Activation of blood platelets in workers exposed to organic solvents

J Occup Med. 1992 Jul;34(7):687-92.

Abstract

Organic solvents probably exert their clinical effects through distortion of cellular membrane structure and function. Blood platelets represent an easily available membrane system. This study describes an evaluation of mean platelet volume (MPV) and total platelet count (TPC) in a group of workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents in paint factories. We have found a correlation between decreased MPV and present exposure. The reduction was reversed within an exposure-free interval of 3 weeks. The intracellular adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio was significantly increased in exposed workers, compatible with dense granule secretion. A quantitative study of the phosphoinositide cycle in the platelets revealed an increased concentration of the phosphatidic acid, indicating an increased turnover. These findings are consistent with a solvent-induced activation of circulating platelets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Diphosphate / blood
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / blood
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / blood
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Paint / adverse effects*
  • Platelet Activation / drug effects*
  • Platelet Activation / physiology
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects
  • Platelet Aggregation / physiology
  • Platelet Count / drug effects
  • Solvents / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Adenosine Diphosphate
  • Adenosine Triphosphate