[Effect of the combined action of sodium nitrite and fenitrothion on certain biochemical parameters in rat blood].

The aim of the study was explaining of the combined action of low doses of sodium nitrite and fenitrothion on certain biochemical parameters in rat blood. The experiment was carried out on male adult Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 4 experimental groups: group I receiving 10 mg/kg of sodium nitrite, group II--2.5 mg/kg of fenitrothion (Owadofos), group III received a mixture of both these doses, group IV served as control. The preparations were given intragastrically through a tube for 90 days. After that time 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid, vitamin E, SH groups in protein and non-protein compounds in erythrocytes, methaemoglobin and basic haematological parameters, as well as the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and choline esterase were determined. Sodium nitrite decreased the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and vitamin E, with an increase of the activity of superoxide dismutase and protein SH groups and methaemoglobin level. fenitrothion caused similar changes as sodium nitrite and decreased the activity of choline esterase and the level of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid. No synergistic action of these compounds was noted. The level of non-protein SH groups was decreased. It seems that determination of the level of non-protein sulphohydryl groups may be one of the indicators of poisoning with sodium nitrite combined with phenitrotione.