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Über die Beeinflussung des Tryptophan-Stoffwechsels durch Blei

The influence of lead upon the tryptophan metabolism

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Summary

Some authors have described changes in the tryptophan metabolism following lead exposure as an elevation or decrease of urinary 5-hydroxy-indolacetic acid (5-HIAA) excretion. In a comparison of 5-HIAA values in urine from workers with a relatively high blood level of lead and normal subjects we could not confirm any significant differences. — We would explain the increased excretion levels of 5-HIAA found by others as secondary to disturbances in heme synthesis caused by lead. Decreased induction and activation of the heme enzyme tryptophan-pyrrolase (EC: 1.13.1.12) may be the underlying metabolic disorder of tryptophan metabolism. — In consideration of the numerous factors which influence the 5-HIAA excretion, we do not think that it could be an important criterion for the diagnosis of lead exposure. — It is discussed if elevations of endogenous serotonin possibly produce symptoms of lead poisoning.

Zusammenfassung

Veränderungen im Tryptophan-Stoffwechsel als Folge einer Bleiexposition manifestieren sich nach Auffassung einiger Autoren als vermehrte oder verminderte Ausscheidung der 5-Hydroxyindolessigsäure (5-HIAA) im Urin. In einer Studie über die 5-HIAA-Exkretion von 24 bleibelasteten Arbeitern mit einem relativ hohen Blutbleispiegel konnten wir keine signifikanten Unterschiede zu einem Normalkollektiv feststellen. — Die gesteigerten Ausscheidungswerte der 5-HIAA, von denen andere berichteten, betrachten wir als Folgeerscheinung einer durch Blei gestörten Hämsynthese. Diese vermindert vermutlich die Induktion und Aktivierung der hämhaltigen Tryptophan-Pyrrolase (EC: 1.13.1.12). — Wegen der zahlreichen Faktoren, die die 5-HIAA-Exkretion beeinflussen, halten wir sie als diagnostisches Kriterium einer Bleibelastung für ungeeignet. — Die Möglichkeit der Erklärung einiger Symptome der Bleivergiftung durch Erhöhung des endogenen Serotonins wird diskutiert.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Arbeits und Sozialmedizin und Poliklinik für Berufskrankheiten der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

    R. Schiele, K. -H. Schaller & H. Valentin

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  1. R. Schiele
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  2. K. -H. Schaller
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  3. H. Valentin
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Mit Unterstützung des Bundesministeriums des Inneren.

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Schiele, R., Schaller, K.H. & Valentin, H. Über die Beeinflussung des Tryptophan-Stoffwechsels durch Blei. Klin Wochenschr 52, 401–404 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01468442

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01468442

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