Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in workers exposed to lead, zinc, and copper in relation to peripheral nerve conduction: a study of R-R interval variability

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · American Journal of Industrial Medicine; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.4700200509· OSTI ID:5364267

Murata, K; Araki, S ^[1]

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1. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, (Japan)

Quantitative assessment of the autonomic neurotoxicity due to lead was undertaken by measuring variability in the electrocardiographic R-R interval (CVRR) in 16 male workers exposed to lead, zinc, copper, and tin and in 16 unexposed control subjects. Two component coefficients of variation in the R-R interval, the C-CVRSA (respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and C-CVMWSA (Mayer wave related sinus arrhythmia), were examined; these indices are considered to reflect parasympathetic and sympathetic activities, respectively. Maximal motor and sensory conduction velocities (MCV and SCV) in the median nerve were also measured. In the 16 exposed workers, blood lead concentrations ranged from 16 to 60 (mean 34) micrograms/dl. The CVRR and C-CVRSA were found to be significantly reduced in the workers with elevated lead, zinc, and copper absorption as compared to unexposed control subjects; also, the MCV and SCV were significantly slowed. The C-CVMWSA was not significantly reduced, and was positively related to plasma zinc concentrations. No significant relationships were found between indicators of lead and copper absorption and these electrophysiological measurements. These data suggest that subclinical toxicity of lead occurs in the parasympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system as well as in the peripheral nerves. Zinc may antagonize the autonomic nervous dysfunction caused by lead.

• OSTI ID: 5364267
• Journal Information: American Journal of Industrial Medicine; (United States), Journal Name: American Journal of Industrial Medicine; (United States) Vol. 20:5; ISSN 0271-3586; ISSN AJIMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
COPPER
DISEASES
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
ELEMENTS
LEAD
METALLURGY
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
SENSITIVITY
TIN
TOXICITY
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
ZINC