The effect of toluene exposure for up to 18 months (78 weeks) on the (Ca2+/Mg2+)ATPase and fluidity of synaptosomal membranes isolated from rat brain.
The effect of toluene on the central nerve system was studied by using rat brain synaptosomal membranes as in vitro and in vivo models. The activity of Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase and the membrane fluidity were determined. Short-term exposure in vivo to 500 p.p.m. of toluene had an inhibitory effect on the enzyme studied whereas long-term exposure to toluene caused an increased activity. Exposure to toluene had no effect at all on the membrane fluidity. The in vitro experiment showed an effect of toluene on both parameters. The alteration in the enzyme activity and membrane fluidity was parallel in the exposed animals as well as those of control. Our results show that long-term exposure to toluene affects nerve cell membranes by other mechanisms than those observed under in vitro conditions.
Edelfors
S
S
Department of Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Ravn-Jonsen
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017301:Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008560:Membrane Fluidity / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000187:drug effects*; D013574:Synaptosomes / Q000187:drug effects; D014050:Toluene / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014050:Toluene; D017301:Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases