Heterogeneous response of subsarcolemmal heart mitochondria to calcium

The Ca2+ -uptake capacity of two distinct populations of rat heart mitochondria was characterized by monitoring Ca2+ movements directly (using both 45Ca and dual-wavelength spectroscopy) and indirectly (monitoring effects of Ca2+ on respiration, enzyme release, and morphology). Interfibrillar mitochondria accumulated up to 930 nmol/mg protein, whereas the capacity of the subsarcolemmal mitochondria for Ca2+ uptake was limited to 620 nmol/mg protein. In both mitochondrial populations, uptake of the maximal amount of Ca2+ was accompanied by increased proton permeability and subsequent release of the accumulated Ca2+. Even when calcium was taken up and apparently retained by the subsarcolemmal mitochondria, resting respiratory rates increased. Morphological examination of these mitochondria revealed that, although the majority of mitochondria were in the aggregated, energized conformation, a considerable number were disrupted. These damaged mitochondria were probably responsible for the increased resting respiratory rates. No net release of calcium was observed, however, since the intact mitochondria could take up any calcium released by the damaged mitochondria. Morphological disruption of this subset of subsarcolemmal mitochondria was accompanied by release of not only cytochrome c but also of mitochondrial marker enzymes into the extramitochondrial milieu. In contrast, the interfibrillar mitochondria were relatively unaffected in terms of morphology and marker enzyme release, even when their capacity to retain calcium was exceeded.