Dysenzymia induced by hexavalent chromium in rat liver.

The alterations in the distribution and activity of certain key enzymes, viz. alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, cholinesterase and lipase, have been determined in the liver of rats (Rattus rattus albino) after experimental poisoning with hexavalent chromium. The histochemical and biochemical observations presented herewith provide visual evidence of chromium-induced inhibition of all these enzymes except lipase, which was found to be stimulated insignificantly. The results have been interpreted in terms of changes in the micro-environment of the cell, formation of apo-enzymes, metal-protein complexes, oxidative phosphorylation and finally with liver function.