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Multi-parameter Measurement of the Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Isolated Mouse Heart Mitochondria
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Multi-parameter Measurement of the Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Isolated Mouse Heart Mitochondria

Published on: September 7, 2012

Adenine nucleotide-induced contraction of the inner mitochondrial membrane. I. General characterization

C D Stoner, H D Sirak

    The Journal of Cell Biology
    |January 1, 1973
    PubMed

    Insights

    Isolated bovine heart mitochondria inner membranes contract when exposed to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This contraction, linked to adenine nucleotide binding, alters mitochondrial optical density.

    Area of Science:

    • Mitochondrial physiology
    • Cellular respiration
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Mitochondria possess inner membranes crucial for energy production.
    • The function of these membranes is influenced by adenine nucleotides.
    • Understanding mitochondrial dynamics is key to cellular energy metabolism.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of exogenous adenine nucleotides on mitochondrial inner membrane structure.
    • To elucidate the mechanism underlying mitochondrial inner membrane contraction.
    • To identify key molecules involved in adenine nucleotide transport and its effect on mitochondrial morphology.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of bovine heart mitochondria.
    • Exposure to exogenous adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
    • Measurement of mitochondrial optical density (OD) changes.
    • Inhibition studies using atractyloside.

    Main Results:

    • Inner mitochondrial membranes contracted upon exposure to ADP and ATP.
    • Contraction led to decreased intracristal space and increased mitochondrial OD.
    • The magnitude of OD change correlated with the degree of contraction.
    • Atractyloside completely inhibited this contraction.

    Conclusions:

    • Mitochondrial inner membrane contraction is induced by adenine nucleotide binding.
    • The adenine nucleotide transporter is implicated in this process.
    • This binding event directly influences mitochondrial structure and optical properties.

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