An experimental study on the combined effects of n-hexane and toluene on the peripheral nerve of the rat. Issue 1 (February 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Takeuchi, Y; Ono, Y; Hisanaga, N
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 38:Issue 1(1981)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 1981-02
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.38.1.14
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : An electrophysiological study was undertaken to determine whether toluene affected the neurotoxicity of n-hexane. Separate groups of eight rats were exposed to 1000 ppm n-hexane, 1000 ppm toulene, 1000 ppm n-hexane plus 1000 ppm toluene, of fresh air in an exposure chamber for 12 hours a day for 16 weeks. The body weight, MCV, DL, MNCVs were measured before exposure, after four, eight 12, and 16 weeks exposure; and four weeks after exposure was discontinued. Exposure to 1000 ppm n-hexane considerably impaired the function of the peripheral nerve, but exposure to a mixture of 1000 ppm n-hexane plus 1000 ppm toluene resulted in only slight impairment; 1000 ppm toluene had little effect. These results strongly suggest that toluene decreases the toxic effects of n-hexane on the peripheral nerve.