title: Involvement of iron and free radicals in benzene toxicity.
abstract: The 59Fe distribution after a single i.v. injection of 59Fe citrate in rats exposed to benzene was studied in circulating erythrocytes and organs up to period of 1 hr to 14 days. The iron content was significantly higher in bone marrow and liver compared to a control group of animals. A few cells with hemosiderin granules were observed in the benzene-administered group. Benzene increased lipid peroxidation in the liver and bone marrow and iron accelerated it further. Superoxide dismutase activities measured in terms of epinephrine auto-oxidation, an indirect measure of superoxide anion generation was enhanced in the benzene-treated groups. The data suggest the involvement of oxygen activation in benzene toxicity.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001554:Benzene / Q000633:toxicity*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D008054:Lipid Peroxides / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D008054:Lipid Peroxides; D013481:Superoxides; D007501:Iron; D001554:Benzene