Antagonistic Effects of Zinc and Aluminum on Lead Inhibition of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In vitro and in vivo studies regarding the influence of metals on .delta.-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase [an enzyme involved in heme biosynthesis] activity in erythrocytes [human] indicate that a Pb concentration of 4 .mu.M completely inhibits the enzyme. Zn activates the enzyme both in vitro and in vivo at concentrations greater than 76 .mu.M. Al has an inhibitory effect at all concentrations in vitro whereas it activates the enzyme in vivo. Zn and Al together activate the enzyme in vivo. The in vitro activation of Zn is inhibited by increasing concentrations of Al. Al and Pb together depress the enzyme activity in an additive way that can be reactivated by the addition of Zn.