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Nd(III)-induced rice mitochondrial dysfunction investigated by spectroscopic and microscopic methods
Cai-Fen Xia1, Long Lv, Xin-You Chen
1School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, 432000, People's Republic of China.
The Journal of Membrane Biology
|February 5, 2015
Summary
Neodymium(III) triggers mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in rice, impacting plant growth. This research aids in the safe agricultural application of neodymium compounds.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Mitochondrial Physiology
- Agricultural Chemistry
Background:
- Neodymium (Nd) compounds are increasingly used in agriculture to enhance plant growth due to their unique properties.
- Mitochondria are vital for plant respiration and metabolism, but Nd's effects at the mitochondrial level are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of Neodymium(III) (Nd(III)) action on plant mitochondria.
- To elucidate how Nd(III) affects mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and related cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Assessed rice mitochondrial swelling, transmembrane potential, and membrane fluidity.
- Utilized cyclosporin A (CsA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) as protective agents.
- Examined mitochondrial membrane breakdown via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and cytochrome c (Cyt c) release.
Main Results:
- Nd(III) was found to induce mPTP opening in rice mitochondria, evidenced by swelling, membrane potential collapse, and reduced fluidity.
- CsA and DTT protected against Nd(III)-induced mPTP opening, confirming Nd(III)'s role.
- TEM and Cyt c release further supported mPTP opening, while Nd(III) also inhibited mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, suggesting interaction with anionic lipids.
Conclusions:
- Nd(III) induces mitochondrial dysfunction in rice by triggering mPTP opening.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the safe and effective application of Nd compounds in agriculture and the food industry.
