[Enzyme deficiencies in leukocytes of workers exposed to mercury vapors. I. Neutrophils].

The influence of occupational environment intoxicated by mercury on the enzymatic reactivity of neutrophils has been determined by investigating the activity of 10 enzymes in the peripheral blood neutrophils. The study comprised 89 men who have worked from 2 to 26 years producing chlorine by mercury electrolise method. The concentration of mercury in blood and urine of 15 +/- 13 micrograms l-1 and 44 +/- 43 micrograms x g creatinine-1, respectively was found. The deficiency of 1 enzyme was stated in 33%, of 2 enzymes in 27%, of 3 enzymes in 13% and of 4 enzymes in 3% of the workers exposed. The normal enzymatic reactivity of neutrophils was found in 25% of them.