Background/Aims: In the present study, we explored reactive axygen species (ROS) production in mitochondria, the mechanism of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) hepatotoxicity, and the role of protection by GSH. Methods: Intact mitochondria were isolated from rat liver tissues and mitochondrial basal respiratory rates of NADH and FADH₂ respiratory chains were determined. Mitochondria were treated with Cr(VI), GSH and several complex inhibitors. Mitochondria energized by glutamate/malate were separately or jointly treated with Rotenone (Rot), diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and antimycinA (Ant), while mitochondria energized by succinate were separately or jointly treated with Rot, DPI ‚ thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA) and Ant. Results: Cr(VI) concentration-dependently induced ROS production in the NADH and FADH₂ respiratory chain in liver mitochondria. Basal respiratory rate of the mitochondrial FADH₂ respiratory chain was significantly higher than that of NADH respiratory chain. Hepatic mitochondrial electron leakage induced by Cr(VI) from NADH respiratory chain were mainly from ubiquinone binding sites of complex I and complex III. Conclusion: Treatment with 50µM Cr(VI) enhances forward movement of electrons through FADH₂ respiratory chain and leaking through the ubiquinone binding site of complex III. Moreover, the protective effect of GSH on liver mitochondria electron leakage is through removing excess H₂O₂ and reducing total ROS.