A potent and selective activator of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels induces preservation of mitochondrial function after hypoxia and reoxygenation by handling of calcium and transmembrane potential

Aims Ischaemic heart disease remains a significant cause of mortality globally. A pharmacological agent that protects cardiac mitochondria against oxygen deprivation injuries is welcome in therapy against acute myocardial infarction. Here, we evaluate the effect of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (BKCa) activator, Compound Z, in isolated mitochondria under hypoxia and reoxygenation. Methods Mitochondria from mice hearts were obtained by differential centrifugation. The isolated mitochondria were incubated with a BKCa channel activator, Compound Z, and subjected to normoxia or hypoxia/reoxygenation. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measurement of O2 consumption in the complexes I, II, and IV in the respiratory states 1, 2, 3, and by maximal uncoupled O2 uptake, ATP production, ROS production, transmembrane potential, and calcium retention capacity. Results Incubation of isolated mitochondria with Compound Z under normoxia conditions reduced the mitochondrial functions and induced the production of a significant amount of ROS. However, under hypoxia/reoxygenation, the Compound Z prevented a profound reduction in mitochondrial functions, including reducing ROS production over the hypoxia/reoxygenation group. Furthermore, hypoxia/reoxygenation induced a large mitochondria depolarization, which Compound Z incubation prevented, but, even so, Compound Z created a small depolarization. The mitochondrial calcium uptake was prevented by the BKCa activator, extruding the mitochondrial calcium present before Compound Z incubation. Conclusion The Compound Z acts as a mitochondrial BKCa channel activator and can protect mitochondria function against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, by handling mitochondrial calcium and transmembrane potential.