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Reproductive endocrine effects of acute exposure to toluene in men and women

U Luderer1, M S Morgan, C A Brodkin

  • 1Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of California, Irvine, USA.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|February 5, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Toluene exposure subtly affects luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in men and women, but does not alter follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or testosterone. Further research is needed to understand the reproductive health implications for exposed workers.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Reproductive Toxicology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Toluene exposure is linked to adverse reproductive effects, including altered gonadotropin levels (LH and FSH).
  • The precise mechanism of toluene's reproductive toxicity remains largely unknown.
  • This study investigated the acute impact of toluene on pulsatile gonadotropin secretion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that toluene acutely suppresses pulsatile gonadotropin secretion.
  • To quantify the effects of controlled toluene exposure on luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion.
  • To assess potential differences in toluene's effects based on sex and menstrual cycle phase.

Main Methods:

  • Controlled exposure of men and women (follicular/luteal phases) to 50 ppm toluene or filtered air for 3 hours.
  • Frequent blood sampling (20-minute intervals) over 9 hours (3 pre-, 3 during-, 3 post-exposure).
  • Measurement of plasma LH, FSH, and testosterone; analysis of pulse amplitude, frequency, and mean concentrations using ULTRA pulse detection and ANOVA.

Main Results:

  • Men showed a significant decline in mean LH concentrations during toluene exposure compared to sham exposure.
  • Women in the luteal phase exhibited a trend towards decreased LH pulse frequency during toluene exposure.
  • No significant effects on testosterone concentrations or FSH secretion were observed in any group.

Conclusions:

  • Three-hour exposure to 50 ppm toluene did not disrupt overall episodic LH or FSH secretion profiles.
  • Subtle alterations in LH secretion were detected in men and luteal-phase women.
  • The clinical significance of these subtle LH changes requires further investigation regarding reproductive health in toluene-exposed workers.

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