Induction of respiratory control in submitochondrial particles by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.

Beechey et al. (1966) have reported that DCCD* acts as an -inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation in a fashion similar to that of oliqomycin and aurovertin. These workers (Holloway et al* # 1966: Roberton et al., 1966) have also reported that DCCD binds irreversibly to the F, fraction isolated by Kaqawa and Racker (1966). Racker and Horstman (1967) have shown recently that DCCD, at low concentration, may increase the rate of phosphorylation in submitochondrial particles. This communication reports some of our observations on respiratory control induced by DCCD in ETPH(Mq++,Mn++), as well as the effects of this inhibitor on ATPase and electron transfer components. Methods. Subanitochondrial particles from beef heart mitochondria were prepared according to Beyer (1967). Respiration was measured with the Clark electrode at 25O in an enclosed glass