Mechanism of active shrinkage in mitochondria. II. Coupling between strong electrolyte fluxes

1. Addition of succinate to valinomycin-treated mitochondria incubated in KCL causes a large electrolyte penetration. The process depends on a steady supply of energy and involves a continuous net extrusion of protons. Rates of respiration and of electrolyte penetration proceed in a parallel manner. 2. A passive penetration of K+ salt of permeant anions occurs in respiratory-inhibited mitochondria after addition of valinomycin. Addition of succinate at the end of the passive swelling starts an active extrusion of anions and cations with restoration of the initial volume. The shrinkage is accompanied by a slow reuptake of protons. The initiation of the active shrinkage correlates with the degree of stretching of the inner membrane. The extrusion of electrolytes is inhibited by nigericin, while it is only slightly sensitive to variations of the valinomycin concentration larger than two orders of magnitude. 3. Passive swelling and active shrinkage occurs also when K+ is replaced by a large variety of organic cations. The rate of organic cation penetration is enhanced by tetraphenylboron, while the rate of electrolyte extrusion is insensitive to variation of the tetraphenylboron concentration. 4. Active shrinkage, either with K+ or organic cation salts, is inhibited by weak acids. The phosphate inhibition is removed by SH inhibitors. The active shrinkage is also inhibited by mersalyl to an extent of about 60%. 5. Three models of active shrinkage are discussed: (a) mechanoprotein, (b) electrogenic proton pump, and (c) proton-driven cation anion pump.