Functional efficiency of mitochondrial membrane of rats with hepatic chronic iron overload
Masini, A.; Trenti, T.; Ventura, E.; Ceccarelli-Stanzani, D.; Muscatello, U.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 124(2): 462-469
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-291X
PMID: 6548629
DOI: 10.1016/0006-291x(84)91576-6
Accession: 005491987
The effect of in vivo hepatic Fe overload, induced by 2 different amounts of Fe, on the energy-transducing efficiency of the mitochondrial membrane has been examined. When the hepatic Fe concentration is up to a threshold value mitochondria present an anomalous membrane potential. Addition of oligomycin fully restitutes it. A low content of intramitochondrial K+ is connected with this pathological condition. A relative lack of antioxidant capability is exhibited in parallel by these mitochondria. A possible involvement of lipid peroxidation process in vivo in causing the membrane potential drop and the net efflux of intramitochondrial K+ is suggested.