Control of long chain fatty acid oxidation in heart mitochondria as studied by spin labeling.

Spin-labeled stearic acid is shown to exhibit the same beta-oxidation kinetics as normal stearic acid. ESR spectra recorded in conditions allowing beta-oxidation indicate that membrane-bound fatty acids can be directly beta-oxidized and that the rate of this reaction depends on the concentration of albumin in the medium. The regulating function of albumin and pool role of the lipidic phase of the mitochondrial membranes are discussed.