Selenium concentrations in human renal cortex, liver, and hair in northern Poland.

The aim of this study was to (1) determine the selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in 64 residents from northern Poland (Gdansk region) aged 17-81 yr, who died suddenly, and (2) assess whether a correlation between the selenium concentration in hair and in the renal cortex and liver occurs. Selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in the investigated persons was 0.791+/-0.191 microg/g (wet weight), 0.289+/-0.084 microg/g (wet weight), and 0.443+/-0.128 microg/g, respectively. No age-dependent differences in selenium level in the investigated tissues was found. Also, no correlation between the selenium concentrations in hair and in renal cortex and liver was assessed.

Selenium levels in human plasma and hair in northern Poland.

The aim of this study was to (1) estimate the concentration of selenium in the plasma of 146 residents (65 men and 81 women) and in the hair of 34 persons from the Gdansk region in northern Poland, aged 19-70 and (2) compare the obtained results with data corresponding to healthy populations living in different European countries. Selenium in plasma was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in plasma of the investigated persons was 73.3 +/- 14.1 microg/L, 76.7 +/- 13.2 microg/L in men, and 70.4 +/- 14.7 microg/L in women. No age - dependent differences in plasma selenium were found in the investigated population. In 20% of the investigated persons, the selenium level in plasma was lower than 60 microg/L. The mean selenium concentration in hair was 0.30 +/- 0.11 microg/g. A positive, statistically significant correlation between selenium concentrations in the plasma and hair of the investigated persons was found. The obtained results indicate that the selenium level in significant part of this population is suboptimal and should be elevated by supplementation with this element.

Total mercury in human renal cortex, liver, cerebellum and hair.

The aim of this study was: (a) to estimate the concentration of total mercury in the renal cortex, liver, cerebellum and hair of 46 persons who died suddenly in the Gdansk region, northern Poland, between the ages of 17 and 90; and (b) to assess whether a correlation occurs between mercury content in the investigated biological media. The mean concentrations of mercury in the human hair, renal cortex, liver and cerebellum were: 378 +/- 315.4 ng/g; 68.6 +/- 92.3 ng/g; 29.9 +/- 22 ng/g and 5.3 +/- 6.9 ng/g respectively. Positive correlations were found between mercury levels in: cerebellum and liver (r = 0.873), cerebellum and hair (r = 0.853), cerebellum and renal cortex (r = 0.578), hair and liver (r = 0.771), hair and renal cortex (r = 0.478) liver and renal cortex (r = 0.66). The geometric mean levels of mercury in the renal cortex, liver, cerebellum and hair in the residents of the Gdansk region are 15-19 times lower than in the population of Tokyo and its environs [Suzuki T, Hongo T, Yoshinaga J et al. The hair-organ relationship in mercury concentration in contemporary Japanese. Arch Environ Health 1993;44:361-365].

Cadmium content in human kidney and hair in the Gdansk region.

Concentrations of cadmium were determined in the renal cortex and hair of 67 persons who died between 1996 and 1997 in the Gdansk region of Poland. The mean concentrations in the renal cortex and the hair were: 39.8 +/- 21.45 micrograms/g and 0.35 +/- 0.33 microgram/g, respectively. The mean age of the population studied was 47.6 +/- 15.8 years. The concentration of cadmium in the renal cortex was age-dependent. In the age groups: 18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61-90 it amounted to: 19.1 +/- 11.0 micrograms/g, 43.3 +/- 21.6 micrograms/g, 47.9 +/- 20.8 micrograms/g, 41.5 +/- 20.4 micrograms/g and 33.6 +/- 18.0 micrograms/g, respectively. No correlation between the cadmium contents in the renal cortex and hair has been established. Hair is not a good indicator of exposure to cadmium.

Lead and fluoride content in human bone and hair in the Gdansk region.

The post-mortem lead and fluoride content in the rib bone and hair of 59 persons from the Gdansk region was determined. Fluoride was estimated potentiometrically using a fluoride-specific electrode. Lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean lead concentration in bone was 3.0 micrograms/g and 5.2 micrograms/g in hair. The mean fluoride concentrations were 625.7 micrograms/g and 1.4 micrograms/g in bone and hair, respectively. A positive correlation between the lead content in bone and hair was found in this study (r = 0.308, P < 0.05), no such correlation was observed between the fluoride content in bone and hair. A positive correlation between the fluoride and lead contents in bones and the age of the investigated persons was found. The results obtained correspond well with the comparably moderate exposure to lead and fluoride in the Gdansk region.

Fluoride in drinking water and human urine in northern and central Poland.

