hydrolysis (DeltaGATP) increased from -60 to -64 kJ/mol. Adenosine efflux declined in parallel with changes in MVO2 and [AMP]. At comparable workload and MVO2, the effects of [Mg2+]o on cytosolic free energy were mimicked by reduced extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) or Ca2+ antagonism with verapamil. Moreover, functional and energetic effects of [Mg2+]o were reversed by elevated [Ca2+]o. Despite similar reductions in preischemic function and MVO2, metabolic and functional recovery from 30 min of global ischemia was enhanced in hearts treated with 8.0 mM [Mg2+]o vs. 2.0 microM verapamil. It is concluded that 1) 1.2-8.0 mM [Mg2+]o improves myocardial cytosolic free energy indirectly by reducing metabolic rate and Ca2+ entry; 2) [Mg2+]i does not respond rapidly to elevations in [Mg2+]o from 1.2 to 5.0 mM and is uninvolved in acute functional and metabolic responses to [Mg2+]o; 3) adenosine formation in rat heart is indirectly reduced during elevated [Mg2+]o; and 4) 8.0 mM [Mg2+]o provides superior protection during ischemia-reperfusion compared with functionally equipotent Ca2+ channel blockade.

High-energy turnover at low temperatures: recovery from exhaustive exercise in Antarctic and temperate eelpouts

Earlier work on Notothenioids led to the hypothesis that a reduced glycolytic capacity is a general adaptation to low temperatures in Antarctic fish. In our study this hypothesis was reinvestigated by comparing changes in the metabolic status of the white musculature in two related zoarcid species, the stenothermal Antarctic eelpout Pachycara brachycephalum and the eurythermal Zoarces viviparus during exercise and subsequent recovery at 0 degreesC. In both species, strenuous exercise caused a similar increase in white muscle lactate, a drop in intracellular pH (pHi) by about 0.5 pH units, and a 90% depletion of phosphocreatine. This is the first study on Antarctic fish that shows an increase in white muscle lactate concentrations. Thus the hypothesis that a reduced importance of the glycolytic pathway is characteristic for cold-adapted polar fish cannot hold. The recovery process, especially the clearance of white muscle lactate, is significantly faster in the Antarctic than in temperate eelpout. Based on metabolite data, we calculated that during the first hour of recovery aerobic metabolism is increased 6.6-fold compared with resting rates in P. brachycephalum vs. an only 2.9-fold increase in Z. viviparus. This strong stimulation of aerobic metabolism despite low temperatures may be caused by a pronounced increase of free ADP levels, in the context of higher levels of pHi and ATP, which is observed in the Antarctic species. Although basal metabolic rates are identical in both species, the comparison of metabolic rates during situations of high-energy turnover reveals that the stenothermal P. brachycephalum shows a higher degree of metabolic cold compensation than the eurythermal Z. viviparus. Muscular fatigue after escape swimming may be caused by a drop of the free energy change of ATP hydrolysis, which is shown to fall below critical levels for cellular ATPases in exhausted animals of both species.

Energy balance in muscle activity: simulations of ATPase coupled to oxidative phosphorylation and to creatine kinase

Energy balance refers to the dynamic homeostasis of ATP and related forms of chemical potential within cells. This regulation is accomplished mainly by oxidative metabolism in most mammals. This homeostasis matches dynamically the energy demands of cellular ATPases (net decrease in chemical potential energy) with the energy supply by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (net increase in chemical potential energy). Muscle cells are distinguished from most other cell types in their ability to attain energy balance with more than a 10-fold range of ATPase demand. Creatine kinase maintains a near to equilibrium flux: PCr + ADP<-->ATP + Cr. One important function of creatine kinase is to buffer ATP and ADP concentrations. A system of differential equations describe the coupled operation of cellular ATPase, creatine kinase and oxidative phosphorylation. These equations used experimentally measured concentrations of relevant metabolites and enzyme activities to simulate energy balance in muscle cells. The principle of energy balance is adequately illustrated by simulations with only a three component system.

