Mitochondria were isolated from regenerating rat liver 12, 24 and 48 h
after partial hepatectomy. The ''State 3'' and ''State 4'' respiratio
n were measured in the presence of succinate. The P/O quotient and res
piratory control index (RCI) were calculated. The experimental data sh
owed that the partial uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in regen
erating liver mitochondria occurring in the early period of regenerati
on is partly due to free fatty acids.