Summary
In two non-related patients suffering from acute lead intoxication a persistent decrease in red cell δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (synonym: porphobilinogen synthase) activity of 30%–60% of controls was noted after treatment and normalisation of lead levels and heme precursors in urine and blood. An inherited enzyme deficiency was suggested and confirmed by a subnormal activity in the mothers of both patients. These four persons are considered as heterozygotes with an increased sensitivity to lead exposure.
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Doss, M., Baumann, H., Lorrek, M. et al. Lead poisoning as a toxogenetic disease. Klin Wochenschr 62, 430–431 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01742302
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01742302