Influence of volatile organic solvents??? inhalation on activity quotient and biochemical indices of Mus musculus

Abstract

Akpan Kenneth Victor, Sogbanmu, Temitope Olawunmi, Otitoloju, Adebayo Akeem

The influenceof volatile organic solvents (nitrocellulose thinner, gasoline and xylene) on the activity quotient and liver biochemical indices of laboratory mice, Mus musculusover a period of 60 days were evaluated. The study entailed the use of a modified nose inhalation exposure method in which the exposure chambers were saturated with the test chemicals for 8 hours daily following which they were transferred to the vapour-free section of the chamber. The estimation of activity quotient by day 60 indicated that mice exposed to xylene were most restless followed by nitrocellulose thinner and gasoline (least restless) with activity quotient values of 0.69, 0.58 and 0.21 respectively. The results of the biochemical indices showed that there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as reduced gluthathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in exposed mice from day 21 to 60 compared to control. Furthermore, the level of lipid peroxidation indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in exposed mice compared to control. The significance of these findings is that workers (laboratory technicians, painters and gasoline station attendants) who are occupationally exposed to these volatile organic solvents for elongated periods may be at risk of lung related disorders.