Effect of inorganic lead on rat brain mitochondrial respiration and energy production

Toxicologically significant amounts of inorganic lead were added to rat brain mitochondrial preparations that did not contain EDTA or Pi. The binding of the lead to the mitochondria was measured by anodic stripping voltometry. In the presence of lead, the respiratory control ratios decreased, implying a decrease in the degree of dependence of respiration on a phosphate acceptor. Nucleotide contents were also measured, and in the presence of inorganic lead the actual amounts of ATP formed from ADP were found to be significantly decreased as well.