[Inhibitory effect of environmental pollutants on erythrocyte membrane ATPase activity in humans]

In the inhabitants of Chorzów, the most polluted town in the Upper Silesia, who showed increased urine fluoride excretion and elevated blood lead concentrations, the studies on erythrocyte membrane ATPase activities have been undertaken. The investigations showed the decrease in (Na,K)ATPase activity by about 70% in comparison with the average norm in 85% of workers of the Nitrogen Chemical Plant and the Slaughterhouse (groups A and M) and by about 50% in 65% of workers of the Steelworks (group S). The decrease in Mg-ATPase activity was smaller, by about 40% in 70% persons in groups A and M, and only by 20% in comparison with the control activity in 40% persons in group S. The correlation between the decrease in (Na,K)ATPase activity in vivo and the increase in urine fluoride excretion was demonstrated. Although the possibility of lead influence on this enzyme in vivo cannot be excluded, the correlation between the changes in ATPase activity and blood lead concentration was not found.