title: [Modification of metabolism and toxicity of benzene by ethanol in pregnant rats].
abstract: In last decade it was suggested that the metabolism and toxicity of some xenobiotics may be modified by several compounds that alter the activities of microsomal oxidative and conjugating enzymes. In present study the effect of ethanol on benzene metabolism and benzene-induced hemotoxicity in pregnant rats was investigated. Pregnant female Wistar rats were exposed to benzene vapors for 6 hr/day from Days 8 through 15 of gestation at concentrations of 1500 and 3000 mg/m3 or combination ethanol and benzene at the same concentrations. Ethanol was administered intragastrically at a dose of 2.5 g/kg directly before exposure to benzene or 18 hrs before. An air-exposed or ethanol treated control rats were also studied. Before, during and after exposure blood samples for leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were obtained and urine for free phenol and conjugated phenol determinations was collected. Exposure to benzene alone decreased the maternal body weight and reduced leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood. Ethanol administered directly before exposure to benzene in principle had no effect on the metabolism and toxicity of benzene. It reduced the conversion of benzene to free and conjugated phenol, and protected animals from reduction of body weight and lymphopenia when was given 18 hrs before. Obtained results indicate that the early phases of benzene metabolism and its toxicity may be modified by ethanol.
authors.affiliation: Zakładu Biochemii Toksykologicznej, Katedry Toksykologii Akademii Medycznej im. M. Kopernika, Krakowie.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Starek
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dobrzańska-Tatarczuch
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lepiarz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001554:Benzene / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000633:toxicity*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D001554:Benzene
vernacular_title: Modyfikacja metabolizmu i toksyczności benzenu przez etanol u ciezarnych szczurów.