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Glue sniffing causes heart block in mice
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 20, 1970
Summary
Inhaling airplane glue or toluene fumes in mice slows heart rate and increases the risk of heart block. These findings suggest similar risks for sudden death in humans who sniff solvents.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Solvent sniffing, particularly of airplane glue and toluene, is a prevalent form of substance abuse.
- Previous research suggests potential cardiovascular effects of solvent inhalation, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiac effects of airplane glue and toluene inhalation in a murine model.
- To elucidate the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying solvent-induced cardiac dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to airplane glue or toluene fumes.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) was used to monitor sinoatrial rate and P-R interval.
- Cardiac sensitivity to asphyxia-induced atrioventricular block was assessed.
Main Results:
- Inhalation of airplane glue and toluene significantly slowed sinoatrial rate in mice.
- A prolonged P-R interval was observed following solvent fume exposure.
- The sensitized hearts exhibited increased susceptibility to asphyxia-induced atrioventricular block.
Conclusions:
- Airplane glue and toluene fumes induce significant cardiac electrophysiological changes in mice.
- These changes, including bradycardia and heart block, may explain sudden death associated with human solvent sniffing.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these mechanisms in human cases of solvent abuse.