PL
Po 90-dniowym narażeniu szczurów per os w odstępach dobowych, na pojedyncze i łączne działanie HgCl2 (1,4 mg/kg m.c.) i NaNO2 (30 mg/kg m.c.) określono w pełnej krwi poziom methemoglobiny, a w osoczu aktywność aminotransferazy asparaginianowej (AspAT); [E.C.2.6.1.1.], aminotransferazy alaninowej (AlAT); [E.C.2.6.1.2 ], gammaglutamylotransferazy (GGTP-azy); [E.C.2.3.2.1.] oraz stężenie kreatyniny i mocznika.
EN
The aim of this work was to check whether mercury and nitrites given to rats at doses causing methaemoglobinaemia disturb the normal function of liver and kidneys. Four groups of male Wistar rats received for 3 months: 1) distilled water (control), 2) sodium nitrite at 30 mg/kg b.w./day, 3) mercuric (II) chloride at 1.4 mg/kg b.w./day, 4) mercuric chloride and sodium nitrite in amounts as above. Methaemoglobin level was determined in the whole blood, while AspAT, AlAT and GGTP activities and creatinine and urea levels were determined in blood plasma. Our results indicate that both mercury and nitrite increase methaemoglobin level in the blood. With combined exposure to mercury and nitrite, the increase was less evident. Increased AspAT and AlAT activities were observed in the rats receiving mercury, suggesting a toxic effect on hepatocyte membranes. A similar effect was observed in the rats receiving, in combination, mercury and nitrite. Mercury increases serum urea level, indicating a toxic effect of mercury on the kidneys under conditions of subchronic exposure.