Mitochondrial Inhibitors and Alteration in Bioenergetics-the Dose makes the Poison

Mitochondrial inhibitors such as hydrogen sulfide and cyanide have traditional been associated as a poison due to its ability to interfere with mitochondrial respiration resulting in decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics leading to cellular failure. While on one side of the spectrum these mitochondrial inhibitors are poisonous there is also a potential protective aspect of these inhibitors currently being explored, particular to prevent ischemic-reperfusion injuries related to reactive oxygen species and the ability to decrease metabolic demand similar to what is described as “hibernation” or “suspended animation.”