Enzymes of neutrophils in workers occupationally exposed to benzene, toluene and xylene.

Histochemical studies of peripheral blood neutrophils have been performed in 106 workers occupationally exposed to benzene, toluene and xylene. The benzene, toluene and xylene concentrations in the air at work places ranged from 0-370, 0-580 and 0-560 mg/cu.m, respectively. It as been stated that the initial period of exposure is characterized by adaptative reactions of neutrophils expressed in increased intracellular activity of acid hydrolases and diminished glycogen reserve. The advanced period of exposure, that is after 55 months of exposure, is associated with some signs of decreased biological deficiency of neutrophils expressed in lowering the activity of selected enzymes and accumulation of both glycogen and lipids. According to the authors opinion the evaluation of the enzymatic content of neutrophils may be helpful in monitoring the toxic effects of benzene and its homologues in industrial workers.