Defects of mitochondrial respiratory chain in multiple symmetric lipomatosis

Using lymphocytes from nine unrelated patients with multiple symmetric lipo matosis we investigated a possible defect in the mitochondrial respiratory chain as the biochemical cause for the disease. A significant decrease in o xygen consumption of intact lymphocytes as well as a decreased activity of the individual components of the respiratory chain were detected. These fin dings are consistent with the recently described deletions and point mutati ons of mitochondrial DNA in patients suffering from this disease.