Internalization of the spin-labelled surface potential probe CAT12 by energized mitochondria.

Rat liver mitochondria briefly incubated in the presence of 50 microM 4-(dodecyl dimethyl ammonium)-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine bromide (CAT12) bind 1.9 nmol of this spin-labelled membrane probe per mg mitochondrial protein in a form which is not reducible by ascorbate. Upon energization with ATP the amount of the non-reducible CAT12 increases by about 37%. It is concluded that CAT12 which is not reducible by externally added ascorbate is bound to the inner surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane and/or accumulated in the matrix compartment. Therefore, CAT12 is not suitable to monitor the surface potential of mitochondria and other organelles which develop a transmembrane potential, negative inside.