Influence of heavy metal mixtures on erythrocyte metabolism.

Exposure of foundry workers to mixtures of different heavy metals is a very important toxicological problem. In this paper the estimation of the effects of lead, zinc, and copper on erythrocyte metabolism is presented. Concentrations of copper and zinc at work posts of the group examined did not exceed TLV, while lead concentration was 1.5 to 4 times higher than TLV. Erythrocyte metabolism was measured through activities of such glycolytic pathway enzymes as PFK, PGI, PK, aldolase and G6-PD from the hexose monophosphate pathway. Additionally the free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) level, D-ALA activity, serum GSH level, 2,3 DPG level in erythrocytes and lactic acid production during a 2-h incubation of red blood cells (RBC) was estimated. The blood-lead level, FEP level, copper concentration in erythrocytes in exposed group were significantly higher than in control group while the zinc level in erythrocytes was significantly lower. Measuring erythrocyte metabolism we showed that the activity of PGI, PFK, aldolase, lactic production and 2,3 DPG levels was significantly higher in the exposed group, probably as a result of anaerobic glycolysis activation.