The uptake and extrusion of monovalent cations by isolated heart mitochondria

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Abstract
The factors involved in the movement of monovalent cations across the inner membrane of the isolated heart mitochondrion are reviewed. The evidence suggests that the energy-dependent uptake of K+ and Na+ which results in swelling of the matrix is an electrophoretic response to a negative internal potential. There are no clear cut indications that this electrophoretic cation movement is carrier-mediated and possible modes of entry which do not require a carrier are examined. The evidence also suggests that the monovalent cation for proton exchanger (Na+ > K+) present in the membrane may participate in the energy-dependent extrusion of accumulated ions. The two processes, electrophoretic cation uptake (swelling) and exchange-dependent cation extrusion (contraction) may represent a means of controlling the volume of the mitochondrion within the functioning cell. A number of indications point to the possibility that the volume control process may be mediated by the divalent cations Ca+2 and Mg+2. Studies with mercurial reagents also implicate certain membrane thiol groups in the postulated volume control process.

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