The effect of zinc on the toxic action of lead after administration of ethanol to rats.

The aim of this paper was to investigate if zinc may counteract toxic symptoms of poisoning with lead and ethanol in rats, reflected by some biochemical changes in the blood. Wistar rats received lead in drinking water (500 micrograms/ml) for 6 weeks, followed by zinc (240 micrograms/ml) for 2 weeks. During the last 108 h of the experiments the rats received every 12 h an intragastric dose of 5 g/kg of ethanol. In rats receiving zinc together with ethanol the blood levels of zinc, iron and transferrin saturation index were depressed and the latent iron binding capacity and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity were elevated. Zinc protected rats against the action of lead on the following hematologic parameters: hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, iron concentration, latent iron binding capacity and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in the blood. Ethanol administration counteracts the protective effect of zinc on iron concentration and total iron binding capacity, while the favorable action of zinc is maintained in respect of hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and transferrin saturation index.