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Antipyrine and metronidazole metabolism during occupational exposure to gasoline

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Summary

Antipyrine and metronidazole clearance was measured in 18 fuel-filling attendants by the single-sample method while the attendants were being exposed occupationally to gasoline; the measurements were repeated after 2–4 weeks with no exposure. Eighteen office workers were investigated simultaneously. The median concentration of gasoline in the breathing zone of the fuel-filling attendants during filling and cleaning operations was 270mgm−3 (range 18–1758mgm−3). Antipyrine clearance was 18% higher during exposure to gasoline than after 2–4 weeks of vacation (P<0.01), while antipyrine clearance was unchanged in the office workers. No change was found in metronidazole clearance in either group. Antipyrine clearance was on average 26% higher in the smokers than in the nonsmokers (P<0.05), while metronidazole clearance was similar in smokers and nonsmokers. We conclude that gasoline is an inducer of antipyrine elimination, with no impact on metronidazole elimination. This indicates that gasoline has a differential inducing effect on the hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes of man.

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Døssing, M., Loft, S., Sonne, J. et al. Antipyrine and metronidazole metabolism during occupational exposure to gasoline. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 60, 115–118 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00381491

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00381491

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