EN
Heavy metal cadmium (Cd) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and pyrene (P) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental pollutants. Human beings are constantly exposed to mixtures of these substances. Exposure to Cd may cause changes in critical organs kidneys and liver. B(a)P has an adverse effect on haemopoesis, digestive systems and on the liver. According to some data Cd, B(a)P and P may interact in all the metabolism phases of xenobiotics. The objective of our study was to investigate the combined effect of Cd, B(a)P and P on general toxicity of the organism of Wistar rats. Tests were conducted on the basis of the methodical recommendations: 407 and 408 of the OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. In the experiment, 176 male Wistar-line rats were employed. Four different dose levels were used: 0.1, 0.5, 1.92, 4.0 mg/kg for Cd; 0.00015, 0.0015, 33.3, 10.0 mg/kg for B(a)P and 0.00075, 0.0075, 90.0, 20.0 mg/kg for P and their 4 combinations. The complex of substances studied induced changes in the biochemical blood, urinalysis, hematological parameters which indicated renal and liver function damage and evoked leukopenia symptoms. Evaluating the complex of the substances by these parameters it was noted that the combined action of substances had three types: antagonistic - 56.9%, additive - 27.4% and unknown origin - 15.7%.