Inhibited efficiency of kidney mitochondria isolated from rats treated with cyclosporin A

The effect of cyclosporin A (CYA) on the respiration and phosphorylation in rat kidney mitochondria was studied. When CYA (50 mg/kg/day) was subcutaneously administered to rats for 4 days, the state 3 respiration and uncoupled respiration of succinate and glutamate/malate respiration was decreased. The respiratory control index was decreased in glutamate/malate respiration. These ex vivo effects of mitochondrial dysfunction are discussed as CYA effects on kidney mitochondria occurring in the intact cell. The nephrotoxic effect of CYA could be demonstrated by increased excretions of urinary enzymes.