High concentrations of L-lysine cause mitochondrial damage and necrosis in isolated pancreatic acinar cells.

ABSTRACT: Intraperitoneal administration of high doses of basic amino acids, such as L-lysine (L-Lys), L-arginine (L-Arg) or L-ornithine (L-Orn) induces acute pancreatitis in rodents. Although the exact mechanism of their action is not fully understood, the role of mitochondria has been implicated. We aimed to investigate the effects of basic amino acids, particularly L-Lys, on isolated pancreatic acinar cells. Isolated mouse or rat pancreatic acinar cells were treated with high concentrations (10-60 mM) of L-Lys, L-Arg or L-Orn. The morphology of acinar mitochondria was observed by electron microscopy. The function of mitochondria was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and cellular ATP level measurements. Changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]

SUBMITTER: Vegh ET 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12775379 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature