The uptake of glycine by rat brain mitochondria.

Rat brain mitochondrial pellets are able to accumulate glycine by a sodium-dependent and ouabain-sensitive process which is not potassium dependent. This process does not occur in liver or kidney mitochondria. Glycine uptake by brain mitochondria is not affected by the addition of ATP, NAD, or other cofactors, but it is inhibited by dinitrophenol and, competitively, by certain amino acids. Data obtained by the use of various concentrations of sodium ions or of sucrose indicate that the uptake of glycine by brain mitochondria is closely linked with their structural integrity.