The Influence of Taurine on the Ion Transport System in Mitochondria
The influence of taurine on the ATP-dependent mitochondrial swelling, which characterizes the activity of the ATP-dependent К channel and the opening of Ca<sup>2+</sup>-dependent pores differing in the sensitivity to cyclosporin A in rat liver mitochondria has been studied. It was shown that taurine at small (0.5-125 µM) concentrations produces a stimulating effect on the ATP-dependent mitochondrial swelling. Taurine in physiological concentrations (0.5-20 mM) did not affect the ATP-dependent mitochondrial swelling and cyclosporin A-insensitive palmitate/Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated pore formation in mitochondria. Taurine in these concentrations increased the rate of cyclosporin A-sensitive swelling induced by Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Pi and decreased the Ca<sup>2+</sup> capacity of mitochondria