Mitochondrial function and free fatty acid levels in rats after portacaval shunt.

The effects of portacaval shunting on the oxidative phosphorylation process of mitochondria isolated from rat liver and skeletal muscle were evaluated and correlated with mitochondria free fatty acid (FFA) contents. ADP/O ratios, respiratory control index and QO2 values were significantly depressed in liver mitochondria from portacaval-shunted rats; these changes were associated with decreased mitochondrial FFA contents. The mitochondrial function of skeletal muscle was unaltered.