ISSN:
1432-0738
Keywords:
Hexachlorobenzene
;
Female rats
;
Porphyrin accumulation
;
Porphyrin elimination
;
Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The time course of changes in the hepatic metabolism of porphyrins under the influence of hexachlorobenzene has been studied. For this purpose female Wistar rats were given 100 mg hexachlorobenzene/kg body weight every other day for 6 weeks. They were subsequently kept for a further 18 months under the same conditions as during treatment but without additional hexachlorobenzene. The disturbance of porphyrin biosynthesis in the liver caused by hexachlorobenzene occurs in four phases. The duration of the first two phases can be influenced in an arbitrary way because hexachlorobenzene is continually administered during their course. During the first phase an almost constant content of hexachlorobenzene and a gradual decrease of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity is achieved. In the second phase a noticeable accumulation of porphyrins and a practically complete inhibition of decarboxylase activity are conspicuous. In the third phase, which occurs after hexachlorobenzene administration has been discontinued, a further accumulation of porphyrins and a continuing inhibition of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity can be seen, even after extensive elimination of hexachlorobenzene. During the fourth phase a decrease in porphyrin content and a return of decarboxylase activity are clearly observable. On the basis of these results, it is necessary to reflect on the causal connection between the previously described individual biochemical changes in the liver, and the various phases of porphyria brought about by hexachlorobenzene. Indication is given of a process in the liver brought on primarily by hexachlorobenzene but able to sustain itself after elimination of the inducing agent.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00317978
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