By studying the effects of NaCN 4 × 10(-4) M on the activation energy of whole brain homogenate of rats, the following results were obtained: namely, the rate of oxygen absorption at the time when NaCN 4 × 10(-4) M is loaded decreases about 14-35 per cent, while the activation energy increases up to about 15, 800 cal. This value can be considered as almost equivalent to 16, 000 cal., and it seems to be due to the cytochrom. cytochrom-oxidase system has turned to the rate determining reaction.