The abnormal-shaped mitochondria in thymus lymphocytes treated with inhibitors of mitochondrial energetics.

The effects of uncouplers (DNP, FCCP), oligomycin, and rotenone on the energetics and mitochondrial ultrastructure in lymphocytes have been studied. We confirmed the previous observations done on Ehrlich ascites and cardiomyocyte culture cells that uncouplers and respiratory inhibitors cause the appearance of ringlike and dumbbell-like mitochondria. It is shown that this effect does not correlate with decrease in ATP concentration, changes in oxygen consumption, or condensation of the mitochondrial matrix. FCCP (2 microM) is more effective in the induction of abnormal-form mitochondria than 240 microM DNP, oligomycin, or rotenone. Combined treatment with DNP, oligomycin, and rotenone or with DNP and rotenone produces an effect as strong as 2 microns FCCP. DNP (240 microM) and FCCP (2 microM) have a similar effect on respiration and intracellular ATP, but only the latter induces condensation of the mitochondrial matrix.