In our previous experiments, a remarkable increase in urinary excretion of glucose was found in rats exposed to 821 ppm trichloroethylene for 12 wk. This was not accompanied with proteinuria, aminoaciduria, phosphaturia and definite histological changes in renal tubular structure. In order to ascertain the mechanism of the increase in urinary glucose excretion, blood glucose level and renal glucose reabsorption were studied in 10 male rats exposed to 783 ppm trichloroethylene for more than 3 wk. Another 10 male rats were studied as control. The following results were obtained:
1. Urine glucose of the trichloroethylene group increased after exposure for 2 wk. All the rats showed glycosuria (above 250 mg/dl) by the 4 th week of exposure.
2. Plasma glucose levels were depressed by trichloroethylene to as low as 77% of that of the control group. Glycohemoglobin was similarly decreased.
3. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (0.5 g/kg load) revealed that decreasing constant of plasma glucose (K value) was elevated by trichloroethylene, suggesting that induced hyperglycemia in the exposed rats improved more rapidly than in the controls. Trichloroethylene did not modify the secretion of insulin after glucose load, regardless of the depression in plasma insulin level before load.
4. Glucose titration tests revealed that tubular transport maximum for glucose (TmG) was decreased by trichloroethylene to as low as 46% of that of the control group. The ratio of TmG to glomerular filtration rate (the theoretical renal threshold for glucose) was also depressed to as low as 55% of that of the control group.
The foregoing results indicate that trichloroethylene-induced glycosuria is attributable to deteriorated tubular reabsorption of glucose, and not to hyperglycemia. However, the mechanism for the selective disturbance of renal reabsorption of glucose is yet unknown.

View full abstract

With regard to deformity of the fingers (chiefly Heberden's nodes) frequently occurring in Japan among workers preparing school lunches, an epidemiological study was carried out with a suspicion that this deformity might be an occupational disease.
We studied the deformity of fingers among woman employees of a papermaking mill (262 mill workers in comparison with 108 office workers) who excessively use their fingers on the job like workers preparing school lunches.
The results of this study showed that the number of mill workers suffering from deformity of the fingers (chiefly Heberden's nodes) was significantly (p<0.01) greater than that of office workers.
Genetic factor, aging factor and mechanical factor have been cited as the etiological factors for the development of Heberden's nodes. However, our findings suggest that mechanical factor is a more important rather than the genetic or aging factor. As for mechanical factor, we have proposed for the first time that repetition of strong and precise pinching movement with the use of all fingers of both hands is an important factor.

View full abstract

In August 1987 the University of Occupational and Environmental Health conducted a mail questionnaire survey on occupational health physicians (OHPs) located throughout Japan. The objective was to obtain preliminary information concerning the actual situation of OHPs together with their opinions on post-graduate training in this field. A summary of the results based on 187 valid responses (valid response rate=59.4%) is as follows:
1. Age distribution of the respondents was in excess of 55 years of age (mean age of 61.4yr), suggesting aging of the work force.
2. Comparison of the present age with period in present position revealed that a significant proportion of the respondents assumed their current position following retirement from clinical service.
3. Routine work schedules such as clinical activities and making site visits within factory tended to be influenced by the number of employees.
4. Conduct of special physical examinations on workers in hazardous environments was rated the highest among the necessary abilities of OHPs.
5. It was found that 30-34 years of age and 2-5 years of clinical experience were the minimal qualifications for a full time OHP.

View full abstract