Effects of Heavy Metal Salts in Biochemical Processes, Rat Liver Mitochondria

Abstract

In vitro experiments have shown that heavy metals Cu2+ and Cd2+ effectively affect respiration and the system of oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria. Ca2+ ions inhibit mitochondrial respiration in the V3 and V4 states, uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. The effect of Cd2+ on respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria differs from the effect of Co2+ and other heavy metals. At the same time, Cd2+ increases mitochondrial respiration in low concentrations, and inhibits it in high concentrations. The results obtained in this work expand the traditional understanding of the various mechanisms of action of heavy metals on the bioenergetic metabolism of the cell.