Epidemiological investigations and experimental model studies on exposure of pesticides

Authors carried on epidemiological examinations on plant protection workers to find early symptoms (biomarkers) of moderate contamination by pesticides. Measurement of changes in cholinesterase and gamma glutamyltransferase enzyme activity did not reveal that people were affected. Determination of chromosome abnormalities from peripheral lymphocytes disclosed numerical aberrations at an early stage and lasted after cessation of work for several months. There were differences in the results among different groups of plant protection workers, as well as among those working in open field or in glasshouses. Women, who carried out horticultural work in glasshouses after spraying showed some chromosome abnormalities too. Experimental rats treated chronically with organophosphates exhibited changes in spontaneous and evoked brain electrical activity (ECoG). Concerning the peripheral nervous activity, conduction velocity became slower, absolute and relative refractory periods became longer. These proved sensitive biomarkers too, which could be used in early detection of contamination.