TOWARD A BEHAVIORAL-TOXICOLOGY OF PAINT THINNER

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 2  (1) , 31-36
Abstract
Experiments were carried out to evaluate effects of toxic industrial substances such as solvents on operant behavior. Laboratory rats trained in a mult FR DRL [fixed ratio differential reinforcement of low (response) rate] reinforcement schedule showed a differential impairment in performance when exposed to various doses of paint thinner in experimental chamber, the FR [fixed ratio] performance being more sensitive to the solvent than DRL. Another study of rats working under a FI [fixed interval] schedule suggested that the effects of paint thinner were rate-dependent, a finding which suggested a similarity of thinner with amphetamines in regard to the behavioral effect. Other experiments addressed to the behavioral effects of chronic exposure to solvent showed a decrease in locomotor activity and impaired acquisition of a complex temporal discrimination task in laboratory rats exposed to paint thinner during 4, 8 or 16 wk. Findings suggested brain dysfunction associated with thinner inhalation.

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