Pilot study of peripheral markers of catecholaminergic systems among workers occupationally exposed to toluene

In a pilot study, serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), platelets monoamine oxidase type B (MAO B) activities and basal plasma prolactin (PRL) were measured, among 10 workers occupationally exposed to toluene and 10 control subjects, preceding and immediately following vacation. Six exposed subjects were employed in an adhesive tape making industry and 4 in a paint making industry. Their median basal levels of urinary hippuric acid were 0.44 mmole/mmole creatinine (cr) (range 0.23-1.97) and 0.18 mmole/mmole cr (range 0.15-0.19) respectively, the second to last morning of the work week, preceding vacation. The level of basal urinary hippuric acid among the control group was 0.26 mmole/mmole cr (range 0.03-0.38). The workers from the adhesive tape plant reported a significantly higher number of symptoms experienced frequently (Kruskal, Wallis, p < 0.05). On a group basis, serum DBH was lowest among the workers from the adhesive tape plant, who had the highest levels of basal urinary hippuric acid. In addition, a negative relation was observed between hippuric acid and serum DBH, preceding and following vacation (Rho = -0.46, p = 0.05; Rho = -0.51, p = 0.03). The observed changes in serum DBH activity are consistent with its decrease in human, following long-term exposure to styrene, another aromatic hydrocarbon. The findings of this pilot study, on a limited number of individuals suggest that DBH may be a sensitive peripheral bioindicator. Further studies of larger groups should be done to confirm the decrease in serum DBH activity with toluene exposure and explore whether this alteration is related to the neurotoxic impairments associated with exposure.