Effect of Carbon Tetrachloride Inhalation on Rat Serum Enzymes

Abstract

Following a single 4-hour exposure of male rats (150-200 g) to 1500 ppm of carbon tetrachloride vapor serum glutamic-oxaloacetic-transaminase (GOT) activity rose to 765% and serum xanthine oxidase to 265% of control levels. Serum esterase activity decreased to 54% of control levels. After a similar exposure to 1000 ppm of carbon tetrachloride vapor serum GOT increased to 288% and xanthine oxidase to 186% of control values. Serum esterase activity was not affected by this level of exposure. Following inhalation of 250 ppm of carbon tetrachloride vapor serum GOT activity increased to 163% of normal while serum xanthine oxidase and serum esterase activity were unaltered.