Effects of ethidium bromide on the cytochrome content and ultrastructure of L cell mitochondria.
Ethidium bromide intercalates between the bases of native DNA, resulting in several biological anomalies. The effects of ethidium bromide on the mitochondria of cultured mouse L cells were studied. At a concentration of 1 microg ethidium bromide/ml it was observed that concentrations of cytochromes a + a(3) and b decreased, a + a(3) more rapidly than b. In contrast, the concentration of cytochromes c(1) and c increased or remained the same as in control cells. Concomitant with the decrease of cytochromes a + a(3) and b was an enlargement of the mitochondria and a reduction in the cristae. The cristae that remained were abnormally organized. After prolonged treatment with ethidium bromide a second population of small, more normally organized mitochondria was apparent. These effects of ethidium bromide could be reversed.
D000588:Amines / Q000494:pharmacology; D001965:Bromides / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003580:Cytochromes / Q000032:analysis*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007739:L Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D008933:Mitochondrial Swelling / Q000187:drug effects; D010617:Phenanthridines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013053:Spectrophotometry
D000588:Amines; D001965:Bromides; D003580:Cytochromes; D010617:Phenanthridines