Mitochondria and neuronal survival

Mitochondria play a central role in the survival and death of neurons. The detailed bioenergetic mechanisms by which isolated mitochondria generate AT P, sequester Ca2+, generate reactive oxygen species, and undergo Ca2+-depen dent permeabilization of their inner membrane are currently being applied t o the function of mitochondria in situ within neurons under physiological a nd pathophysiological conditions. Here we review the functional bioenergeti cs of isolated mitochondria, with emphasis on the chemiosmotic proton circu it and the application (and occasional misapplication) of these principles to intact neurons. Mitochondria play an integral role in both necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell death, and the bioenergetic principles underlying c urrent studies are reviewed.