Ionophoretic-like action of diflunisal.

It is shown that diflunisal, a derivative salicylic acid, causes uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation owing to its property of carrying hydrogen ions through the inner mitochondrial membrane in such way that a short-circuit of protons is promoted. As a consequence of the above, the drug induces a decrease of the internal negative membrane potential and therefore the release of intramitochondrial calcium. In addition this report presents evidences that diflunisal behaves as a ionophore molecule since it induces cation extraction into an organic phase.