Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthetase and Adenosine Triphosphate Activity in Acute Saturnine Intoxication in Rabbits

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In experimentally induced lead poisoning in rabbits, the activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase in the mitochondria isolated from liver and bone marrow remains within normal limits. The concentration of adenosine triphosphate in the liver is also normal, and the concentration of this nucleotide in circulating erythrocytes is moderately (significantly) increased. These findings support the view that the biosynthesis of porphyrins is not enhanced during intoxication by lead, but that utilization of porphyrins and their precursors is diminished by reduction in activity of heme synthetase.