The swelling and contraction of isolated rat-liver mitochondria

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Abstract
The swelling and contraction of isolated rat-liver mitochondria have been studied by optical and gravimetric methods. The results of optical studies and gravimetric determinations of the water content of mitochondria are qualitatively similar. There is, however, no direct relationship between water content and extinction. The concentration of mitochondria has no effect on spontaneous swelling, studied by either method. However, the concentration does affect the changes in extinction during phosphate-induced swelling and ATP-stimulated contraction. The change in extinction is not directly proportional to the ratio of phosphate to mitochondria. The changes in mitochondrial solutes during phosphate-induced swelling and ATP-stimulated contraction are reversible. Electron micrographs of mitochondria during swelling and contraction indicate that the process is not truly reversible. Some fragmentation of the mitochondria occurs, and theses fragments contract.