Neurochemical parameters change in individuals exposed to mercury vapors
Prospective cohort study covered individuals with preclinical and clinical stages, in early and remote periods of chronic mercurial intoxication and intact workers with length of service over 5 years. Tests included levels of serotonine, histamine, dophamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and their metabolites (normetanephrine and metanephrine). Increased level of norepinephrine at clinical stage of mental sphere disorders was partially compensated by its transformation into normetanephrine and not associated with increase in its metabolites levels at early stage of chronic mercury intoxication. Remote period of the intoxication was characterized also by increased levels of dophamine, serotonine and histamine.