Can T-Cell Deficiency Affect Spatial Learning Ability following Toluene Exposure?

Abstract

Objective: The present studywas designed to investigate the possible role of T cells in spatial learning ability in mouse after toluene exposure. Method: Eight-week-old male wild-type (WT) and nude mice of BALB/c strain were exposed to toluene (0, 9 and 90 ppm) in a nose-only exposure chamber for 30 min per day for 3 consecutive days and then once per week for 4 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the completion of exposure, we examined the spatial learning ability in each mouse using the Morris water maze apparatus. Results: In the acquisition phase, a longer escape latency was observed in nude mice exposed to 90 ppm toluene on days 3 and 4 when compared with corresponding WT mice. However, the effect of toluene on the escape latency was not significant in nude mice. In the probe trial, WT mice exposed to 90 ppm toluene showed poor retention memory compared with the control group. In the reversal phase, we did not find any significant difference between groups. Conclusion: These results indicate that T-cell deficiency may affect spatial learning performance following toluene exposure.