Assessment of Styrene Oxide Neurotoxicity Using In Vitro Auditory Cortex Networks. (7th September 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gopal, Kamakshi V.; Wu, Calvin; Moore, Ernest J.; Gross, Guenter W.
• Other Names: Bath A. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN otolaryngology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-09-07
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; Otolaryngology; Periodical; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.5402/2011/204804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5742

Abstract

Abstract : Styrene oxide (SO) (C8 H8 O), the major metabolite of styrene (C6 H5 CH=CH2 ), is widely used in industrial applications. Styrene and SO are neurotoxic and cause damaging effects on the auditory system. However, little is known about their concentration-dependent electrophysiological and morphological effects. We used spontaneously active auditory cortex networks (ACNs) growing on microelectrode arrays (MEA) to characterize neurotoxic effects of SO. Acute application of 0.1 to 3.0 mM SO showed concentration-dependent inhibition of spike activity with no noticeable morphological changes. The spike rate IC50 (concentration inducing 50% inhibition) was511 ± 60 μ M (n = 10 ). Subchronic (5 hr) single applications of 0.5 mM SO also showed 50% activity reduction with no overt changes in morphology. The results imply that electrophysiological toxicity precedes cytotoxicity. Five-hour exposures to 2 mM SO revealed neuronal death, irreversible activity loss, and pronounced glial swelling. Paradoxical "protection" by 40 μ M bicuculline suggests binding of SO to GABA receptors.