SERUM METHIONINE AND HEPATIC ENZYME ACTIVITY IN ANAESTHETISTS EXPOSED TO NITROUS OXIDE

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Abstract
Normal serum concentrations of methionine, leucine, isoleucine and valine have been found in 10 anaesthetists using nitrous oxide under their regular working conditions without scavenging of patients' exhaled gas. Mean inhaled concentrations of nitrous oxide ranged from 150 to 400 p.p.m. The results indicate either that there was no significant inhibition of methionine synthase (attributable to oxidation of vitamin B12 by nitrous oxide) or that methionine concentrations were maintained by dietary intake or by the alternative betaine pathway of methylation of homocysteine. In either case, anaesthetists working under these conditions should not be at risk from reduced methionine concentrations. We also report normal serum activities of aspartate transaminase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase.