Effect of occupational exposure to ammonia on enzymatic activities of catalase and monoamine oxidase

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of ammonia inhalation on a total number of 60 male subjects from an urea production plant located in Alexandria. Laboratory investigations were carried out for 30 exposed and 30 controlled subjects. The results showed statistically significant inhibition [p < 0.01] in the activity of catalase enzyme among the exposed than the control subjects. The inhibition could lead to deleterious effects on electrical stability, permeability and fluidity of membranes, which could affect the liver and brain to be more susceptible to hepatotoxic and neurotoxic alterations. The present work showed a significant inhibition [p < 0.01] of monoamine oxidase [MAO] activities and significant increase [p < 0.05, 0.01] in liver function activities among exposed subjects than the control subjects: