Analysis of mitochondrial dysfunction during cell death.

Attempts to identify a common underlying step in the apoptotic program in response to various cytotoxic stimuli have focused on the role of mitochondria in this form of cell death. This unit contains a family of protocols that can be used to assess mitochondrial functions during apoptotic responses. Protocols are included for the collection and analysis of released proteins, for detection of the mitochondrial permeability transition, for measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential, and for preparation of mitochondria from different tissue sources.