Hepatic microsomal adenosine triphosphatase and mitochondrial function. Response to cold and warm ischemia

M. C. Townsend, M. D. Yokum and D. E. Fry

We investigated the response of mitochondrial function and microsomal adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in rat liver tissue subjected to in vitro ischemia at either 0 degree C to 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C for 30 to 60 minutes. Mitochondrial coupling, expressed as respiratory control index, was preserved at up to 60 minutes' cold ischemia. However, respiratory control index was decreased significantly from control by 30 minutes of warm ischemia. Both microsomal magnesium-activated ATPase and sodium-potassium ATPase activity were significantly increased by 60 minutes of warm ischemia yet were unaltered by 60 minutes of ischemia at 0 degree C to 4 degrees C. Warm ischemia produces deleterious effects on energy-generating (mitochondria) and energy-utilizing (ATPase) activity. Hypothermia provides a significant prolongation of cellular viability in ischemic tissue in terms of bioenergetic status. In addition to organ procurement and transplantation, hypothermic cytoprotection may prove valuable in areas such as shock, ischemia, and other clinical conditions of compromised visceral perfusion.