ATP-induced unspecific channel in yeast mitochondria

ATP induced swelling of isolated yeast mitochondria suspended in an isoosmotic solution of potassium gluconate. Valinomycin stimulated the swelling rate, indicating that K+ influx in the presence of ATP is rate-controlling. This swelling was inhibited by ADP, phosphate (probably acting on the external face of the inner membrane), and Mg2+, which forms a complex with ATP. ATP-induced swelling did not require working F0-F1-ATPase since it was not inhibited by oligomycin and uncoupler. CTP and GTP also induced a swelling. ATP also induced mitochondrial swelling in potassium glutamate, chloride, and acetate but not in phosphate solutions. Sodium, but not ammonium, can replace potassium ion. It is probable that the ATP-channel opening also necessitates an electrogenic cation influx. Respiration also induced swelling of mitochondria suspended in isoosmotic potassium gluconate solution. ATP- or respiration-induced swelling were inhibited equally by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, propranolol, and Zn2+ but not by quinine; all these drugs inhibit the H+/K+ exchange. It was concluded that this unspecific channel is not open under conditions used to measure oxidative phosphorylation. Its physiological role remains unknown.