Adenine nucleotide translocation in liver mitochondria isolated from rats deficient in essential fatty acids

Adenine nucleotide content and adenine nucleotide transport were evaluated in rats deficient in essential fatty acids (EFA) and in control rats. Adenosine diphosphate uptake by EFA-deficient mitochondria was altered in a manner similar to the alteration produced by treatment of normal mitochondria with uncoupler. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) uptake by EFA-deficient mitochondria was faster than that of normal mitochondria treated with uncoupler. Total adenine nucleotide content of liver mitochondria from EFA-deficient mitochondria was higher than that of normal mitochondria. A negative correlation was noted between the concentration of linoleic acid in total mitochondria lipids and ATP content of mitochondria.