Repeated aerosol-vapor JP-8 jet fuel exposure affects neurobehavior and neurotransmitter levels in a rat model.
Four groups of Fischer Brown Norway hybrid rats were exposed for 5, 10, 15, or 20 d to aerosolized-vapor jet propulsion fuel 8 (JP-8) compared to freely moving (5 and 10-d exposures) or sham-confined controls (15 and 20-d exposures). Behavioral testing utilized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Functional Observational Battery. Exploratory ethological factor analysis identified three salient factors (central nervous system [CNS] excitability, autonomic 1, and autonomic 2) for use in profiling JP-8 exposure in future studies. The factors were used as dependent variables in general linear modeling. Exposed animals were found to engage in more rearing and hyperaroused behavior compared to controls, replicating prior JP-8 exposure findings. Exposed animals also showed increasing but rapidly decelerating stool output (autonomic 1), and a significant increasing linear trend for urine output (autonomic 2). No significant trends were noted for either of the control groups for the autonomic factors. Rats from each of the groups for each of the time frames were randomly selected for tissue assay from seven brain regions for neurotransmitter levels. Hippocampal DOPAC was significantly elevated after 4-wk JP-8 exposure compared to both control groups, suggesting increased dopamine release and metabolism. Findings indicate that behavioral changes do not appear to manifest until wk 3 and 4 of exposure, suggesting the need for longitudinal studies to determine if these behaviors occur due to cumulative exposure, or due to behavioral sensitization related to repeated exposure to aerosolized-vapor JP-8.
Baldwin
Carol M
CM
Arizona State University College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Southwest Borderlands), Phoenix, Arizona 85004-0698, USA. carol.baldwin@asu.edu
Figueredo
Aurelio J
AJ
Wright
Lynda S
LS
Wong
Simon S
SS
Witten
Mark L
ML
D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols / Q000633:toxicity*; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D016014:Linear Models; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
D000336:Aerosols; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D006838:Hydrocarbons; C098607:JP8 aviation fuel; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid