Neuroimmunotoxic Effects of Occupational Exposure to Lead and Mercury

Occupational exposure to lead and mercury continues to pose a threat to workers, making early detection of their neurotoxic effects a pressing concern. The levels of sera autoantibodies to nervous system proteins can be of good value in this purpose. This study was carried out to detect subclinical neurotoxicity caused by occupational exposure to lead (n = 27) and mercury (n = 24) using blood levels autoantibodies against neural proteins. The auto- antibodies used were the IgG and IgM types of anti-NF68, anti- NF160, anti-NF200, anti-MBP and anti-GFAP. Compared to the controls (n = 30), both exposed groups showed higher percentage of positive titers for anti-NF68 (IgG), anti-NF200 (IgM), anti-GFAP (IgG, IgM) and anti-MBP (IgM). Higher median values were obtained for anti-NF200 (IgG, IgM), anti-GFAP (IgM) and anti-MBP (IgM). Anti-NF160 was not affected by exposure. Determination of sera neuroantibodies levels is recommended in the biological monitoring of lead and mercury exposure.