Cerebral metabolic and circulatory effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane, a neurotoxic industrial solvent. 1. Effects on local cerebral glucose consumption and blood flow during acute exposure.

Abstract

The effects of inhaled 1,1,1-trichloroethane (3500, 6000, and 7800 ppm) on behavior, local cerebral blood flow, and local cerebral glucose consumption were studied in awake rats. The effect of the solvent inhalation on the EEG pattern and local cerebral blood flow was also studied in paralyzed animals under N2O analgesia. Exposure of awake animals to 6000 ppm 1,1,1-trichloroethane induced a decrease in motility and exploratory behavior. At 7800 ppm the rats were clearly ataxic. The local cerebral glucose consumption in 23 brain regions was studied by the [14C]deoxyglucose technique. A decrease was observed ranging from 14 to 55% of control values. The inferior colliculus and substantia nigra displayed the largest reductions. In exposed animals the local cerebral blood flow increased in 11 brain structures by 28-45%. In animals under N2O analgesia, 7400 ppm 1,1,1-trichloroethane induced a depression of the EEG activity. In these animals the local cerebral blood flow increased by 12-99%, with a large variability in blood flow between the different structures. It is concluded that exposure of rats to subanesthetic doses of 1,1,1-trichloroethane induces an increase in cerebral blood flow in spite of a concomitant decrease in glucose consumption and depression of cerebral function.