Permeability transition was appraised by analyzing the following: i) matrix Ca2 + release, and mitochondrial swelling, ii) efflux of cytochrome c, and iii) the inhibition of superoxide dismutase. All of these adverse reactions were inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide and cyclosporin A.
At concentrations from 5 to 20 渭M, we found that Ebs induces non-specific membrane permeability. Remarkably, Ebs blocks the binding of the fluorescent reagent eosin-5-maleimide to the thiol groups of the adenine nucleotide translocase.
Based on the above, it is tempting to hypothesize that Ebs induces pore opening through its binding to the ADP/ATP carrier.