The fluoride concentration in drinking water and in urine of the inhabitants of 94 localities in Northern and Central Poland was determined. The analyses were performed potentiometrically using a fluoride-specific electrode. In most of the localities the fluoride concentration in water was < 0.3 mg/l, which is far below the recommended level for caries control. In these communities fluoridation of water is advised. In six localities the water fluoride concentration was 1.2 mg/l. The elevated water fluoride is of natural (Malbork) as well as of anthropogenic (Wislinka) origin. The mean fluoride level in the urine in the investigated localities was 1.10 mg/l (range 0.10-2.67 mg/l). No significant correlation between the concentration of fluoride in drinking water and human urine was found in this study. This suggests that the elevated fluoride level in urine may be caused not only by the water fluoride, but also by the inhalation of dust particles containing fluoride, and by the diet.

Lead levels in bone and hair of rats treated with lead acetate.

The use of hair and bone as media in evaluation of lead exposure was investigated in this study. For 12-16 wk rats were given tap water containing lead acetate in the following concentrations: 41.7 mg Pb/L, 83.3 mg Pb/L, and 166.6 mg Pb/L. The animals were sacrificed every 4 wk and their tibia bones and hair were collected for determination of lead content. In control animals, the lead level amounted to 1.2 micrograms/g (range 0.8-1.3 micrograms/g) and 0.7 microgram/g (range 0.4-2.0 micrograms/g) in bone and hair, respectively. In the treated rats the accumulation of lead in bone and hair occurred in a dose-dependent manner. A positive correlation (r = 0.876) was established between the lead levels in bone and hair of the rats. The regression equation was as follows: microgram Pb/g bone = 0.842 x microgram Pb/g hair + 1.868. After discontinuation of exposure, a significant decrease in the lead content in bone and hair was noticed. About 9 wk after cessation of treatment, the lead content in hair declined to the pre-exposure level, but 64% of the maximal lead concentration did remain in bone. The results of this study indicate that during a continuous exposure the lead level in hair reflects its content in bone. Such phenomena did not occur during the post-exposure period.

Mercury concentrations in hair exposed in vitro to mercury vapor.

Hair is often used as an index of environmental and industrial exposure to different metals. The interpretation of metal levels in hair is difficult because of the risk of external contamination. The aim of this study was to define the degree of external contamination of hair exposed in vitro to mercury vapor. Specimens of hair were exposed to concentration: 0.026, 0.21, and 2.7 mg Hg/m3 for 2-28 d. Mercury levels in hair increased during 28 d of exposure 2, 3 and 13, times, respectively, when compared to initial values. Mercury levels in hair exposed to the first and second (but not third) concentration of mercury vapor attained a steady state on the 21st d of exposure. The contamination of hair with mercury could not be removed by washing with water, solvent, and detergent. Hair may be used as an index of internal uptake of mercury provided that it was not externally exposed to mercury vapor. In cases of occupational exposure to mercury vapor, hair could become a useful tool for monitoring exposures.

Effects of deltamethrin on the immune system in mice.

The influence of deltamethrin on the immune system in mice was investigated. Female BALB/c mice received deltamethrin in two daily oral doses; 6 mg/kg for 84 days and 15 mg/kg for 14 days. The humoral immune response in animals immunized with sheep red blood cells determined by agglutinin and hemagglutinin titer as well as by the number of plaque-forming cells producing IgM antibodies was significantly decreased. Also, the cell-mediated immune response assessed by alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity, by formation of EAC (erythrocyte-antibody-complement) rosettes, and by the footpad reaction test was hindered. A decrease in interleukin-1 activity was also ascertained. The obtained results indicate that deltamethrin exhibits an immunosuppressive effect.

Effects of pyrethroid insecticides on hepatic microsomal enzymes in rats.

The effects of pyrethroid insecticides on hepatic microsomal enzymes were studied in rats. Animals were treated orally with cypermethrin (80 mg/kg), deltamethrin (15 mg/kg), and permethrin (100 mg/kg), as a solution in soyabean oil, for 1 to 20 days. The content of cytochromes P-450 and b5, activity of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase, glutathione S-transferase, aniline 4-hydroxylase, p-nitroanisole O-demethylase in microsomes, the activity of glutathione S-transferase, and the level of sulfhydryl groups in cytosol were determined. Also the relative liver weight was measured. Only few changes in the investigated parameters were ascertained. These changes have an irregular and transient character. On the whole, the action of pyrethroids on microsomal enzymes results in a slight induction.

Fluoride in the urine, hair, and nails of phosphate fertiliser workers.

The fluoride content in the urine, hair, and nails of 106 workers employed in a phosphate fertiliser plant was significantly raised above the control level. Positive correlations were found between the group means for concentrations of fluorides in urine and hair (r = 0.77), urine and nails (r = 0.99), and hair and nails (r = 0.70). Individual values in the whole population gave significant correlations between concentrations in urine and nails (r = 0.73). The obtained results indicate that the fluoride content in hair and nails may be used as an indicator of occupational exposure to fluorides.

[Determining the levels of permethrin and kadethrin in the air by the method of gas chromatography]. / Oznaczanie permetryny i kadetryny w powietrzu metoda chromatografii gazowej.