Multiple equilibria of cations with metabolites in muscle bioenergetics

The multiple ionic forms of metabolites were evaluated at 37 degrees C for four reactions important in muscle contraction and recovery: 1) ATPase, 2) creatine kinase, 3) the Lohmann reaction, and 4) the Lohmann reaction reversed by coupling to glycogenolysis and glycolysis. Solution of the system of equations defining the multiple equilibria of the proton and cation complexes gives the concentration of each ionic form and a value for the proton stoichiometry for each reaction. The proton stoichiometric coefficients are unique for each reaction and are a function of pH because of differential binding of Mg2+ and K+ to adenine nucleotides, phosphocreatine, and Pi and because of different acidic dissociation constants for the metabolites. These results show the need to consider the binding of K+ in addition to the previously documented effects of Mg2+ in the cytoplasmic milieu. Commercially available software was used to show that related problems can be calculated readily on personal computers in applications similar to those described here.

Minimal cost per twitch in rattlesnake tail muscle

Sound production is one of the most energetically costly activities in animals. Minimizing contraction costs is one means of achieving the activation rates necessary for sound production (20-550 Hz) (refs 1-3) without exceeding energy supplies. Rattlesnakes produce a sustained, high-frequency warning sound by extremely rapid contraction of their tailshaker muscles (20-90 Hz) (refs 4,5). The ATP cost per twitch is only 0.015 micromol ATP per g muscle per twitch during rattling, as measured by in vivo magnetic resonance. The reduced volume density of myofibre (32%) in tailshaker muscle is consistent with contraction cost being minimized (crossbridge cycling), in contrast to the contractile costs of vertebrate locomotory and asynchronous insect flight muscle. Thus tailshaker muscle is an example of sound-producing muscle designed for 'high frequency, minimal cost'. The high rates of rattling are achieved by minimizing contractile use of ATP, which reduces the cost per twitch to among the lowest found for striated muscle.

The beta/alpha peak height ratio of ATP. A measure of free [Mg2+] using 31P NMR

From 31P NMR measurements made in vitro at 38 degrees C, I = 0.25, pH 5. 75-8.5, and calculated free [Mg2+] from 0 to 5 mM, we show that, within the physiological range of cytosolic free [Mg2+] from 0.25 to 1.5 mM, the chemical shift difference between the alpha- and beta-ATP resonances, deltaalphabeta, changes by only 0.6 ppm. Consequently, we developed new formalisms from known acid and Mg2+ dissociation constants by which the observed chemical shift of Pi, deltaPi, and the peak height ratio of the beta- and alpha-ATP resonances, hbeta/alpha, could be related to free [Mg2+] by simultaneous solution of: [equation: see text] We found that hbeta/alpha changed 2.5-fold as free [Mg2+] varied from 0.25 to 1.5 mM, providing a more sensitive and accurate measure of free cytosolic [Mg2+]. In working rat heart perfused with glucose, free [Mg2+] was 1.0 +/- 0.1 from hbeta/alpha and 1.2 +/- 0.03 from measured [citrate]/[isocitrate] but 0.51 +/- 0.1 from deltaalphabeta. Addition of ketone bodies to the perfusate decreased free [Mg2+] estimated from hbeta/alpha to 0.61 +/- 0.02 and 0.74 +/- 0.11 by [citrate]/[isocitrate] but the estimate from deltaalphabeta was unchanged at 0.46 +/- 0.04 mM. Such differences in estimated free [Mg2+] alter the apparent Keq of the creatine kinase reaction and hence the estimated cytosolic free [SigmaADP].

