Experimental studies on the role of protein nutrition in benzene poisoning of mice

Two experiments were performed to clarify whether or not the content of casein in the diet changes the susceptibility to benzene in mice. As the indicators for anlysis, the number of leucocyte, hemoglobin content, weights of the thymus, spleen, liver and kidney, and body weight were determined after the repeated subcutaneous injection of benzene with varied doses. Low content of casein in the diet (5%) was proved to decrease the body weight, and the weights of some organs and the administration of benzene decreased the number of leucocyte and weights of the thymus and spleen. Though the influences of benzene administration and of content of casein were certainly addititive on some indicators, such as the weights of thymus and spleen, no significant synergistic influence was observed in all the indicators. Conclusively, it was assumed that there might be the least possibility in increasing of the susceptibility to benzene by the low content of casein in the diet.