Lung and blood superoxide dismutase activity in mercury vapor exposed rats: effect of N-acetylcysteine treatment.
Toxicology
; 66(3): 289-95, 1991 Mar 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-2011853
ABSTRACT
Rats were exposed to mercury vapors (30 mg/m3) for either 1 or 2 h. Histological lesions like alveolar oedema, hyaline membranes and sometimes fibrosis were observed. The lesions were more significant after 2 h of exposure, with about 50% of the animals dying within 2 weeks. The mercury level and the superoxide dismutase activity in the blood and the lungs demonstrated differences according to the time of exposure. In the animals exposed for 2 h to mercury vapors, N-acetylcysteine treatment increased survival time and the percentage of living animals. The lung superoxide dismutase was lower than in the non-treated animals indicating an antioxidant effect. Mercury levels were decreased in blood and lung, suggesting some chelating effect of N-acetylcysteine. The exact mechanism of its action must be further elucidated.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Acetilcisteína
/
Superóxido Dismutase
/
Pulmão
/
Mercúrio
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
1991
Tipo de documento:
Article