[Effect of the respiratory chain redox state on mitochondrial membrane permeability for K+ ions]

Transport of Pi into mitochondrial matrix induces K+-permeability of the membranes, which results from the addition of DNP. This induction of K+ efflux is eliminated by some agents causing the respiratory chain reduction (e.g. succinate, rotenone, antimycin A). It was shown that the abolition of the membrane potential is not sufficient for K+ efflux induction. The latter process is necessary for the energy-linked formation of the K+-transporting system. The lipid fraction containing lecithin and monophosphoinositol was extracted from the mitochondria after preincubation with Pi. The artificial bilayer membranes formed from these lipids are permeable for K+.