[Effects of chromium and benzene on cell immunological parameters and the content of trace elements in rats]

The effects of potassium bichromate, benzene, and their mixture on cell immunological parameters and the blood content of trace elements were studied in Wistar rats. Oral administration of benzene, potassium bichromate, and their mixture to Wistar rats was found to result in reductions in cell immunological parameters (the count of leukocytes, thymocytes, splenocytes, myelokaryocytes, the level of phagocytic indices) and the levels of copper, iron, nickel, and, on the contrary, increases in the concentrations of zinc and chromium in blood.