Abstract
To elucidate the effect of low level lead (Pb) exposure on somatic and autonomic peripheral nerve functions in ceramic painters, 58 males and 70 females, aged 29-75 years (mean 53.3 years), with lead concentrations in blood (Pb-B) ranging from 2.1 to 69.5 micrograms/dl (geometric mean 13.3 micrograms/dl), were examined for median nerve maximal conduction velocity as a measure of motor nerve function, the coefficient of variation of R-R interval on electrocardiography as a measure of parasympathetic function, and postural changes in finger blood flow volume (delta FBF), and changes in finger blood flow drop velocity (FDV) from the supine to standing position as a measure of sympathetic function. No significant association was found between Pb-B levels and the results of the neurophysiological tests, however, except for that between Pb-B and delta FBF was decreased linearly with increasing Pb-B levels. However, this association could not be concluded to be a reflection of sympathetic nerve dysfunction due to Pb exposure in the subjects, since delta FBF was not a specific parameter of sympathetic nerve function. The possibility that the decrease in delta FBF is a reflection of the atherosclerotic effect of chronic low level Pb exposure should be further investigated.
Published Version
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