A gas chromatographic method for determination of permethrin and kadethrin in air has been developed. The method involves trapping in ethylene glycol, extraction with benzene and determination by electron capture gas chromatography on a Gas Chrom Q column coated with 4% DC-L-SX-3-0295. The determinability of the method amounts to 0.006 mg/m3 (permethrin) and 0.16 mg/m3 (kadethrin).

The fate of 14C-carbendazim in rat.

The disappearance of 14C-carbendazim in rat (i.v. 12 mg/kg) followed the kinetics of a two-compartment open-system model. Half-lives of the alpha-phase were 0.1 h (blood), 0.16 h (liver), 0.25 h (kidney), and of the beta-phase: 2.15 h, 6.15 h, respectively. Two metabolites: methyl 5-hydroxy-2-benzimidazolecarbamate (5-HBC) and 2-aminobenzimidazole (2-AB) were formed very rapidly. Their peak concentrations in liver and kidney were 15 min after i.v. injection. Unchanged carbendazim was found in highest concentrations in blood. 5-HBC prevails in organs. 2-AB was present only in minor amounts. The extent of bioavailability in orally administered 14C-carbendazim (12 mg/kg) was about 85%. The disposition of radioactivity in subcellular fractions was not uniform, its highest concentration was in cytosol, the lowest in microsomes. The elimination of 14C-carbendazim in urine is biphasic. Half-lives of the alpha-phase were 1.4 h (i.v.) and 2.5 h (oral), and of the beta-phase 11.2 h and 12.1 h, respectively. Irrespective of the route of administration, 95% of the radioactivity in urine was composed of 5-HBC. The concentration of unchanged carbendazim in blood and of 5-HBC in urine may be of diagnostic value in acute poisoning with carbendazim.

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of pulmonary metabolites of Leu- and Met-enkephalins in isolated perfused rat lung.

A high-performance liquid radiochromatographic analytical system has been developed which allows the determination of [3H]Leuenkephalin, [3H]Met-enkephalin and their potential metabolites [3H]TyrGlyGlyPhe, [3H]TyrGlyGly, [3H]TyrGly and [3H]tyrosine. Using this procedure, the biotransformation of each of the above enkephalins after 20 min of recirculating transit through isolated perfused rat lungs resulted in the formation of two major metabolites: tyrosine and TyrGlyGly in each case. The results indicate that significant metabolism of enkephalins may occur in the pulmonary circulation.

Pulmonary metabolism of exogenous enkephalins in isolated perfused rat lungs.

Metabolism of enkephalins during transit through the pulmonary circulation may be of significance in regulating systemic levels of these opioids. To determine whether Leu- and Met-enkephalin are metabolized by the pulmonary circulation, [3H]Tyr-Leu-enkephalin (10 microM) or [3H]Tyr-Met-enkephalin (10 microM) were each administered to isolated rat lungs perfused in a recirculating manner with a physiologic salt solution and a recently developed high-performance liquid radiochromatographic analytical method was used to identify and quantitate metabolites in the perfusion medium. Both Leu- and Met-enkephalin were metabolized in a curvilinear, time-dependent manner. The principal metabolites were identified as tyrosine and Tyr-Gly-Gly. Neither Tyr-Gly nor Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe were detected in significant amounts. After a 20-min perfusion, residual Leu- or Met-enkephalin accounted for 28.4 and 21.5%, respectively, of the radioactivity present in the perfusate. In addition, 97% of the initial radioactivity for both Leu- and Met-enkephalin were found in the perfusion medium, indicating that neither the parent compounds nor metabolites were avidly sequestered in pulmonary tissue. The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril (18 microM) blocked the formation of Tyr-Gly-Gly and attenuated slightly the production of tyrosine. Inhibition of aminopeptidase with bestatin (116 microM) blocked the formation of tyrosine and enhanced production of Tyr-Gly-Gly. Inhibition of enkephalinase with thiorphan (0.3 microM) did not appear to affect Met-enkephalin metabolism. These observations indicate that in isolated, buffer perfused rat lungs Leu- and Met-enkephalin are metabolized during pulmonary transit by at least two enzymes, angiotensin converting enzyme and aminopeptidase.

[Determination of aldrin, dieldrin and endrin in the air by gas chromatography]. / Oznaczanie aldrinu, dieldrinu i endrinu w powietrzu metoda chromatografii gazowej.

A gas chromatographic method of determination of aldrin, dieldrin and endrin in air has been developed. The method involves trapping in ethylene glycol, extraction with hexane and determination by electron capture gas chromatography on a Gas Chrom Q column coated with 15% QF-1/10% DC-200. The determinability of the method amounts to 0,0015-0,003 mg/m3.

The fate of propoxur in rat.

The dynamics of absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion of propoxur in rat was studied. The animals were given single doses of propoxur: a) 5 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.), b) 5 mg/kg 14-C labelled compound (1.5 muCi) intravenously, c) 50 mg/kg orally. The concentrations of propoxur and its metabolite 2-isopropoxyphenol were determined in blood, liver, kidneys, brain and urine. Pharmacokinetic data concerning absorption, distribution and excretion were calculated.