IUPAC-IUBMB Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature (JCBN). Recommendations for nomenclature and tables in biochemical thermodynamics. Recommendations 1994

Chemical equations are written in terms of specific ionic and elemental species and balance elements and charge, whereas biochemical equations are written in terms of reactants that often consist of species in equilibrium with each other and do not balance elements that are assumed fixed such as hydrogen at constant pH. Both kinds of reaction equations are needed in biochemistry. When the pH and the free concentrations of certain metal ions are specified, the apparent equilibrium constant K' for a biochemical reaction is written in terms of sums of species and can be used to calculate a standard transformed Gibbs energy of reaction deltarG'o. Transformed thermodynamic properties can be calculated directly from conventional thermodynamic properties of species. Calorimetry or the dependence of K' on temperature can be used to obtain the standard transformed enthalpy of reaction deltarH'o. Standard transformed Gibbs energies of formation deltafG'o(i) and standard transformed enthalpies of formation deltafH'o(i) for reactants (sums of species) can be calculated at various T, pH, pMg, and ionic strength (I) if sufficient information about the chemical reactions involved is available. These quantities can also be calculated from measurement if K' for a number of reactions under the desired conditions. Tables can be used to calculate deltafG'o and deltarH'o for many more reactions.

Differences in nucleotide compartmentation and energy state in isolated and in situ rat heart: assessment by 31P-NMR spectroscopy

Free cytosolic concentrations of ATP, PCr, ADP and 5'-AMP, and the cytosolic [ATP]/[ADP].[Pi] ratio, were determined in isolated and in situ rat hearts using 31P-NMR spectroscopy. Total tissue metabolite concentrations were determined by HPLC analysis of freeze-clamped, perchloric acid-extracted tissue. In in situ myocardium the PCr/ATP ratio was 2.7 +/- 0.2 determined from 31P-NMR data (using either PCr/beta-NTP or PCr/gamma-NTP), and 1.9 +/- 0.1 (P < 0.01) determined from total tissue concentrations. 31P-NMR-determined and total tissue [PCr] were in excellent agreement (49.6 +/- 8.4 and 49.5 +/- 1.0 mumol.g-1 dry wt, respectively), whereas 31P-NMR-determined [ATP] (18.6 +/- 3.2 mumol.g-1 dry wt) was only 71% of the total tissue concentration (26.1 +/- 1.7 mumol.g-1 dry wt, P < 0.01). Isolation and Langendorff perfusion of rat hearts with glucose as substrate reduced total tissue [ATP] and [PCr] and the 31P-NMR-determined PCr/ATP ratio fell to 1.5 +/- 0.1. This value agreed well with the total tissue ratio of 1.4 +/- 0.1, and there was excellent agreement between 31P-NMR-determined and total tissue [PCr] and [ATP] values in the perfused heart. Addition of pyruvate to perfusate increased the 31P-NMR-determined PCr/ATP ratio to 1.7 +/- 0.1 due to elevated [PCr], and there remained excellent agreement between NMR-determined and total tissue [PCr] and [ATP] values. Free cytosolic [ADP] (from the creatine kinase equilibrium) was 5% of total tissue ADP, and free cytosolic [5'-AMP] (from the adenylate kinase equilibrium) ranged from 0.2-0.3% of total tissue 5'-AMP. Bioenergetic state, indexed by [ATP]/[ADP].[Pi], was much lower in isolated perfused hearts (30 mM-1) vs. in situ myocardium (approximately 150 mM-1). In summary, we observe a substantial disproportionality between total tissue PCr/ATP and 31P-NMR-determined PCr/ATP in highly energised in situ myocardium but not in isolated perfused hearts. This appears due to an NMR invisible ATP compartment approximating 29% of total tissue ATP in situ. Additionally, more than 95% of ADP and more than 99% of 5'-AMP exist in bound forms in perfused and in situ myocardium. The physiological significance of these observations is unclear. However, substantial differences between 31P-NMR visible and total tissue [ATP] introduces significant errors in conventional estimation of free cytosolic [ADP], [5'-AMP] and [ATP]/[ADP].[Pi] from in vivo 31P-NMR data.

