Changes in the level of oxidized and reduced pyridine nucleotides during cold acclimation of winter rape plants

Prolonged cold (2°C) treatment of winter rape plants (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera L. cv. Górczański) markedly modified the pattern of leaf growth and brought about changes in the level of pyridine nucleotides already during the first few days of treatment. The NAD+, NADP+ and NADPH levels markedly increased but there was practically no effect on the NADH level. Changes in the respective nucleotide levels were reflected by changes in anabolic and catabolic reduction charges. The former increased by 70%, whereas the latter decreased by 44%. Alterations in pyridine nucleotide levels and the reduction charges are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms involved, as well as in terms of their role in plant adaptation to cold.