Neurobehavioral, autonomic nervous function and lymphocyte subsets among aluminum electrolytic workers

The purpose of our study is to determine the alteration of neurobehavioral parameters, autonomic nervous function and lymphocyte subsets in aluminum electrolytic workers of long-term aluminum exposure. Thirtythree men who were 35.16 +/- 2.95 (mean +/- S.D) years old occupationally exposed to aluminum for 14.91 +/- 6.31 (mean +/- S.D) years. Air Al level and urinary aluminum concentration were measured by means of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Normal reference groups were selected from a flour plant. Neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB) recommended by WHO was utilized. Autonomic nervous function test battery recommended by Ewing DJ was conducted on subjects. FAC SCAN was used to measure the lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood. The mean air aluminum level in the workshop was 6.36 mg/m(3), ranged from 2.90 to 11.38 mg/m(3). Urinary aluminum of the Al electrolytic workers (40.08 +/- 9.36 microgram/mg.cre) was obviously higher than that of control group (26.84 +/- 8.93m/mg.cre). Neurobehavioral results showed that the scores of DSY, PAC and PA in Al electrolytic workers were significantly lower than those of control group, The scores of POMSC, POMSF and SRT among Al exposed workers were significantly augmented in relation to those of control group. The scores of SRT and SRTF were obviously decreased in Al exposed group compared to control group. Autonomic nervous function test results showed that R-R interval variability of max:min ratio of immediately standing up in Al electrolytic workers were decreased compare with the control group, while the BP-IS, HR-V, HR-DB, R-30:15 had no significant change. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets test showed that CD4(-)CD8(+) T lymphocyte in Al electrolytic workers increased. This study suggests that Al exposure exerts adverse effects on neurobehavioral performance, especially movement coordination and negative mood, and parasympathetic nervous function; moreover it increase CD4(-)CD8(+) T lymphocyte subsets.