The hydroperoxide-induced release of mitochondrial calcium occurs via a distinct pathway and leaves mitochondria intact.

The hydroperoxide-induced net release of Ca2+ from rat liver mitochondria is stimulated by the Ca2+ uptake inhibitor ruthenium red. At moderate Ca2+ loads the release takes place with preservation of a high mitochondrial membrane potential. During and after Ca2+ release mitochondria remain intact. The hydroperoxide-induced release of Ca2+ might therefore be of physiological relevance.