Preferential binding of cisplatin to mitochondrial DNA and suppression of ATP generation in human malignant melanoma cells.

Abstract

Effects of cisplatin on mitochondria in human malignant melanoma from gingiva were investigated. Cisplatin bound about 50 times more to mitochondrial DNA than to chromosomal DNA. NADH-ubiquinone reductase was decreased 48 h after the administration to about 40% of the initial level, and cellular ATP level was also depressed at that time. A good correlation was observed between the energy status and NADH-ubiquinone reductase activity. These results suggest that the preferential binding of cisplatin to mitochondrial DNA results in the inhibition of NADH-ubiquinone reductase and consequently in the disturbance of ATP generation.