Lidocaine depolarizes the mitochondrial membrane potential by intracellular alkalization in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Purpose: The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is an important factor for apoptosis, and it is produced by the proton electrochemical gradient (ΔµH(+)). Therefore, the intracellular proton concentration (pH(in)) is an important factor for modifying the ΔΨm. However, the effects of lidocaine on pH(in) are unclear.