Classification of potentially toxic chemicals based on their effects on mitochondrial respiration.

The classification of potentially toxic chemicals including environmental pollutants was made with respect to state 3 and state 4 respiration of mitochondria. The concentration of certain metals for 50% inhibition of respiratory control index (RCI; state 3/state 4) was lower than that of organic compounds tested. Various chemicals including environmental pollutants were classified into four groups by combination of effects on state 3 and state 4 respiration.