Loss of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria isolated from kidneys of mercury poisoned rats

Mercurials at low concentrations suppress oxidative phosphorylation in isolated rat kidney mitochondria. The kidneys of rats administered toxic doses of HgCl₂ have been found to accumulate mercury selectively compared e.g. to liver. Mitochondria isolated from such kidneys are defective in coupled ATP synthesis. Providing the time subsequent to the injection of a toxic dose of HgCl₂ does not exceed a critical time, the defect in the mitochondria isolated from the kidneys of such poisoned rats is correctable by addition of Mg++ to the assay medium. Acute mercury toxicity in rats appears to be referable to the impairment of kidney function in turn caused by impairment of mitochondrial function.