Effects of intraperitoneal cadmium administration on mitochondrial enzymes in rat tissues

The effects of cadmium on some mitochondrial enzymes of kidney, testis and lung were investigated in male rats. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 3 mg Cd/kg body weight and its effects were studied 24, 72 and 144 h later. Succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase activities were significantly inhibited in kidney, testis and lung mitochondria. Citrate synthase activity was inhibited in testis mitochondria at all time periods studied, whereas in kidney and lung an initial increase in activity was followed by inhibition at later time periods.