Involvement of iron and free radicals in benzene toxicity

The 59Fe distribution after a single i.v. injection of 59Fe citrate in rats exposed to benzene was studied in circulating erythrocytes and organs up to period of 1 hr to 14 days. The iron content was significantly higher in bone marrow and liver compared to a control group of animals. A few cells with hemosiderin granules were observed in the benzene-administered group. Benzene increased lipid peroxidation in the liver and bone marrow and iron accelerated it further. Superoxide dismutase activities measured in terms of epinephrine auto-oxidation, an indirect measure of superoxide anion generation was enhanced in the benzene-treated groups. The data suggest the involvement of oxygen activation in benzene toxicity.