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Styrene inhalation toxicity studies in mice. III. Strain differences in susceptibility
D L Morgan1, J F Mahler, J A Dill
1National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
Summary
Mouse strain and sex significantly impact susceptibility to styrene vapor toxicity, with B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice showing greater sensitivity. DBA/2 mice exhibited lower toxicity, indicating strain-specific responses to styrene inhalation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Inhalation Toxicology
- Comparative Toxicology
Background:
- Styrene is a widely used industrial chemical with known toxicological effects.
- Understanding strain and sex-specific differences in response to styrene is crucial for accurate risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mouse strain and sex variations in susceptibility to styrene vapor inhalation.
- To characterize the dose-dependent toxicity and hepatotoxicity of styrene across different mouse strains.
Main Methods:
- Inhalation exposure of male and female B6C3F1, C57BL/6, Swiss, and DBA/2 mice to varying concentrations of styrene.
- Assessment of mortality, liver weights, histopathological changes (hepatocellular necrosis), blood styrene and styrene-7,8-oxide levels, and hepatic glutathione depletion.
Main Results:
- Mortality, increased liver weights, and hepatocellular necrosis were observed in higher dose groups (250 and 500 ppm) across all strains and sexes.
- B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice, particularly males, showed the greatest susceptibility to styrene toxicity.
- DBA/2 mice exhibited the least severe toxicity, with lower mortality and less extensive liver necrosis compared to other strains.
Conclusions:
- Significant strain and sex differences exist in mouse susceptibility to styrene inhalation toxicity.
- Hepatotoxicity and mortality are not consistently correlated with blood styrene or styrene oxide levels.
- DBA/2 mice represent a less sensitive strain for styrene toxicity studies.