Central nervous system distribution of inhaled toluene

The regional central nervous system distribution of inhaled [14C]toluene was studied in the rat. Toluene was detected in all brain regions, with the highest concentrations in the brainstem. The initial uptake of toluene was significantly correlated with the total lipid content of each brain region. Clinical and experimental neurotoxicity of toluene may be due, in part, to an increased concentration of this solvent in lipid-rich brain areas.