Regulation of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore by the Outer Membrane Does Not Involve the Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor ( Translocator Protein of 18 kDa ( TSPO))

Background: TSPO has been proposed to be a critical regulator of the permeability transition pore (PTP). Results: TSPO-null mitochondria and cardiac tissue show no difference from controls in pore function, response to ligands, or response to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Conclusion: Regulation of the PTP by the outer membrane must rely on unknown proteins. Significance: Our results call into question studies implicating TSPO in pathological processes through the PTP.