Works related to the knowledge of the mitochondrial membrane bound D-3- hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase have been important in two aspects. Firstly concerning the elucidation of the role of lipids in membrane proteins functions as shown by the specific activation of this enzyme by phosphatidylcholines. Secondly related to the importance of ketone body in the energy metabolism showing that the D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase plays an essential role in the redox balance in mammals from hepatic tissues to extrahepatic tissues. This review reports results obtained by several biological experimental approaches: biochemistry of protein, lipids and membrane, biophysics, histology, cell biology and molecular biology.