[The impact of lead ions on metabolism of erythrocytes].

Lead contamination of the environment constitutes one of the major ecological problems. The determination of blood lead concentration is essential for evaluating lead exposure. Lead ions result in changes in the activity of numerous enzymes, disturb metabolic pathways of cells (inhibition of glycolysis), and inhibit synthesis of haem and globin. However, the activity of lead via pathological formation of free radicals is thought to be one of the most important molecular mechanisms of lead toxicity. Based on available literature, the issues concerning the effect of lead on metabolism of erythrocytes is discussed in this paper.