Glycosidase activities in sera from convalescent patients who ingested a toxic oil

Some glycosidase activities have been determined in blood sera from 21 patients who ingested a toxic oil (rapeseed oil denatured with aniline(s) and treated by a thermal process). The samples were collected from the same patients on 3 or 4 occasions during a period of 11-12 mth. During this period, the clinical state of the patients improved and, generally, they were restored to health. beta-N-Acetylglucosaminidase, alpha-L-fucosidase, beta-D-glucuronidase, beta-D-glucosidase and alpha-D-mannosidase activities, which were higher in patients than in 17 controls during the first mth decreased to normal values in the period studied, 11-12 mth. In contrast, beta-D-galactosidase, alpha-D-galactosidase and alpha-D-glucosidase activities, which were initially lower in patients than in controls, were finally similar or higher than in controls. One explanation for these results could be the possible alteration of the cell membrane(s) by the toxic substance(s).