EEG as a neurotoxicological indicator

In living organisms both chemical agents and physical factors [16] may produce neurophysiological change that affects EEG activity. EEG signals are very suitable for non-invasive measurement of CNS reactions, but quite complicated equipment is necessary for measurement and analysis. We have implemented a system that permits the study of EEG changes both in time and frequency domains using broad-band analysis or fast Fourier transformation (FFT). Experimental animals were influenced by high doses of toxic agents (CO, CS2, barbiturates, pesticides), drugs and both non-ionizing and ionizing radiation. The EEG changes reflecting the influencing factor, respectively its quantity may be divided into several classes: (1) appearance of new activities; (2) disappearance of some activities; (3) increase of amplitudes, respectively spectral power densities (SPD) in certain frequencies; and (4) decrease of amplitudes, respectively SPD in certain frequencies. All changes are related to the controls, i.e. to the relatively normal state of CNS. Furthermore it is possible to investigate the temporal dynamics of these changes. Physiological concordance of these findings is sometimes possible from clinical analogues, but in other cases is unknown and considerable effort will be necessary to elucidate these correlates. Anyhow in some toxic substances, the EEG may be quite insensitive as an indicator of neurotoxicity. The best way to solve these problems is to collect sufficient experimental data for complex analysis. Although few relevant data are currently available, temporal and frequency domain measures of EEG activity appear to have promise as neurotoxicity indicators.