The effect of the drug fluoxetine (Prozac) on isolated rat brain mitochondria was examined by measuring the rate of electron transport (units not given) in the presence of various combinations of substrates and inhibitors . (a) How do pyruvate and malate serve as substrates for electron transport?
(b) What is the effect of fluoxetine on electron transport? Explain.
(c) Fluoxetine can also inhibit ATP synthase. Why might long-term use of fluoxetine be a concern?
Rate of Electron Transport
[Fluoxetine], (mM) pyruvate + malate succinate + rotenone ascorbate + TMPD
0 163 ± 15.1 145 ± 14.2 184 ± 22.2
0.15 77 ± 7.3 131 ± 13.5 116 ± 13.9