Open AccessEffect of occupational exposure to organophosphorus insecticides on neuromuscular function.
Author(s) -
Erik Stålberg,
P Hilton-Brown,
B Kolmodin-Hedman,
Bo Holmstedt,
KlasBertil Augustinsson
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of work, environment and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.621
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1795-990X
pISSN - 0355-3140
DOI - 10.5271/sjweh.2709
Subject(s) - cholinesterase , subclinical infection , malathion , diazinon , electromyography , nerve conduction velocity , medicine , stimulation , endocrinology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , biology , pesticide , agronomy
Neurophysiological investigations and determinations of cholinesterase activity on plasma and erythrocytes were carried out on 11 Swedish spraymen exposed to bromophos, diazinon, dursbane, and malathion. Plasma cholinesterase activity was significantly reduced after work, while erythrocyte cholinesterase activity was unchanged. In none of the workers with a decreased plasma cholinesterase activity after work could any related acute neuromuscular disturbance be detected when the men were tested with repetitive nerve stimulation and with single fiber electromyography. Signs of subclinical neuropathy were present as a slight reduction in sensory conduction velocity and increased fiber density in some workers.