ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the changes of rat brain mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) content and activity, and explore the effect of UCP on mitochondrial energy metabolism during hypoxia exposure. Methods Adult SD rats were set randomly into control and hypoxia group (n=8 in each group). The rats of hypoxia group were put into a hypobaric chamber simulating 5000-meter high altitude for 3 days (23 h/d). The brain mitochondria was isolated by centrifugation. Mitochondrial oxidative respiratory function was measured by Clark oxygen electrode. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by Rhodamine123 method. The content of adenine nucleotide pool (ATP, ADP, AMP) in mitochondria was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. UCP content and activity were detected by [~ 3 H]-GTP binding method. Results High altitude hypoxia resulted in significant increase of UCP activity and a 2.9-fold rise of UCP content of rats (P