L. G. Babich, S. G. Shlykov, S. O. Kosterin

Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail: babich@biochem.kiev.ua

Review focuses on the analysis of literature data and own results concerning properties of mitochondria Са²⁺ transporting systems and their regu­lation. Three mechanisms for mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake are described: the electrogenic mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter, a rapid mode of Ca²⁺ uptake (RaM) and ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels (RyR). Two mechanisms of Ca²⁺ efflux from the mitochondrial matrix have been proposed: Na⁺-dependent and Na⁺-independent Ca²⁺ exchange. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore can also function as a Ca²⁺ efflux mechanism. Ca²⁺ accumulation in mitochondria resulted in an increase of mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP synthesis and activation of metabolites transport. The dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential should prevent mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake. Our data concerning depolarizing effect of calmodulin antagonists and hyperpolarizing effect of calix[4]arenes С-136 and С-137 on the myometrium mitochondria can be applied on the demand  of mitochondria membrane potential correction.