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Serum thyroxine and blood lipids were assayed in 45 subjects exposed to carbon disulfide (CS2). A highly significant statistical reduction of thyroxine in relation to the exposure time was found and the levels appeared lower in the subjects with retinal vessel alterations. A significant interrelation between cholesterol and serum thyroxine was also evidenced. Serum thyroxine assay is suggested as a reliable test in the early diagnosis of CS2 poisoning.

Oral cortisone glucose tolerance tests were performed in 66 CS2-exposed workers and in 66 individually matched control subjects. Results indicate a higher and significant (p less than 0.001) prevalence of latent diabetes in the CS2-exposed group (72.7%) as compared with the control group (16.7%), and the existence of a positive and significant (p less than 0.001) correlation between blood glucose values and exposure index. Possible mechanisms of action involving zinc metabolism and pyridoxine metabolism are discussed.