Activation of Pyruvate Oxidation in Tumor Mitochondria by Diphospho-pyridine Nucleotide.

Abstract

Suspensions of mitochondria of various transplanted mouse tumors are able to oxidize pyruvic acid if the system, containing Mg ions, ATP, cytochrome C, and priming concentrations of fumarate, is fortified with diphosphopyridine nucleotide. The concentration of the nucleotide required for maximal activation is 0.002M. When mitochondria of tumors were compared with those of normal tissues it was found that on a per mg nitrogen basis pyruvate oxidation was similar in magnitude in both types of mitochondria.