Dual effect of ebselen on mitochondrial permeability transition

This study reports an investigation on the effect of the seleno-organic compound ebselen on rat liver mitochondria. We show that low concentrations of ebselen induced an increase in rat liver mitochondrial membrane permeability, resulting in swelling and loss of membrane potential. These effects were mediated by the opening of the permeability transition pore. They required Ca(2+), were independent of pyridine nucleotide oxidation, and involved the oxidation of thiol groups. Ebselen pore induction is apparently promoted by the glutathione peroxidase mimicking activity of the drug. Opposite effects, that is, inhibition of both pore opening and thiol oxidation, were observed when concentrations higher than 20 micro M were used. These data demonstrate that ebselen is able to modulate the opening of the permeability transition pore and that it might be a critical event for both the proapoptotic and cytoprotective activities of the drug.