Stimulus-secretion coupling and mitochondrial metabolism in steroid-secreting cells

Abstract

Ca2+ signal in high-Ca2+ perimitochondrial microdomains is amplified within the mitochondrial matrix and activates Ca2+-dependent dehydrogenases. In steroid-secreting cells, small cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals may also augment mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration. The ensuing formation of NADH and NADPH may have an essential role in supporting the increased steroid secretion.