Effect of sodium oleate on oxidative metabolism of isolated mitochondria and submitochondrial particles

Using conventional polarographic and spectrophotometric methods, the effect of sodium oleate on isolated mitochondria dn submitochondrial particles was analysed. A loose coupling was developed in isolated mitochondria in the presence of about 10 nmoles oleate per mg protein. Oleate stimulates and activity of bovine heart mitochondrial Mg-ATPase, and it was found to be dependent on substrate concentration. Investigation of the membrane potential showed that the delta psi is abolished at high concentration of oleate. The deterioration of the morphological appearance of mitochondria, occurring on addition of oleate, is also described.