Removal of the Outer Membrane form Brain Mitochondria

Abstract

1. The outer membrane of pig brain mitochondria was removed by treatment with digitonin at a concentration of 2.0mg/10mg protein.
2. The denuded mitochondria showed loss of monoamine oxidase [EC 1. 4. 3. 4] activity, increased succinate cytochrome c reductase activity, and slightly increased Mg²⁺ ATPase [EC 3. 6. 1. 3] activity.
3. Their phospholipid and cytochrome contents were decreased.
4. Electron microscopy showed that denuded mitochondria had lost the outer membrane and projecting subunits could be seen.
5. Their swelling-shrinking process and oxidative phosphorylation activity were preserved.