Study on the influence of L-lysine and zinc administration during exposure to lead and ethanol in rats

Influence of lysine and zinc administration on lead-sensitive biochemical parameters and the accumulation of lead during exposure to lead were investigated in rats. The lead exposure inhibited blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase (δ-ALAD) activity, increased blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA), serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum pyruvic transaminase (ALT), blood and tissue lead level, and decreased blood and hepatic glutathione (GSH) contents. The simultaneous administration of lysine and zinc reduced tissue accumulation of lead and most of the lead-induced biochemical alterations. The depletion of endogenous calcium and magnesium owing to lead was also prevented by co-administration of lysine and zinc.