Intestinal-type alkaline phosphatase in urine as an indicator of mercury induced effects on the S3 segment of the proximal tubule.

Intestinal-type alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is a specific and sensitive marker for alterations of the S3 segment of the human proximal tubule, the preferred part for several nephrotoxins. We studied IAP and other renal parameters in mercury-exposed workers and their controls. IAP excretion is clearly increased in the exposed workers, compared to other parameters, indicating that the determination of this enzyme can be a useful screening test of renal effects in occupational mercury exposure.