Control of adenine nucleotide metabolism and glycolysis in vertebrate skeletal muscle during exercise

The turnover of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in vertebrate skeletal muscle can increase more than a hundredfold during high-intensity exercise, while the content of ATP in muscle may remain virtually unchanged. This requires that the rates of ATP hydrolysis and ATP synthesis are exactly balanced despite large fluctuations in reaction rates. ATP is regenerated initially at the expense of phosphocreatine (PCr) and then mainly through glycolysis from muscle glycogen. The increased ATP turnover in contracting muscle will cause an increase in the contents of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and inorganic phosphate (P(i)), metabolites that are substrates and activators of regulatory enzymes such as glycogen phosphorylase and phosphofructokinase. An intracellular metabolic feedback mechanism is thus activated by muscle contraction. How muscle metabolism is integrated in the intact body under physiological conditions is not fully understood. Common frogs are suitable experimental animals for the study of this problem because they can readily be induced to change from rest to high-intensity exercise, in the form of swimming. The changes in metabolites and effectors in gastrocnemius muscle were followed during exercise, post-exercise recovery and repeated exercise. The results suggest that glycolytic flux in muscle is modulated by signals from outside the muscle and that fructose 2,6-bisphosphate is a key signal in this process.

Cardiac high-energy phosphates adapt faster than oxygen consumption to changes in heart rate

To investigate the dynamic control of cardiac ATP synthesis, we simultaneously determined the time course of mitochondrial oxygen consumption with the time course of changes in high-energy phosphates following steps in cardiac energy demand. Isolated isovolumically contracting rabbit hearts were perfused with Tyrode's solution at 28 degrees C (n = 7) or at 37 degrees C (n = 7). Coronary arterial and venous oxygen tensions were monitored with fast-responding oxygen electrodes. A cyclic pacing protocol in which we applied 64 step changes between two different heart rates was used. This enabled nuclear magnetic resonance measurement of the phosphate metabolites with a time resolution of approximately 2 seconds. Oxygen consumption changed after heart-rate steps with time constants of 14 +/- 1 (mean +/- SEM) seconds at 28 degrees C and 11 +/- 1 seconds at 37 degrees C, which are already corrected for diffusion and vascular transport delays. Doubling of the heart rate resulted in a significant decrease in phosphocreatine (PCr) content (11% at 28 degrees C, 8% at 37 degrees C), which was matched by an increase in inorganic phosphate (P(i)) content, although oxygen supply was shown to be nonlimiting. The time constants for the change of both P(i) and PCr content, approximately 5 seconds at 28 degrees C and 2.5 seconds at 37 degrees C, are significantly smaller than the respective time constants for oxygen consumption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biochemical thermodynamics

Biochemists need two types of reaction equations, chemical equations in terms of species and biochemical equations in terms of reactants at specified pH and concentrations of free metal ions that are bound by reactant species. Both types of reaction equations have corresponding equilibrium constants, K for chemical reactions and K' for biochemical reactions. When the pH is specified you enter a whole new world of thermodynamics. There are new thermodynamic properties, new names (transformed thermodynamic properties), and new values, which are quite different, especially for the standard transformed Gibbs energy. This raises nomenclature problems because it is important to be able to distinguish between chemical equations and biochemical equations at a glance. It is also important to distinguish between the standard thermodynamic properties calculated from K and its temperature coefficient and the standard transformed thermodynamic properties calculated from K' and its temperature coefficient.

Calorimetric determination of the standard transformed enthalpy of a biochemical reaction at specified pH and pMg

In a biochemical reaction there is generally a change in the binding of hydrogen ions and metal ions. Therefore, calorimetric measurements of enthalpies of reaction have to be adjusted for the enthalpies of reaction of the hydrogen ions and metal ions produced or consumed with the buffer. It can be shown that this yields the standard transformed enthalpy of reaction that determines the change in the apparent equilibrium constant K' (written in terms of sums of concentrations of species of a reactant) with temperature at the chosen pH and concentration of free metal ion. The derivations are based on the assumption that the changes in pH and free metal ion concentrations in the calorimetric experiment are small. This assumption is experimentally realized if a solution is well buffered for hydrogen and metal ions. The derived equations are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the performance and interpretation of calorimetric measurements.