The function of coenzyme Q in mitochondria

Abstract

We have accumulated evidence that coenzyme Q (CoQ) concentration in the mitochondrial membrane is not saturating for NADH oxidation but is saturating for succinate and glycerol-3-phosphate oxidation. As a result of its kinetic properties CoQ concentration changes must yield changes in respiration rates. This provides a rationale for the reported therapeutic effects of CoQ under conditions when its concentration is decreased, as has been reported in tissues from aged rats; we have failed, however, to detect any specific CoQ decrease in mitochondria from several tissues of aged rats. We can, however, predict from the kinetic bases that CoQ would ameliorate respiration rate also under conditions in which a defect is present in regions not involving the quinone. CoQ incorporation in perfused liver is attempted in order to find experimental systems for investigating its protecting effect. Liposomal CoQ10 perfused in rat livers (where CoQ9 is the main homolog) is incorporated mainly in lysosomes, and its increase in the crude mitochondrial fraction could be mainly ascribed to residual lysosomal contamination. Nevertheless, perfusion with exogenous CoQ10 maintains higher levels of endogenous CoQ9, and higher glutamate oxidation than in controls. In the same system, an oxidative stress by doxorubicin induces mitochondrial changes, including a decrease in endogenous CoQ9 and in respiratory activities. These changes are prevented by concomitant perfusion of liposomal CoQ10.