[Effect of short-term exposure to ash from electric power plants on histochemical reactions of succinate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase in the lungs of experimental animals].

Histochemical studies of the activity of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the pulmonary tissue of experimental animals which were given four coal ashes issued from different thermal-electric power stations: group VII--from the thermal-electric power station Siekierki (Warsaw), group VIII--from Wrocław, group IX--from Leg (Cracow) and group XI--from Lódź, were carried out. In particular ash samples the content of trace elements and free silica was determined. The studies yield the following conclusions: 1. The activity of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) was changed in the respiratory tract and pulmonary alveoli as a result of the electroenergetic ashes applied. 2. Changes in cytoenzymatic reactions of SDH and LDH vary with the type of ash applied. The greatest changes were found in group XI where the ashes contained almost doubled amount of such elements as Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu. 3. SDH exhibited a greater sensitivity to the effects of electroenergetic ashes, as compared to LDH. 4. Changes in the activity of the test SDH and LDH enzymes indicate disorders in oxydoreductory processes of cells.