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. 1980 May 15;188(2):329–335. doi: 10.1042/bj1880329

Uptake of protoporphyrin IX by isolated rat liver mitochondria.

M E Koller, I Romslo
PMCID: PMC1161874  PMID: 7396867

Abstract

Rat liver mitochondria accumulate protoporphyrin IX from the suspending medium into the inner membrane in parallel with the magnitude of the transmembrane K+ gradient (K+in/K+out). Only protoporphyrin IX taken up in parallel with the transmembrane K+ gradient is available for haem synthesis. Coproporphyrins (isomers I and III) are not taken up by the mitochondria. The results support the suggestion by Elder & Evans [(1978) Biochem. J. 172, 345-347] that the prophyrin to be taken up by the inner mitochondrial membrane belongs to the protoporphyrin(ogen) IX series. Protoporphyrin IX at concentrations above 15 nmol/mg of protein has detrimental effects on the structural and functional integrity of the mitochondria. The relevance of these effects to the hepatic lesion in erythropoietic protoporphyria is discussed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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