Effects of prenatal exposure to toluene on postnatal development and behavior in rats

K. S. Hougaard, Ulla Hass, S. P. Lund, L. Simonsen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Development and neurobehavioral effects of prenatal exposure to toluene (CAS 108-88-3) were studied after exposing pregnant rats (Mol:WIST) to 1800 ppm of the solvent for 6 h daily on days 7-20 of gestation. Body weights of exposed offspring were lower until day 10 after parturition. Neurobehavioral evaluation of the pups revealed no effects on motor function (rotarod), activity level (open field), acoustic startle, and prepulse inhibition. Measurements of hearing function using auditory brain stem response revealed small effects in male-exposed offspring. Performance in a Morris water maze during initial learning gave some indications of impaired cognitive functions, which was confirmed during further testing, especially in reversal and new learning. Effects on cognitive functions seemed most marked in female offspring. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology
Volume21
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)241-450
ISSN0892-0362
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1999

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