[Effects of diazoxide on the mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS generation in rat uterus cells]

In the present study we demonstrate partial depolarization of the mitochondrial inner membrane from the rat uterus cells upon activation of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel (mitoK(ATP)) with diazoxide. The estimated affinity constant of diazoxide to mitoK(ATP) from rat uterus cells is (5.01 +/- 1.47) 10(-6) M. We also observed an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species after addition of diazoxide. Both effects were effectively eliminated by glybenclamide, blocker of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel. Our results indicate that activation of mitoK(ATP) in rat uterus cells leads to a partial depolarization of mitochondrial membrane and an increase in ROS concentration.