Benzene and lead inhibition of rabbit reticulocyte heme and protein synthesis: evidence for additive toxicity of these two components of commercial gasoline.

Both benzene and lead are known hematopoietic toxins. These compounds are components of commercial gasoline, and therefore pose an environmental risk. The present study demonstrates that benzene and lead individually inhibit both intact reticulocyte heme and protein synthesis in the presence or absence of iron-transferrin. When these two compounds are present in the same incubation, their effects are additive. These in vitro results suggest that further evaluation of the combined risks of benzene and lead is indicated. Furthermore, the data shows the potential for additive interaction by chemically unrelated environmental compounds.