Normal Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity in Prion Protein Gene-Deficient Mice

Cytochrome c oxidases of prion protein (PrP) gene-deficient (Prnp(-/-)) and Prnp(+/+) mice were examined in vivo and in vitro. Non-invasive near-infrared spectra revealed that oxidation of copper and heme a+a(3) in cytochrome c oxidase of Prnp(-/-) mice was similar to that in Prnp(+/+) mice. Biochemical analysis of mitochondrial fractions also supported the results. PrP might not be involved in regulation of cytochrome c oxidase.