POSTLABELING ANALYSIS OF DNA-ADDUCTS IN WHITE BLOOD-CELLS FROM LEAD SMELTER WORKERS

We analyzed DNA adducts levels in white blood cells from 14 lead smelt er workers for the first time as an indicator of the effect of lead ex posure and compared with some lead exposure indices to evaluate whethe r lead exposure induces DNA adducts significantly. DNA adducts were me asured by the nuclease pi enhanced P-32-postlabeling method. As the le ad exposure indices, we chose blood lead (Pb-B), urinary delta-aminole vulinic acid (ALA) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), The levels of DNA adducts had a weak positive correlation with urinary ALA concentr ation (r = 0.62), but not significant correlation with Pb-B and FEP, T his result suggests that lead exposure might have the effect to remain DNA adducts. The inhibition of DNA repair system may be one reason. T his preliminary study need be followed by extended surveys on lead exp osure.