Determination of platelet-megakaryocyte regeneration time in painters occupationally exposed to organic solvents.

An improved method for the determination of the regeneration time of human platelets is presented. The platelet-megakaryocyte regeneration times of painters exposed to organic solvents (n = 5; age range 23-48 years) were compared with a reference group (n = 5; age range 23-46 years) not occupationally exposed to solvents. After purification and extraction of the samples, they were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the painters have a shorter regeneration time (range 4.4-5.2 days) than the reference group (range 5.2-6.9 days) and indicate that solvent exposure may be associated with an increase in platelet turnover in man.