Neurotoxic studies in humans occupationally exposed to pesticides

ABSTRACT

Neurotoxic studies on a group of male workers exposed to pesticides included studies at the neurochemical level examining such targets as acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase and catecholamines levels. In addition, blood sugar and blood pressure were determined. Also, the exposure index that measures the relative levels of occupational exposure to pesticides was calculated. The results showed a significant increase in the level of blood adrenaline but no significant change in the noradrenaline level was observed. The activities of serum acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase were decreased. The systolic blood pressure was apparently increased in pesticide-exposed workers. The fasting blood sugar was significantly increased in exposed than in control persons. The exposure index indicated a high chronic exposure level