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To investigate the effects of lead on the electron transport system and ultrastructure of mouse kidney mitochondria, various lead acetate concentrations were treated in vitro and respiration rate, enzyme activities were measured. Ultrastructural changes at state IV respiration were also observed. To compare with in vivo experiments, mouse were injected intraperitoneally of 100 mg lead acetate per kg body weight and state IV respiration rate and enzyme activities were measured. Ultrastructure of renal proximal tubular cells were also observed. In in vitro treatement, decreased state IV respiration, decreased enzyme activities, ruptured membranes and inhibition of condensed to orthodox transformation were observed. In in vivo treatment, decreased state IV respiration and decreased enzyme activities were observed after 24 hrs of i.p. injection. Cytochrome c oxidase activity showed twice the inhibition compared to NADH-CoQ reductase activity at 24 hrs. Continuous decreased state IV respiration was observed after 48 and 72 hrs of injection, however, the enzyme activities were increased to control level. Lead-protein complex which probably inhibits the toxic effects of lead appeared. To conclude, dominant effect of lead on the electron transport system appeared at cytochrome c oxidase activity, and the increased enzyme activities may be a result of appearance of lead-protein complex.
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