Quality Control Parameters for Mitochondria Transplant in Cardiac Tissue

Transplant of mitochondria for cardioprotection has been shown to be efficacious in vitro and in vivo in animal models. The transition from animal to human models requires that effective quality control be used in the isolation and verification of mitochondrial viability and function. Herein, we describe standard procedures that can be used to isolate mitochondria and assess their quality and function. These procedures include hemocytometry, Coulter Counting, EM, fluorescent staining, respiration analysis and ATP assays. These quality control parameters for mitochondria transplant in cardiac and other tissue will ensure a high yield of isolated mitochondria from suitable tissue sources, and will ensure that the isolated mitochondria are viable, respiration competent and free from contamination.