Changes in activity of malate dehydrogenase and glucosephosphate isomerase in serum of rats exposed chronically to inorganic mercury and its aryl and alkyl compounds.

In course of prolonged exposure [14 weeks] to various mercury compounds [MetHg - a fluid seed-dressing preparation 0,8. Phenyl and Ethyl chlorides and HgC1(2) in doses corresponding to 5% of DL(50)[3 times weekly], enhanced levels of activity of malate dehydrogenase [MDH] and glucosephosphate isomerase [PHI] in blood serum were observed. After 7 weeks of exposure about fourfold increase of MDH and 2-3-fold enhancement of PHI activities were found relative to controls. After 14 weeks of exposure in livers of rats, given MetHg and EtHg, organic mercury was found at concentrations of 28.8 and 4 microng/g tissue, respectively. Inorganic mercury in liver was found in animals given all coumpounds and concentrations were in the range of 1,2 - 4,7 microng/g tissue.