[Activity of microsomal liver enzymes and blood glucose level in normal and benzene-treated rats of various ages].

In the present study the increase of glucose concentration in the blood serum of 24-month old rats after 2-days benzene treatment has been shown. Benzene action caused a decrease in the activity of microsomal glucose-6 phosphatase and increase in that of microsomal glucose dehydrogenase in the liver of 3-month old (but not 24-month old) rats. It is supposed that the mechanism of benzene hyperglycemia action is based on the fall in the intensity of glucose utilization by peripheral tissues, and the decrease in hepatocytes adaptation possibilities with senescence is the cause for the studied age differences.