[Individual differences in the kinetic behavior of trichloroethylene. A simulation study using a physiological...

Toxicokinetic behaviors of trichloroetylene were analyzed by using a physiological simulation model and the effects of physical activity (work load), body fat content and alcohol consumption on the uptake, distribution and excretion of this solvent were studied. This simulation study was not intended to predict the exact kinetic behavior of trichloroethylene in man, but to show how a physiological pharmacokinetic model is used to elucidate some aspects of individual differences in the kinetics of organic solvent vapors in human exposure. The following results were obtained: 1. Physical activity of 50 W during exposure greatly increases the blood concentration of trichloroethylene and the urinary excretion of its metabolites, whereas the activity after exposure exerts only a marginal influence. 2. Body fat content substantially affects the kinetic behavior of trichloroethylene only when the blood flow through fat tissue is assumed to increase according to the increase in body fat volume. In general, both blood concentration of trichloroethylene and urinary excretion rate of its metabolites are higher in slim men than in obese men during exposure, and the relationship is reversed between obese and slim men after exposure. 3. Ethanol-induced inhibition of trichloroethylene metabolism causes a marked change in the kinetic behavior when trichloroethylene exposure level is low, whereas the greater is the effect of ethanol-induced enhancement of metabolism, the higher the exposure level.