Inhibition of heme synthase in brain and liver by low-level peroral sulfite exposure

Male rats given water which contained Na2SO3 0.9 g/l over 1-10 wks ingested a total dose of 41 mmol SO3 per kg body wt. Brain glutathione was above the control at the 1st week and below control at 10 wks. Brain RNA content was below control at the same time. Brain and liver heme synthase were below the control after 7 wks. Although clear effect on the heme synthesis was noted lipid peroxidation could also explain the neurochemical findings.