Characterizing the Electron Transport Chain: Functional Approach Using Extracellular Flux Analyzer on Mouse Tissue Samples

Methods Mol Biol. 2022:2497:117-128. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2309-1_8.

Abstract

The Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer enables the high-throughput characterization of oxidative phosphorylation capacity based on the electron transport chain organization and regulation with relatively small amount of material. This development over the traditional polarographic Clark-type electrode approaches make it possible to analyze the respiratory features of mitochondria isolated from tissue samples of particular animal models. Here we provide a description of an optimized approach to carry out multi-well measurement of O2 consumption, with the Agilent Seahorse XFe96 analyzer on mouse brain and muscles to determine the tissue-specific oxidative phosphorylation properties. Protocols include the preparation of the tissue samples, isolation of mitochondria, and analysis of their function; in particular, the preparation and optimization of the reagents and samples.

Keywords: Brain; Electron transport chain; Muscle; O2 consumption; Seahorse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electron Transport
  • Mice
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation
  • Oxygen Consumption*
  • Polarography
  • Smegmamorpha*