Enzyme Alterations Following Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure

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Abstract
Oxygen consumption (QO2) and aldolase and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) determinations were performed on guinea pig lung, liver, kidney, and spleen tissue homogenates following continuous exposure to 10 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for varying periods of time. Inhalation of NO2 resulted in increased QO2 values not only in the lung but also in kidney tissue for each exposure period. The QO2 in the liver and spleen homogenates were significantly elevated following 32 days'' exposure but did not show a consistent increase after other exposure periods. Aldolase activity was significantly elevated in lung following 12 days'' exposure and in lung and liver following 32 days'' exposure to NO2. Significant decreases in aldolase activity were noted in lung, kidney, and spleen after 26 days'' exposure. The LDH values were increased in lung, liver, and kidney as a result of inhalation of NO2. The possibility of the presence of circulating substances resulting from the interaction of NO2 and lung or blood tissue or from a general physiological "stress" reaction or both were suggested as possible explanations for enzyme and QO2 alterations observed in kidney, liver, and spleen. The possible effects of respiratory infection (L-form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa) on the metabolism of lung tissue was also discussed.