Objective:To explore the effect of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)on plasma monoamine neurotransmitters. Methods:80 healthy adult male coke oven workers were selected from a coke plant of a state-owned steel enterprise

80 controls were selected from the oxygen factory. Concentration of benzo[a]pyrene(B[a])P in the working environment was monitored by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)with fluorescence detector. The level of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene(1-OHP)was determ ined by HPLC with fluorescence detector.The plasma noradrenaline(NE)

adrenaline(AD)

dopamine(DA)and serotonin(5-HT)levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results:In the working environment of B[a]P

concentration in coke oven workers were significantly higher than controls (P<0.05).The urinary 1-OHP concentrations in coke oven workers were significantly higher than controls (P<0.05).The plasma NE

DA

5-HT levels in coke oven workers were significantly higher than controls(P<0.05)

the plasma A level have no significant difference

and results of correlation analysis showed that positive correlation between the plasma NE

DA

5-HT levels and the urinary 1-OHP concentrations. Conclusion:PAHs may cause an increase of plasma monoamine neurotransmitters in exposed population group.