1. At sub-cellular level, carbon monoxide is toxic for mitochondria.
2. It alters the mitochondrial respiratory chain at the cytochrome c oxidase level (complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain) and causes inhibition of ETS.
3. This inhibition leads to the development of symptoms observed in acute CO poisoning, and in some diseases related to smoking.
4. These symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, difficulty in concentration or confusion, visual changes, syncope, seizures, abdominal pain and muscle cramping.
