The effects of volatile organic compounds (VOC)- toluene on the cellular function in mice

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are highly evaporative chemicals, and among the VOCs, toluene is widely used and known to have toxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in dizziness, headache, motor deficits, and loss of memory. To investigate the chronic effects of toluene on cognition and motor function, and cellular changes, first, we intraperitoneally injected 0, 300, and 600 mg/kg of toluene dissolved in corn oil into the C57BL/6 mice daily for 12 days. We observed 600 mg/kg of toluene caused learning and memory deficits and motor impairment. We also found up-regulation of caspase-3 and down-regulation of PGC-1α by toluene. Additionally, the population of microglia cells in the cortex was increased by toluene. This study suggests toluene causes cognitive and motor deficits, and it is related to the inflammation and alteration of mitochondrial activity, as well as an increase in cell death.