Bilirubin increases mitochondrial inner membrane conductance.
Bilirubin accumulates within, and induces loose coupling in, rat liver mitochondria. This state, characterized by a normal protonmotive force, but increased oxygen consumption and inner membrane conductance, could impair cellular energy metabolism. Loose coupling is observed at bilirubin concentrations (12-24 microM) attained in tissues of kernicteric animals.
D000818:Animals; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004579:Electron Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008930:Mitochondria, Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats
D001663:Bilirubin