[Release of flavin from the mitochondrial NADH-dehydrogenase complex]

The conditions leading to the release of flavin mononucleotide from the NADH-dehydrogenase Complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain were studied. Upon incubation of a mitochondrial suspension for 1-4 h, a spontaneous release of flavin mononucleotide to the aqueous phase was observed. The release abruptly increased even at insignificant damage of mitochondria (by heating, very small quantities of detergents or washings, NaHCO3, and acidic or alkaline pH). This was detected by the enhancement in the intensity of flavin fluorescence and the degree of its depolarization. The loss of flavin mononucleotide leads to the loss of the NADH:ubiquinone reductase activity (but not the NADH: ferricyanide reductase activity). It is suggested that the loss of flavin mononucleotide from Complex I by the action of temperature, detergents, alkali and other agents can be a cause of many mitochondrial diseases.