Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation thermodynamic efficiencies reflect physiological organ roles

Mitochondria cannot maximize energy production, efficiency, and the cellular ATP phosphorylation potential all at the same time. The theoretical and observed determinations of coupling of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria from rat liver, heart, and brain were compared using classical and nonequilibrium thermodynamic measures. Additionally, the optimal thermodynamic efficiency and flow ratios were determined for control of the two energy-converting complexes of the respiratory chain: complex I (NADH), which reflects the integrated cellular pathway, and complex II (FADH2), the predominantly tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathway. For all three organs, the cellular respiratory pathway was more tightly coupled than the TCA pathway and resulted in a greater optimal efficiency. Liver mitochondria are the most thermodynamically efficient at ATP production using oxidative phosphorylation. Heart and brain mitochondrial systems utilize more oxygen, but can produce ATP at a faster rate than liver systems. Per the theory of economic degrees of coupling, isolated rat liver mitochondrial systems are designed for the economic production of ATP for use in cellular processes. In the brain, the mitochondrial TCA cycle pathway promotes the maximal maintenance of the cellular energy state for cellular viability, whereas in the heart the TCA cycle pathway maximizes the production of ATP. The coupling of oxidative phosphorylation not only can be expected to change with substrate availability but may also reflect an ontogenetic response of mitochondria to fit specific organ roles in the rat.