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Mitochondria

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published on: July 9, 2016

Age and sex-related changes in rat brain mitochondrial function.

Rocío Guevara¹, Magdalena Gianotti, Pilar Roca

¹Grupo de Metabolismo Energético y Nutrición, Departamento de Biología Fundamental y Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. jordi.oliver@uib.es

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry : International Journal of Experimental Cellular Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology

|April 8, 2011

Summary

Aging impairs brain mitochondrial function, increasing mitochondria number but decreasing capacity. Female rats exhibit superior mitochondrial function compared to males, with this sex difference widening with age.

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy

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Published on: July 9, 2016

Measurement of Mitochondrial Respiration in Human and Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers by High-Resolution Respirometry

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Published on: October 4, 2024

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gerontology
Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

Aging leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by increased size and number as an adaptive response.
Estrogens are known to enhance mitochondrial function, particularly in females.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate age-related alterations in rat brain mitochondrial function.
To identify sex-specific differences in these age-related changes.

Main Methods:

Analysis of cellular and mitochondrial protein and DNA content in rat brains across four age groups (6, 12, 18, 24 months).
Assessment of mitochondrial oxidative and phosphorylative function in male and female rats.
Comparative analysis of mitochondrial protein/DNA ratios and mitochondrial counts.

Main Results:

Mitochondrial protein/DNA content decreased with age, indicating reduced functional capacity.
The number of mitochondria increased in aging brains.
Female rat brains displayed mitochondria with higher functional capacity than male brains.
This functional sex dimorphism in brain mitochondria became more pronounced with advancing age.

Conclusions:

Aging negatively impacts brain mitochondrial function, leading to compensatory increases in mitochondria number.
Significant sex differences exist in brain mitochondrial function, with females maintaining better function.
These sex-based disparities in mitochondrial health increase over the lifespan.