[Sex difference of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) level. III. Effect of estradiol on porphyrin metabolism, especially in FEP, in lead poisoned rats]

Abstract

An experimental study of sex hormone on FEP level in rats was conducted to clarify sex difference of FEP level. A total of 42 male Donryu rats were divided into 7 groups; group I (control 1; olive oil injection without castration), group II (control 2; olive oil alone), group III (EL; estradiol in olive oil, 50 micrograms/kg.BW), group IV (EH; estradiol in olive oil, 250 micrograms/kg.BW), group II' (Pb; Pb 5 mg/kg.BW), group III' (PbEL; Pb 5 mg/kg.BW + estradiol in olive oil, 50 micrograms/kg.BW) and group IV' (PbEH; Pb 5 mg/kg.BW+estradiol in olive oil, 250 micrograms/kg.BW). Excluding group I, all rats of the 6 groups were castrated. After one week from castration, estradiol was subcutaneously injected 4 times a week, and lead was intraperitoneally injected once a week for 6 wk. Estradiol suppressed growth, Ht, Hb value and liver function, but did not show any evident effect on FEP, ALA-U and CP-U. Erythrocyte ALA-D activity in group IV' (Pb+estradiol at high dose) showed a level higher than that in group II' (Pb-treatment alone).