Liver Damage after Coal-tar Treatment does not Prevent Induction of Glutathione S-Transferases in Rat Liver

Abstract

Glutathione S-transferases are known to be susceptible to inactivation by covalent binding of reactive compounds (Jakoby and Keen 1977). When this suicide reaction occurs upon exposure of humans to reactive compounds or their precursors a diminution of GST activity in the erythrocytes and the various organs in the exposed persons is to be expected (Ansari et al 1987). In fact a decrease in GST activity was found in blood of persons exposed to hot rubber fumes (Kilpikari and Savolainen 1984). It is to be expected that an overall reduction of GST activity will limit the formation of thioethers after exposure to electrophilic compounds. Therefore, decreases in thioether excretion after prolonged work with asphalt (Lafuente and Mallol 1987) or after heavy treatment with coal-tar containing ointment (Bos and Jongeneelen 1988) also point to decreases in GST activity. The object of this study was to verify whether coal-tar treatment indeed lowers the GST activity.

Financial support was given by the General Directorate of Labour, Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs