ABSTRACT
The energy state of mitochondria in fed rat hepatocytes isolated by the use of non-enzymatic method including liver perfusion with an EDTA-containing solution with a further mild mechanical effect of tissue fragments by vibration has been studied. The isolation procedure used permits to obtain significant amounts of hepatocytes whose viability is not less than 80%. The endogenous respiration rate (10-15 nm O2/min.mln cells) is slightly stimulated by succinate. In the course of incubation in a balanced salt medium, the cells accumulate ATP and the lipophilic cation, tetraphenylphosphonium. Data from the inhibitory analysis testify to the fact that tetraphenylphosphonium accumulation reflects the membrane potential of intact cell mitochondria, which are in a metabolic state similar to state 3.
