TISSUE-SPECIFIC UNCOUPLERS OF OXIDATIVE-PHOSPHORYLATION OF MITOCHONDRIA FROM THE RAT-HEART, KIDNEY, THYMUS, AND LUNG

The effect of microsome-free cytoplasmic fractions from the rat heart, kidney, thymus, and lung on oxidative phosphorylation (OP) of mitochondria (MCH) from these tissues and also of MCH from liver and brain was investigated. Crossed experiments showed the existence of tissue-specific uncouplers of OP in these fractions, similar in their properties to that found oreviously in rat liver. The possible role of these regulators in the initiation of enzymic deg radation of MCH through activation of phospholipase A during the outflow of calcium ions from MCH is discussed. Activation of DNase I associated with the mitochondrial membrane is postulated under these conditions. © 1979 Plenum Publishing Corporation.