The effects of copper, zinc, mercury, and cadmium on rabbit erythrocytic porphobilinogen synthase in vivo

Abstract

The interactions of Zn2+, Hg2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ with normal and lead-intoxicated rabbit erythrocytic porphobilinogen synthase (PBG-S) were studied in vivo. The results obtained show that each divalent ion has a characteristic effect on the pH-activity relationship of PBG-S. The effects for a given ion were both pH and concentration dependent and were similar to those obtained in vitro. Lead was found to be the most potent effector in vivo. © 1990 Oxford University Press.