Variations of matrix electrondensity in brain mitochondria.
The configuration of brain mitochondria was compared in situ, after aldehyde perfusion and/or osmium immersion fixation and in isolated fractions of different functional performance. After combined aldehyde perfusion osmium immersion fixation in situ, mitochondria were condensed having a dark matrix. Fractions capable of controlled respiration also consisted of condensed mitochondria. On the contrary, expanded mitochondria with light matrix were brought about by immersion fixation. Fractions consisting predominantly of light mitochondria displayed no controlled respiration. Light matrix and expanded form are therefore regarded as a functionally impaired state of brain mitochondria. The condensed form is thought to be a landmark of good fixation.
D000447:Aldehydes; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D005260:Female; D007101:Immersion; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010477:Perfusion; D051381:Rats
D000447:Aldehydes; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide