[Cytochemical and immunological examinations of workers exposed to the effects of organic solvents of paints and varnishes. I. Activity of beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. Glycogen content in lymphocytes].

In workers, aged 26--55, occupationally exposed for 80--118 months to organic solvents of paints and varnishes containing benzene, toluene and xylene, beta-glucuronidase (GR) and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (GZ activities were determined and glycogen content in peripheral blood lymphocytes was evaluated. In addition to lymphocytopenia, the number of lymphocytes with cytoplasmic localization of GR and GZ and a decrease in glycogen content in those cells were found. The authors suppose these changes are due to toxic effects of aromatic hydrocarbons, present in organic solvents of paints and varnishes, upon lymphocytes.