A goniometrical study of mitochondrial cristae in rat heart muscle and ependyma of the choroid plexus after application 2,4-DNP in vivo.
We have sought a method capable of detecting small changes in mitochondrial cristae thickness under normal and experimental conditions. Using conventional electron microscopy and goniometry, we studied changes in mitochondria of rat heart muscle and of choroid plexus ependyma caused by treatment with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Calculation of real thickness was made using goniometric data (formula shown) and the results checked by the method of Casley-Smith and Davy. DNP produced a thickness increase of low statistical significance in choroid plexus ependymal mitochondrial cristae, but a decrease for heart muscle cristae. Although our findings do not resolve the problem of DNP-induced cristae changes, our modified goniometric method may be useful for other studies.
D019297:2,4-Dinitrophenol; D000818:Animals; D002831:Choroid Plexus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004140:Dinitrophenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004805:Ependyma / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008433:Mathematics; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods*; D008929:Mitochondria, Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D004140:Dinitrophenols; D019297:2,4-Dinitrophenol