NEONATAL EFFECTS OF TOLUENE ON THE LOCOMOTOR BEHAVIORAL-DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAT

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (3) , 295-299
Abstract
Rats were exposed to toluene twice a day for 15 min on days 2-32 of postnatal life. The subsequent effects upon swimming ability, escape latency from water, locomotor activity and physical development were evaluated. Maturation of swimming behavior and physical development were delayed .apprx. 3-4 days. Escape from water showed prolonged mean latencies until 24 postnatal days and the locomotor activity was increased during the 60 min following toleuene exposure, compared with nonexposed littermate controls. Neonatal toluene exposure primarily interfered with the development of those cortical and brain stem structures underlying swimming and locomotor activities.