Loss of postural reflexes in long-term occupational solvent exposure

Inhalation of organic solvents has long been known to damage various nervous systems, including cerebellum, brainstem, and pyramidal tract. However, little is known about the damage of the dopaminergic system. We report two patients with occupational long-term solvent exposure who developed postural instability without other features of parkinsonism. The concentration of HVA in CSF was decreased and the retropulsion was dramatically improved after the administration of levodopa. These findings indicate that the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons were disturbed by chronic solvent exposure, resulting in the loss of postural reflexes.