The permeability transition pore induced under anaerobic conditions in mitochondria energized with ATP.

The role of oxygen in the induction of mitochondrial permeability transitions was studied. Oxygen consumption, swelling, membrane potential and calcium transport were recorded simultaneously in isolated rat liver mitochondria. Oxygen depletion was accomplished by saturating the medium with N2 and allowing either mitochondrial respiration or glucose/glucose oxidase to consume the residual oxygen.