Astrocytic regulatory functions: A possible target for CNS effects of organic solvents

Primary astrocyte cultures from newborn rats were exposed to two model solvents, one chlorinated hydrocarbon (carbon tetrachloride) and one aliphatic hydrocarbon (n-hexane), for 1 hr in a closed chamber system. Both solvents caused a reduction in basal oxygen consumption by approximately 40%. Glutamate-stimulated respiration was reduced to a similar extent. Carbon tetrachloride caused a 100% increase and a 50% decrease, respectively, in the potassium- and A2 receptor-mediated elevation in cAMP levels. On the other hand, n-hexane affected only the basal level of cAMP, causing an eight-fold increase. These results indicate that carbon tetrachloride and n-hexane may interfere with essential astrocyte functions.