Mitochondria influence postmortem metabolism and pH in an in vitro model

Our objective was to determine the influence of mitochondria on metabolites and pH decline using an in vitro model of postmortem muscle metabolism. Mitochondria were isolated from porcine longissimus lumborum and added (0, 0.5, or 2.0 mg) to powdered muscle in reaction media containing either a combination of inhibitors for mitochondria complexes (I, IV, and V) or diluent (without inhibitors). In the absence of inhibitors, adding mitochondria (0.5 and 2.0 mg) reduced ATP loss from 30 to 120 min, but did not alter glycogen or lactate during this time. In reactions with mitochondria, inhibitors decreased ATP levels by 30 min and increased glycogen degradation by 60 min. Regardless of mitochondria content, inhibitors enhanced lactate accumulation from 15 to 240 min, and decreased pH from 15 min to 1440 min. In the in vitro model, mitochondria influence the maintenance of ATP, and inhibition of mitochondria enzyme activity contributes to accelerated metabolism and pH decline.