The effect of toluene on the hematopoietic system in newt Triturus cristatus

A macrocytic hypocromic anemia was observed in newts after toluene inhalation, with 2 concentrations, for 6 weeks. Anemia resulted associated with the used dose of toluene. Erythroblast counts, performed on blood smears and on spleen and heart imprints, showed an erythropoietic stimulus during the first weeks of treatment followed by a depressed erythrostimulating action. Differential count of erythroblasts indicated a slow maturation induced by toluene on erythroblasts. An aplasia of the spleen was suggested on the basis of the results from 6 week-treated animals. A reduction in white blood cell count, associated with increased neutrophils and lymphocytopenia, occurred only in the animals treated with the higher concentration of toluene, after 5 and 6 weeks of treatment. A decrease of phagocytic activity of neutrophils, obtained with the in vitro assays, appeared the most relevant finding at the level of lekocyte compartment.