Erythrocytic δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity as a function of pH. A study of activity ratios as biologic indicators of lead intoxication
✍ Scribed by D. C. Wigfield; J.-P. Farant
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1982
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 638 KB
- Volume
- 2
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0260-437X
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
The use of ratios of erythrocytic δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity measured at specific pH values, with or without prior incubation of the buffered hemolysate, was investigated as a possible alternative to the measurement of enzyme activity at a single pH value as a biologic index of lead intoxication. Tests conducted with lead‐intoxicated rabbits have shown that activity ratios are simpler to perform, have remarkable stability over extended periods of blood storage, afford excellent linear correlation with blood lead concentrations, and show less individual‐to‐individual scatter than results obtained with the former assay. Although the ratios are specific for lead in the presence of cadmium, mercury, carbon monoxide or ethanol, this specificity is suspect if concurrent excessive exposure to copper or zinc takes place. In the absence of such occurrences, the activity ratios can be considered as reliable and diagnostically valid screening tests for monitoring the effects of chronic lead absorption.