Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity of erythrocytes and liver tissue in man: relationship to lead exposure.

Abstract

The delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity of erythrocytes and of liver tissue was studied in subjects not occupationally exposed to lead. A considerable heterogeneity in the levels of ALAD activity of erythrocytes and of blood lead was confirmed in this group of subjects, an expression of the varying degree of absorption of lead that occurs in each individual who is exposed through pollution of the atmosphere and food. In the group of subjects studied, there was a correlation between the values of erythrocyte ALAD activity and the values of ALAD activity of liver tissue.