Reconstitution of brain mitochondria inner membrane into planar lipid bilayer

Ion channels are present in the inner mitochondrial membrane. They play an important role in cellular processes. Potassium and chloride channels are involved in regulation of mitochondrial volume, membrane potential and acidification. The mitochondrial potassium channels have been suggested as triggers and end effectors in cytoprotection. In our study we measured single channel activities after reconstitution of submitochondrial particles from rat brain mitochondria into planar lipid membranes. After incorporation, two different potassium selective currents were recorded with single channel conductance from 260 to 320 pS and from 70 to 90 pS in gradient (cis/trans) 50/450 and 50/150 mM KCl solutions, respectively. We also observed activity of the chloride ion channel. The measured single channel conductance was from 80 to 90 pS in gradient (cis/trans) 50/450 mM KCl solution. Our results suggest that various ion channels are present in the inner mitochondrial membrane of brain mitochondria.