An Isopycnic- Zonal Centrifugation Study of Smooth Muscle Organelles Isolated from Hog Carotid Artery

Abstract

A combination of new techniques was used to examine distribution patterns of sarcoplasmic reticulum fragments, lysosomes, catalase-containing organelles, mitochondria and plasma membrane fragments in a continuous sucrose gradient. Plasma membrane fragments, and to some extent mitochondria, were isolated from other organelles. Distribution patterns for enzymes, Ca-uptake and sedimentable proteins were determined. These techniques allowed smooth muscle fractionation and evaluation and may be helpful in the study of Ca compartmentalization in smooth muscle organelles.