The pH-dependent anion-conducting channel of the mitochondrial inner membrane is potently inhibited by zinc ions

Abstract

Zinc is a potent reversible inhibitor of the pH-dependent anion-conducting channel in the mitochondrial inner membrane, 50% inhibition was produced by 1.5 μM added Zn2+ at which point free Zn2+ was ≤10-8 M. Inhibition by Zn2+ is rapid but can be prevented or rapidly reversed by excess EDTA. Concentrations of Zn2+ higher than 4 μM caused reversal of inhibition to a variable extent depending on the anion. Under these conditions Zn2+ did not inhibit ribose entry, the phosphate transporter,or the pH-insensitive component of the NO3- uniport.