Alterations in mitochondrial aconitase activity and respiration, and in concentration of citrate in some organs of mice with experimental or genetic diabetes

Mouse islets (not used for respiration), kidneys and liver were studied in early and manifest alloxan diabetes, and in genetic diabetes. In these organs the mitochondrial aconitase activity was lower, state 3 respiration with citrate or pyruvate plus malate (but not with succinate) was decreased, and the concentration of citrate was increased, compared with non-diabetic control mice. The alterations suggest a role of lowered activity of mitochondrial aconitase in alloxan diabetes, and probably also in genetic diabetes.