Adrenal-dependent leucopenia after short-term exposure to various airborne irritants in rats

Leucopenia without any change in differential or red blood cell counts was observed in rats exposed for 4 h to increasing concentrations of the following airborne irritants: acetic acid, benzyl chloride, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, ethyl acetate, ethyl acrylate, formaldehyde, isophorone, mesityl oxide, phenol, styrene, toluene diisocyanate and vinyl toluene. This effect was abolished by adrenalectomy. Vinyl toluene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene induced leucopenia at levels as low as their current occupational standards of 50 ppm. With the exception of 1,2-dichlorobenzene, the tested compounds caused leucopenia only when exposure reached the irritant level. It is discussed that stress associated with the irritative effect of chemicals can confound specific haematological effects.