Enzymatic changes in peripheral blood leukocytes in rats in subacute benzene vapours poisoning. II. The activity of neutrophils enzymes.

The activity of some enzymes of neutrophils in peripheral blood of rats in subacute benzene vapour poisoning (an exposure to the concentration of benzene vapour of 27.000 mg/m3, 6 hr daily for 10 consecutive days) was determined cytochemically. Increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and decrease in that of acid hydrolases: acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and beta-glucosaminidase were found. The results obtained indicate destructive action of benzene on lysosomes of peripheral blood neutrophils.