To investigate the effects of hexavalent chromium on mitochondrial respiration of rat kidney, various hexavalent chromium concentrations were treated, then respiration and electron transfer enzyme activities were measured. Ultrastructural changes at state IV respiration of mitochondria were also observed. Then, to investigate protective role against hexavalent chromium in the body, low-molecular-weight, chromium-binding substances (LMCr) were purified from livers of rabbits 2hr after intravenously administrated with sodium dichromate at a dose of 74mg per kg body weight. And then, respiration rates of mitochondria treated with LMCr, hexavalent chromium containing 0.7mM chromium were measured. Hexavalent chromium decreased state IV respiration rates and electron transfer enzyme activities of mitochondria, and increased labile membrane and swelling. And partial inhibitions of condensed to orthodox conformational change were observed. Respiration rates of mitochondria treated with LMCr containing 0.7mM chromium did not differ from that of the non-treated mitochondria. But respiration rates of 0.7mM hexavalent chromium-treated mitochondria decreased by 42%, compared to non-treated mitochondria. These results suggest that LMCr may play an important role in detoxification of toxic hexavalent chromium.