The Effects of Histones and Other Polycatioms on Cellular Energetics

Purified histone fractions were found to interact with the mitochondrial membrane system, causing a reduction in optical density as a result of swelling and aggregation. The “arginine-rich” f2a was the most active fraction; threshold concentration was approximately 1 pg per mg of mitochondrial protein. Adenosine 5’-triphosphate slowed and guanosine 5’-triphosphate prevented the histone-induced swelling, while all other nucleoside mono-, di-, and triphosphates were without effect. Oligomycin, aurovertin, or strontium enhanced the protective action of ATP. Amytal, azide, antimycin, 2,4dinitrophenol, and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone did not significantly affect the hi&one-induced changes. Octylguanidine and chlorpromazine markedly retarded the swelling process. The most active polyanionic protective compounds were gangliosides, phosphoproteins, and phosphatidylserine.