[Changes in the kinetic characteristics of reactions catalyzed by erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase in experimental lead poisoning in rats].

An increase in values of both kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) of the delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase reaction was observed in blood of rats poisoned with lead. The Km value of the reaction was increased, while Vmax--decreased, after addition of Pb2+ into rat blood in vitro. The results obtained as well as the data published in literature suggest that a compensatory mechanism appears to function in vivo, where a substrate, delta-aminolevulenic acid, plays a triggering role.