Combined effect of nitrosodimethylamine and aniline on the enzyme systems of subcelluar structures

The authors studied combined effect of aniline (20 mg/kg for a period of 4 weeks in drinking water) and nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (30 mg/kg, a single intragastric dose) on the activity of enzymes of different subcellular structures: endoplasmic reticulum (cytochromes P450, B5, acetylesterase), mitochondria (malate dehydrogenase) and the content of N-acetylneuraminic acid in rat liver and of lysosomes (beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase). The combined action of NDMA and aniline was accompanied by more pronounced changes in the indices under investigation than isolated administration of the given chemical substances. The most pronounced aggravation of the unfavourable changes was observed in the activity of enzymes connected with the processes of oxidation and energy supply to the cell (malate dehydrogenase) and the metabolism of glucuronides (beta-glucuronidase) as well as in the content of N-acetylneuraminic acid. This may be connected with the modifying effect of aniline on the toxic effect of NDMA.