Blood, 1967, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 168-175.
© 1967 American Society of Hematology, Inc.
Studies on the Energy Metabolism of Human Leukocytes
I. Oxidative Phosphorylation by Human Leukocyte Mitochondria
JOHN M. FOSTER 1,
MARY L. TERRY 1, and
Harriet Gunther 1
1 Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston
University Medical Center, Boston.
1. Oxidative phosphorylation has been studied in mitochondrial preparations
from human leukocytes, using recently developed methods for homogenization,
measuring respiration, and assaying for ATP.
2. Appreciable stimulation of both respiration and phosphorylation was
limited to 3 substrates: succinate, malate, and 
-glycerophosphate. The effects
of other substrates were minimal.
3. The stimulating effects of these 3 substrates responded to inhibitors in a
manner typical of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. There was also
considerable endogenous activity which, however, was insensitive to inhibitors.
It is concluded the endogenous respiration and phosphorylation are not associated with electron transport. Subtracting their values from the data, P/O
ratios consistent with good phosphorylation with the 3 substrates are obtained.
4. Studies with oligomycin and dinitrophenol suggest the presence of
respiratory control. This indicates the mitochondria are intact. It is concluded
that in the intact leukocyte the mitochondria are a major source of ATP.
Submitted on December 16, 1966
Accepted on March 19, 1967
