The effect of certain heavy metals (Mn and Pb) on parameters of erythrocyte energy metabolism.

Two groups of workers without clinical manifestations of intoxications were examined in the study. Workers in Group One were occupationally exposed to manganese (Mn) and in Group Two - to lead (Pb). Erythrocyte concentrations of adenyl nucleotides (AMP, ADP and ATP) as well as that of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) were determined. The authors also calculated both ratios ADP/Pi and ATP/ADP, the energy charge and phosphorylation potential. The metabolic processes in the erythrocytes of workers exposed to heavy metals but without clinical manifestations were found to intensify and become more pronounced in workers occupationally exposed to lead. Erythrocytes from workers occupationally exposed to lead featured higher ratios of ATP/ADP.