Coenzyme dependent suppression of 2,2-PDS induced contractures in Spirostomum

Spirostomum ambiguum was stimulated to contract by addition of the thiol inhibitor, 2,2-dithiobispyridine (PDS), which depletes intracellular reducing equivalents which are generated by coenzyme dependents reactions. PDS induced contractures were not suppressed after 2--4 h of pre-incubation in a medium enriched with ascorbic acid, thiamine, or riboflavin, singly. Two h of incubation with nicotinamide did not suppress contractures; however, 50% suppression occurred after 3 h incubation. Incubation of the cells in a medium enriched with all four coenzymes for up to 4 h, resulted in the suppression of PDS induced contractures to a level as low as 30% of control values. Suppression of contractures by the mixed coenzymes was concentration dependent. Cells that were stimulated with PDS and contracting, exhibited a 50% suppression of contractures within 3 min after transfer to a complementary medium enriched with mixed coenzymes. These results suggest that coenzymes interact synergistically with cellular metabolic processes to inhibit pharmacodynamic responses to PDS.