| Abstract: | Abstract A standardized preparation method for the study by polarographic technique of human skeletal muscle mitochondria is described. The mitochondria thus obtained are tightly coupled, exhibiting high respiratory control ratios with classical responses to energy-coupling inhibitors; they are also able to accumulate calcium, this uptake being blocked by inhibition of the phosphate carrier system. Arsenate uncoupling and integrity of the electron transport chain are demonstrated polarographically. The properties of human skeletal muscle mitochondria are generally similar to those of rat-skeletal muscle and-liver mitochondria; differences are discussed. |
