Mitochondrial functions and content of microsomal and mitochondrial cytochromes in human cirrhosis

1. Mitochondria and microsomal fractions have been isolated from liver biopsies from patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, cryptogenic cirrhosis or chronic aggressive hepatitis. 2. Cirrhotic livers yieled fewer mitochondria than normal liver. 3. The most significant change was a decrease in mitochondrial respiratory control. Cirrhotic microsomal fractions had a 50% diminution in cytochrome b5 and cytochrome P-450 content. 4. The two patients with chronic aggressive hepatitis showed similar mitochondrial and microsomal changes.