Alterations of complex IV in the tissues of a septic mouse model

To characterize the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV(complex IV) activity and protein expression during polymicrobial sepsis.

Polymicrobial peritonitis, a clinically relevant mouse model of sepsis, was generated by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) in Sprague- Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups as follows: the sepsis without resuscitation (S), sepsis and fluid resuscitated (R) group, and a control (C) group. Twelve hours after the sepsis model was established, tissue specimens were obtained from the myocardium, liver and skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV activity of all tissue specimens was detected by spectrophotometry. Western blot was used to measure the liver mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV protein content. The ultrastructure changes of mitochondria were detected by transmission electron microscopy.

In myocardial cells, complex IV activity decreased significantly in the S and R groups as compared to the C group. There were no differences in complex IV activity between groups in skeletal muscle cells while in liver cells, complex IV activity and content was significantly decreased for the S group but no differences were observed between the C and R groups. Increased matrix volume and reduced density with generalized disruption of the normal cristae pattern was most extensive in the liver, followed by cardiac muscle cells with that in skeletal muscle cells been relatively mild in the S group. Mitochondrial fusion/fission and mitochondrial autophagy was also observed in the S group by transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was preserved in the R-group and was similar to that seen in the C-group.

Changes in complex IV activity and mitochondrial ultrastructure, a manifestation of the mitochondrial dysfunction varied depending on cell type. These changes are partly reversed by fluid therapy. Therapies aimed at mitochondrial resuscitation should be explored.