Abstract
Mitochondrial function is the key factor in the regulation of energy metabolism and is closely related to the generation and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. We established a cellular fluorescence imaging method for the evaluation of mitochondrial function. Confocal microscopy revealed that the flavoprotein fluorescence was of mitochondrial origin. The flavoprotein fluorescence intensity was increased under elevated electron transport activity, while decreased under reduced electron transport activity. Activation of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel induced an increase in flavoprotein fluorescence. The present imaging method would be useful for further studies on the regulation of mitochondrial function and its nutritional significance.
