[The pathogenesis of trichloroethylene poisoning]

Basing on the results of original clinical and experimental studies, as well as on medical literature data, the contributors proposed a hypothesis of the toxic action of trichloroethylene. It was attempted to prove that the trigger links of trichloroethylene intoxications were the energy exchange disorders caused by the nonspecific membranotoxic actions of the substance's molecules and their metabolites, as well as the extra consumption of energy by the metabolic processing of the poison. Involvement of adaptational reactions, such as the catecholamines' discharge, under the conditions of the damaged metabolic system, decreased the cell's potential and aggravated the severity of intoxications.