Effect of Toluene on Brain Oxidative Stress and Certain Neurotransmitters in Rats

Abstract

it was demonstrated that short-term exposure to toluene induced a state of oxidative stress in the brain as well as neuroinflammation. The solvent inhibited motor activity, caused cognitive deficits and exerted depressant-like action. Histopathological changes indicative of early neurodegeneration was seen in the cortex and hippocampus. These effects of toluene were reversible upon discontinuing toluene and were significantly improved by combination of vitamin E and C supplementation which considerably reduced oxidative stress, augmented antioxidant mechanism and exerted an anti-apoptotic effect and anti-inflammatory effects. The combination of vitamin E and C ameliorated the pathological and functional alterations resulting from toluene administration. Our results thus suggest that vitamin E and C by virtue of their antioxidant and anti-apoptotic actions could be considered as an important neuro-therapeutic agent in toluene abuse.

it was demonstrated that short-term exposure to toluene induced a state of oxidative stress in the brain as well as neuroinflammation. The solvent inhibited motor activity, caused cognitive deficits and exerted depressant-like action. Histopathological changes indicative of early neurodegeneration was seen in the cortex and hippocampus. These effects of toluene were reversible upon discontinuing toluene and were significantly improved by combination of vitamin E and C supplementation which considerably reduced oxidative stress, augmented antioxidant mechanism and exerted an anti-apoptotic effect and anti-inflammatory effects. The combination of vitamin E and C ameliorated the pathological and functional alterations resulting from toluene administration. Our results thus suggest that vitamin E and C by virtue of their antioxidant and anti-apoptotic actions could be considered as an important neuro-therapeutic agent in toluene abuse.