Mitochondria are critical players involved in both cell life and death through multiple
pathways. Structural integrity, metabolism and function of mitochondria are regulated by
matrix volume due to physiological changes of ion homeostasis in cellular cytoplasm and
mitochondria. Ca 2+ and K+ presumably play a critical role in physiological and pathological
swelling of mitochondria when increased uptake (influx)/decreased release (efflux) of these
ions enhances osmotic pressure accompanied by high water accumulation in the matrix …