Sister chromatid exchange and chromosomal breakage in pentachlorophenol (PCP) exposed workers.

A cytogenetic study was performed on 20 healthy workers exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) in concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 180 micrograms/m3 (Maximum Concentration at the workplace is 500 micrograms/m3) for 3 to 34 years. PCP was determined in the blood plasma of all probands, yielding concentrations between 23 and 775 micrograms/l (Biological Tolerance Value is 1000 micrograms/l).

Platelet monoamine oxidase and erythrocyte catechol-o-methyltransferase activity in alcoholism and controlled abstinence.

This study substantiates previous reports that low platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity is associated with alcoholism. Catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) activity in erythrocytes of alcoholics did not differ from that of controls. In 20 male alcoholics low platelet MAO activity was found during the first 3 days after hospitalization.

The effect of lithium, imipramine and chlorpromazine on the membrane bound enzyme phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase.

The activity of phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase (PMT) in disrupted human erythrocytes and ghost cells was inhibited by lithium (Li+), imipramine and chlorpromazine. There was no inhibitory effect of the drugs in concentrations similar to the average therapeutic blood levels. Li+ exerted an inhibition on PMT activity in hemolysates at concentrations 8 times the average therapeutic level whereas chlorpromazine and imipramine showed an inhibitory effect on PMT in hemolysates at 10(3) fold their respective therapeutic serum level.