ANTIOXIDATIVE ENZYME IN THE LIVER OF RATS AFTER EXPOSURE TO XYLENE, TOLUENE AND METHYL-ALCOHOL SEPARATELY AND IN COMBINATION

Antioxidative enzymes viz: glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reducta se, catalase and aldehyde dehydrogenase were determined in the liver o f rats treated with three industrial solvents viz: xylene, toluene and methyl alcohol both separately and in combination. Inhibited activity of glutathione peroxidase suggests reduction of hydroperoxides to cor responding alcohols. However, activity of glutathione reductase increa sed so as to maintain the glutathione (GSH) reserves. Catalase protect ed the rats by counteracting the superoxide radicals. However, inhibit ion of aldehyde dehydrogenase is attributed to the decreased availabil ity of sulfahydryl groups. A trend to optimization of enzyme activitie s in the liver of co-treated rats suggests enhanced metabolism and exc retion of xylene and toluene in the presence of methyl alcohol.