Changes of the Serum Superoxide Dismutase Content in Gramoxone Poisoned Patients, Measured by Anti-SOD Monoclonal Antibody

Abstract

Induced free radicals play an important role in the toxicity of the herbicide Gramoxone. The protection of the organism is based on the capacity and activation of scavengers including superoxide dismutase (SOD, E.C. 1.15.1.1.). Changes of serum SOD content of 14 accidental and suicidial Gramoxone poisoned patients were investigated. The immunoserological method (ELISA technique) with monoclonal anti-SOD antibody (elaborated by Németh et al. 1983) was used for the measurement of SOD content in the sera. In healthy individuals, the SOD levels were 20–30 µg/ml; this was significantly decreased (< 10 µg/ml) in cases of lethal Gramoxone poisoning. Better clinical courses were detected if the SOD levels were normal or slightly elevated. Extremely increased levels (> 100 µg/ml) were measured several times in the terminal state which was the consequence of liver cell necrosis and intravascular hemolysis. Immunoserological measurement by anti-SOD monoclonal antibody has provided a useful reference for the prediction of clinical prognosis in Gramoxone poisoning.