[Effect of freezing-thawing on the lipid composition of mitochondria]

The effect of near- and subzero temperatures on alterations in the lipid composition of albino rat liver mitochondrial membranes has been studied. Low temperature effect has been shown to intensify peroxide processes and to activate A2 phospholipase in mitochondrial membranes. This is followed by the decrease in lecithin, ethanolaminophosphatide, cardiolipin and cholesterol contents as well as by the accumulation of free fatty acids in the different temperature regions. The dependence of lipid mitochondrial membrane modification intensity on freezing and rewarming rates has been determined.