Possible role of lysosomes in the processes of reproduction of the myocardial mitochondria (Russian)

An electron microscopic investigation was carried out of the myocardium of 8 rabbits in a state of increased functional activity in winter and spring. The mitochondria of the myocardial cells in the animals under study showed considerable swelling, fragmentation and reduction in the number of cristae as well as homogenization, clearing and washing out of the matrix. Together with the hyperfunction of the mitochondria a transformation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum into the granular form and an increase in the number of lysosomes were observed in the myocardial cells. The exterior membrane of mitochondria was found to be damaged by lysosomal enzymes, leading to liberation of mitochondrial DNA. It seems possible that mitochondrial reproduction is connected with intensified protein synthesis in a state of increased functional activity of the myocardium. (Nizze - Rostock)