Effects of photodynamic action on energy coupling of Ca2+ uptake in liver mitochondria

In mitochondria isolated from rat liver, incubated in the presence of 6 X 10(-3) mM hematoporphyrin and irradiated with UV light at 365 nm, respiration, oxidative phosphorylation and Ca2+ uptake were measured in order to determine the respective photosensitivity of these functions. Irradiation with increasing doses produces uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation followed by inhibition of Ca2+ uptake and finally arrest of respiration. Ca2+ uptake stimulated by the addition of ATP was also studied in mitochondria uncoupled by irradiation which were still able to concentrate Ca2+ aerobically. Anaerobic Ca2+ uptake driven by ATP hydrolysis was found to be similar in control and in irradiated mitochondria, suggesting a different photosensitivity for the ATPase as compared to the ATP-synthase activity.