Activity of ATP synthetase complex after low temperature treatment or freeze-drying of mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscles.

The influence of freezing, thawing, or freeze-drying on ATP synthetase complex of isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria was studied. Cooling to -60 or to -196 degrees C and rapid thawing did not change activity significantly. Slow warming stimulated the release of latent ATP-ase activity and decreased ATP synthesis. These changes were more pronounced after freeze-drying.