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Published on: October 16, 2012
Sensory-evoked potentials in rats chronically exposed to trichloroethylene: predominant auditory dysfunction
C S Rebert1, V L Day, M J Matteucci
1SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
Neurotoxicology and Teratology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic trichloroethylene (TCE) inhalation exposure in rats caused hearing loss, specifically affecting high-frequency sounds. This neurotoxic effect was observed through changes in brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) amplitudes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Auditory Science
Background:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent with known neurotoxic potential.
- Chronic exposure effects on the auditory system are not fully characterized.
- Sensory-evoked potentials (EPs) provide a method to assess neurophysiological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiological consequences of chronic TCE inhalation exposure.
- To characterize the impact of TCE on auditory, somatosensory, and visual sensory pathways.
- To compare the effects of TCE across different rat strains.
Main Methods:
- Male Long-Evans and Fischer-344 rats were exposed to air or TCE (1600 or 3200 ppm) for 12 weeks.
- A multisensory test battery, including brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER), was used for periodic evaluation.
- Auditory-evoked potentials were analyzed for changes in amplitude and frequency/intensity dependence.
Main Results:
- TCE inhalation significantly depressed brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) amplitudes.
- Somatosensory and visual evoked potentials remained unaffected by TCE exposure.
- The observed effects on BAERs indicated a predominantly high-frequency hearing loss, intensity- and frequency-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Chronic TCE inhalation induces auditory neurotoxicity, manifesting as high-frequency hearing loss.
- The auditory system is a primary target for TCE neurotoxicity.
- These findings are comparable to toluene's effects and highlight TCE as a risk factor for hearing impairment.
