Adrenal-dependent leucopenia after short-term exposure to various airborne irritants in rats.
Leucopenia without any change in differential or red blood cell counts was observed in rats exposed for 4 h to increasing concentrations of the following airborne irritants: acetic acid, benzyl chloride, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, ethyl acetate, ethyl acrylate, formaldehyde, isophorone, mesityl oxide, phenol, styrene, toluene diisocyanate and vinyl toluene. This effect was abolished by adrenalectomy. Vinyl toluene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene induced leucopenia at levels as low as their current occupational standards of 50 ppm. With the exception of 1,2-dichlorobenzene, the tested compounds caused leucopenia only when exposure reached the irritant level. It is discussed that stress associated with the irritative effect of chemicals can confound specific haematological effects.
Brondeau
M T
MT
Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Vandoeuvre, France.
Bonnet
P
P
Guenier
J P
JP
Simon
P
P
de Ceaurriz
J
J
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D007509:Irritants / Q000633:toxicity*; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013997:Time Factors
D000393:Air Pollutants; D007509:Irritants