Ri. Salganik et al., IMPAIRMENT OF RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN MITOCHONDRIA OF RATS WITH AN INHERITED HYPERPRODUCTION OF FREE-RADICALS, Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 205(1), 1994, pp. 180-185
The functional characteristics of liver mitochondria and physical-chem
ical properties of mitochondrial membranes were studied in S rats with
congenitally enhanced capacity to free radical generation in comparis
on to those in Wistar rats. It was shown previously that intense lipid
peroxidation, numerous DNA rearrangements, protein oxydation, morbid
states resembling human degenerative diseases and short life-span are
characteristic of S rats. In present study we have demonstrated that i
n S rats at the age of 2-3 months the respiratory rate of the mitochon
dria in active metabolic state is lower than in Wistar rats, and so ar
e the values for the respiratory control ratio, oxidative phosphorylat
ion and membrane potential. By 10-12 months of age the decrease of the
respiration rate and oxidative phosphorylation in S rat mitochondria
become even more dramatic. These changes are associated with a decreas
e in the extent of dip of proteins into the membrane lipid layer or wi
th the increase in the amount of protein aggregates. The results add t
o the understanding of the nature of morbid conditions developed under
the effect of intensive free radical generation and to the comprehens
ion of their role in aging. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.