A possible role for calmodulin in Ca2+-induced swelling of mitochondria

Ca2+-induced mitochondrial swelling was inhibited by a low concentration of calmodulin antagonists. Two affinities of Ca2+ to mitochondrial swelling were observed: high (2-5 microM) and low (more than 100 microM) systems. The high-affinity change was inhibited by micromolar level of trifluoperazine and W-7, but not by W-5. The possible mechanism of this inhibition and the role of CaM in mitochondria are discussed.