The effects of palmitic acid on skeletal muscle mitochondria of cold and warm acclimated rats.

The effects of palmitic acid on skeletal muscle mitochondria isolated from the hind limb muscle of cold and warm acclimated rats were studied. At higher concentrations of the fatty acid, a greater depression of both ADP/O and RCR (respiratory control ratio) was observed in the cold acclimated group. Initial ADP/O and RCC however, were higher in the cold acclimated group. The enhanced sensitivity of skeletal muscle mitochondria of the cold acclimated rat is discussed.