Tetraphenylphosphonium-selective electrode as a tool for evaluating mitochondrial permeability transition pore function in isolated rat hepatocytes

Abstract

The changes of the mitochondrial membrane potential measured using tetraphenylphosphonium-selective electrode were used as an indicator for evaluation of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore function. We found that internalized mitochondria in digitonine-permeabilized rat hepatocytes are coupled and respond on addition of substrates, inhibitors and uncouplers of respiratory chain.

Ca-induced mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation was caused by the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening as, and the process was enhanced by prooxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide.