Electron microscopic visible ischemic changes of the mitochondrial ATPases in human myocardial cells during extracorporal circulation.

During open heart surgery, needle biopsy material was obtained in four patients, and electron microscopic preparations of the mitochondrial ATPases (coupling factors 1) in human myocardial cells were performed. The pre-ischemic, normal structure of the mitochondrial ATPases and the changes which occur during the ischemic interval were described. An increase in the center-to-center space was shown in the post-ischemic phase. This result was discussed for the pathogenesis of subcellular injuries due to ischemia.