Reduced adenosine diphosphate sensitivity in skeletal muscle mitochondria increases reactive oxygen species production in mouse models of aging and oxidative stress but not denervation

Abstract Background Mitochondrial bioenergetics are sensitive to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) concentration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and respiration [oxygen consumption rate (OCR)] are altered at physiological ADP concentrations (i.e. ADP insensitivity) in aged human muscle. Here, we investigate ADP sensitivity in mouse muscle mitochondria. Methods We measured OCR and ROS production in permeabilized gastrocnemius fibres using an ADP titration protocol and the Oroboros O2k respirometer and fluorometer. We measured changes in ADP sensitivity in muscle from mice at different ages, after sciatic nerve transection (denervation), and in response to increased oxidative stress (Sod1−/− mice). Further, we asked whether the mitochondrial‐targeted peptide SS‐31 can modulate ADP insensitivity and contractile function in the Sod1−/− mouse model. Results Reduced ADP sensitivity is associated with increases in mitochondrial ROS production in aged (62%) and Sod1−/− (33%) mice. The maximal capacity to produce ROS does not increase with age, and there is no effect of age on ADP sensitivity for OCR in mouse gastrocnemii. Denervation does not induce ADP insensitivity for either ROS generation or OCR. Treatment of Sod1−/− mice with SS‐31 increases ADP sensitivity for both OCR and ROS, decreases maximal ROS production (~40%), and improves resistance to muscle fatigue. Conclusions Adenosine diphosphate sensitivity for ROS production decreases in aged mouse gastrocnemius muscle fibres, although aged mice do not exhibit a difference in OCR. Denervation does not induce ADP insensitivity; however, insensitivity to ADP is induced in a model of oxidative stress. ADP insensitivity could contribute to muscle fatigue, and SS‐31 may be the first drug capable of targeting this aging phenotype.