EFFECT OF CADMIUM UPON ACTIVITY OF SOME SELECTED MARKER ENZYMES IN RAT-LIVER

The aim of this paper was to determine the activity of some selected enzymes i.e. ATP-ase Mg++ dependent, AcP, esterase and SDH in rat liver after intragastric administration of cadmium chloride. The investigations were performed on 40 male rats which made up one control group and two experimental groups. The rats of the first experimental group were given a single dose of cadmium chloride solution at a concentration of 0.5 mg CdCl2/kg body weight, whereas the second experimental group received a double dose given in the same way i.e. 1.0 mg CdCl2/kg body weight. Measurements of the activity of enzymatic reactions were made by means of analysis of optical surface density using the image computer analyzer, whereas the degree of metal accumulation was estimated with atom absorption spectrophotometry. The obtained results indicated that the activity of SDH and esterase following cadmium chloride administration in both experimental groups was decreased as compared to controls. It was also found that the decrease was statistically significant. A similar decrease of reaction activity to AcP and ATP-ase Mg++ dependent was seen in the first experimental group and showed an insignificant increase of activity of both investigated enzymes. These results were not statistically significant.