ABSTRACT
The inner membrane of mitochondria isolated from a variety of tissues becomes permeable following activation or deregulation of a Ca2+-dependent inner membrane pore (1-4). This process, referred to as permeability transition, usually requires the presence of a second agent such as inorganic phosphate (P;), f-butylhydroperoxide, or sulfhydryl reagents (4). The mechanism(s) by which the various agents induce permeability transition is not completely understood; however, it is postulated that they may all act on a similar protein or pore structure, resulting in a loss of inner membrane integrity (1.4).
