Fig. 3

Mitochondrial isolation. Our protocol for mitochondrial isolation is illustrated. In brief a mini-thoracotomy or a sternotomy is performed and tissue is obtained from either pectoralis major or from rectus abdominous muscle. The amount of tissue is small and is shown in comparison to an American 10 cent piece. Mitochondria are isolated. Our methodology for mitochondrial isolation is shown [27]. Mitochondrial isolation can be performed in less than 30 min. Quality control parameters for mitochondrial isolation and transplantation have been established [28]