Miscellaneous Topics ⇒ Researchers Find Cell-Free Mitochondria Floating in Human Blood

[jocko6889]

Another piece of the puzzle. That scientists have just now discovered that mitochondria exists outside the cell in the bloodstream is astonishing, especially in such large numbers. Whether they are used as a signaling agent and/or a free floating reserve army to assist in areas with damaged tissue is unknown.

"The functional, respiring organelles appear to be present in the blood of healthy people, but their function is yet unclear

Sometime around 2 billion years ago, a cyanobacterium slipped inside a larger cell, started producing energy there, and became the indispensable powerhouse we know today as the mitochondrion, so the working theory goes.

But that old story now has a new twist. Scientists have detected the organelles outside of cells, apparently functioning perfectly well while drifting around the blood of healthy people, according to findings published recently (January 19) in The FASEB Journal. The researchers who made the discovery propose that the independent mitochondria may be released by cells for signaling purposes, although more work is needed to validate that hypothesis.

The team estimates that there could be between 200,000 and 3.7 million cell-free, intact mitochondria per milliliter of blood plasma.

It’s likely that mitochondria are being actively released by certain cells in their functional state, and that the organelles perhaps play a signaling role. One idea, for instance, is that cells could release mitochondria, which are then taken up by other cells that are damaged and are in need of them.

In fact, some experiments have found that stem cells can release mitochondria in order to rescue damaged cells, and mitochondria have been shown to translocate from one neighboring cell to another. Perhaps parts of the body produce mitochondria and release them into the bloodstream so that compromised tissues can use them, in a similar way as glucose is stored within cells but also circulates in the bloodstream".

For more, click the link below:

https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opin ... ood--67071

[rhett]

Of all the fascinating things about the human body, mitochondria just blow my mind. The idea that entirely separate organisms with their own DNA that somehow got incorporated into larger organisms and are now an integral part of our existence. And now we find that they don't just power cells, but some are floating around in the body doing having yet to be determined effects. It's nuts.

[Newage]

Of all the fascinating things about the human body, mitochondria just blow my mind. The idea that entirely separate organisms with their own DNA that somehow got incorporated into larger organisms and are now an integral part of our existence. And now we find that they don't just power cells, but some are floating around in the body doing having yet to be determined effects. It's nuts.

I agree rhett.
Fascinating stuff..the powerhouse of life....
Great post jocko

[drkris69]

Yes indeed fascinating and great article Jocko thanks...