Abstract
The present study was undertaken to understand the biochemical mechanisms of lead toxicity in liver. We observed a significant accumulation of lead in liver following lead treatment, resulting in accentuation of lipid peroxidation. Concomitant to the increase in lipid peroxidation, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, were significantly inhibited. A decrease in reduced glutathione with a simultaneous increase in oxidized glutathione was observed following lead exposure, resulting in a reduced GSH/GSSG ratio. These results indicate that lead exerts its toxic effects by enhancing peroxidative damage to the membranes, thus compromising cellular functions.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Catalase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Catalase / metabolism
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Glutathione / metabolism
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Glutathione Peroxidase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Glutathione Peroxidase / metabolism
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Glutathione Reductase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Glutathione Reductase / metabolism
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Lead / administration & dosage
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Lead / pharmacokinetics
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Lead / toxicity*
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Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects*
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Liver / drug effects*
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Liver / enzymology
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Liver / metabolism
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Male
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Malondialdehyde / analysis
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Malondialdehyde / metabolism
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Protoporphyrins / blood
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
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Sulfhydryl Compounds / metabolism
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Superoxide Dismutase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
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Tissue Distribution
Substances
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Protoporphyrins
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Sulfhydryl Compounds
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zinc protoporphyrin
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Lead
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Malondialdehyde
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Catalase
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Glutathione Peroxidase
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Superoxide Dismutase
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Glutathione Reductase
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Glutathione