Fig. 1. Toxic effects of MCs on the mitochondria of liver from rabbits after injection with 12.5 and 50 µg MC-LReq./kg bw, respectively. (a) mitochondria of control rabbits, 20,000×. (b) and (c) showing condensed cristae and matrix in mitochondria in the 12.5 µg MC-LReq./kg dose group at 3 h and 48 h post-injection, respectively, both in 20,000×. (d) showing the swelling and disruption of mitochondria in the 50 µg MC-LReq./kg dose group at 3 h post-injection, 20,000×.

Fig. 2. Toxic effects of MCs on the mitochondria of heart from rabbits after injection with 12.5 and 50 µg MC-LReq./kg bw, respectively. (a) mitochondria of control rabbits, 10,000×. (b) showing slightly membranous damage in the 12.5 µg MC-LReq./kg dose group at 3 h post-injection 20,000×. (c) showing various shapes and damage of mitochondria, including the lost of cristae and matrix, swelling and distortion 20,000×. (d) showing the swelling and disruption of mitochondria in the 50 µg MC-LReq./kg dose group at 3 h post-injection, 20,000×.

Fig. 3. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) values of mitochondria in (a) liver and (b) heart of control rabbits and rabbits exposed to MCs of two doses (12.5 and 50 µg MC-LReq./kg bw). The values are expressed as mean ± SE. LPO values are expressed as nmol MDA/mg protein. The significance levels observed are P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 in comparison to control group values.

Fig. 4. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of mitochondria in (a) liver and (b) heart of control rabbits and rabbits exposed to MCs of two doses (12.5 and 50 µg MC-LReq./kg bw). The values are expressed as mean ± SE. SOD activity is expressed as U/mg protein. The significance levels observed are P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 in comparison to control group values.

Fig. 5. Respiratory chain enzyme NADH dehydrogenase activity of mitochondria in (a) liver and (b) heart of control rabbits and rabbits exposed to MCs of two doses (12.5 and 50 µg MC-LReq./kg bw). The values are expressed as mean ± SE. NADH dehydrogenase activity is expressed as U/mg protein. The significance levels observed are P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 in comparison to control group values.

Fig. 6. Respiratory chain enzyme SDH activity of mitochondria in (a) liver and (b) heart of control rabbits and rabbits exposed to MCs of two doses (12.5 and 50 µg MC-LReq./kg bw). The values are expressed as mean ± SE. SDH activity is expressed as U/mg protein. The significance levels observed are P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 in comparison to control group values.

Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺-ATPase activity of mitochondria in liver and heart of control rabbits and rabbits exposed to MC of two doses (12.5 and 50 µg MC-LReq./kg bw)

The values are expressed as mean ± SE. Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺-ATPase activity are expressed as U/mg protein.