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
- 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), Vol. 20:5; ISSN 0271-3586
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
SENSITIVITY
COPPER
TOXICITY
LEAD
ZINC
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
METALLURGY
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
TIN
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology