[Changes in the lipid composition of mitochondrial membranes following exposure to low temperatures]

The phospholipid composition of the membranes of the albino rat liver mitochondria was studied by the method of thin-layer chromatography before and after rapid freezing down to --196 degree C and rapid (at 37 degree C) and slow (at room temperature) thawing. Significant reduction of lecithine and ethanolamine phosphatide composition is observed in the mitochondria exposed to rapid freezing and slow thawing. A simultaneous accumulation of diglycerides is found in the membranes. No reliable changes in phospholipid composition of the mitochondria membranes are observed after exposure to rapid freezing and rapid thawing.