[EPR study of oxidative phosphorylation in surviving mitochondria]

Rat liver mitochondria were studied by ESR method in an original flow-type system, which allowed to maintain adequate conditions for survival. Low sensitivity of modern ESR-spectrometers for humid samples requires high concentrations of mitochondrial protein, which puts additional requirements for the survival of the sample. It is most important to create the level of oxidation substrates, phosphate acceptors and oxygen content sufficient for the normal course of oxidation and phosphorylation. The flow-type system applied makes it possible to overcome the above difficulties and permits biochemical control over the object state to be realized throughout the ESR spectrum recordings. Estimation of oxidative and phosphorylating activity of mitochondria has shown that the system makes it possible to realize all the metabolic transitions up to their maximal stimulation when passing to an active state.