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Autonomic and peripheral nervous system dysfunction in workers exposed to mixed organic solvents
K Murata1, S Araki, K Yokoyama
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Organic solvents may impair nerve function. Solvent-exposed workers showed reduced autonomic nervous system activity and slower nerve conduction velocities, particularly affecting parasympathetic function and faster myelinated fibers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Occupational exposure to organic solvents is widespread.
- Potential neurotoxic effects of solvents on the nervous system require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate solvent-induced dysfunction in autonomic and peripheral nervous systems.
- To identify specific nervous system components affected by occupational solvent exposure.
Main Methods:
- Examined 11 solvent-exposed workers and 11 controls.
- Utilized electrocardiographic R-R interval variation (CVRR) and nerve conduction velocity distribution (DCV).
- Assessed parasympathetic (C-CVRSA) and sympathetic (C-CVMWSA) activities.
Main Results:
- Solvent-exposed workers exhibited significantly reduced CVRR and C-CVRSA (parasympathetic activity).
- Faster nerve conduction velocities in DCV and median nerves were significantly slowed.
- Reduced CVRR correlated significantly with exposure duration.
Conclusions:
- Organic solvents may negatively impact autonomic nervous system function, primarily parasympathetic activity.
- Exposure to organic solvents can lead to dysfunction in faster myelinated nerve fibers.
- Findings suggest a need for stricter solvent exposure controls in occupational settings.