Using both electron microscopic immunohistochemistry and cell fractionation techniques, we show that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is found in mitochondria of rat and mouse cardiac myocytes and rat hepatocytes. Four different polyclonal antibodies, raised against various epitopes encompassing the mature portion of the TGF-beta 1 molecule as well as the pro-region of its precursor, were used for the electron microscopy studies. The localization of TGF-beta 1 in mitochondria was confirmed by detection of the native peptide in mitochondria isolated from rat heart and liver; the majority of native TGF-beta 1 found in liver homogenates was recovered in highly pure mitochondrial fractions. The functional role of TGF-beta in the mitochondrion is unknown at present.