Gamma-glutamyl transferase: a sensitive marker in experimental hexachlorobenzene intoxication

The behaviour of gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) in rat liver, serum and intestinal mucosa under the effect of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was studied. The investigation was carried out in order to evaluate gamma-GT as a biological parameter in experimental HCG porphyria. HCB was administered by gavage at daily doses of 3.5 mmol/kg body wt for 60 days or 90 days. gamma-GT in liver homogenate progressively increased during the treatment. Following a 60-day exposure the enzymatic activity exceeded the values of the controls by more than 60 times. The rise of serum gamma-GT was more moderately expressed (5--6-fold). gamma-GT in jejunal mucosa was elevated 2-fold after a 90-day treatment. The termination of the daily intoxication reduced back to normal values the enzymatic activity in liver and in intestine as measured after 60 days from the cessation of HCB application. It can be pointed out, that gamma-GT is a sensitive and valuable marker for experimental HCB intoxication.