TRICHLOROETHYLENE - LONG-LASTING CHANGES IN THE BRAIN AFTER REHABILITATION

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 2  (4) , 659-673
Abstract
The exposure of adult Mongolian gerbils to 60 or 320 ppm trichloroethylene (TCE) by continuous inhalation during 3 mo., followed by 4 mo. free of exposure, caused biochemical changes in the hippocampus, the posterior part of cerebellar vermis and the brain stem, compatible with alterations comprising astroglial hypertrophy and/or proliferation. Several distinct tissue syndromes were characterized and pathogenetically determined by changes in the astroglial component of the nervous system. An astroglial reaction, comprising hypertrophy or proliferation, was caused by exogenous and endogenous noxae. Ultrastructural evidences on neuronal cell alterations, such as decreased amounts of microtubules and increased content of lysosomes and myelin bodies, were observed. The biochemical and morphological data indicated that TCE was neurotoxic after moderate exposure levels and periods. Some brain areas were more sensitive than others.