Effect of inhalation exposure to 2-bromopropane on the nervous system in rats

Toxicology. 1999 Jul 15;135(2-3):87-93. doi: 10.1016/s0300-483x(99)00053-0.

Abstract

Exposure to 2-bromopropane (2-BP) is suspected to have adverse effects on the nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the exposure of rats to 2-BP had neurotoxic effects using histological and electrophysiological studies. Wistar strain male rats were exposed daily to either 100 or 1000 ppm 2-BP or to fresh air for 8 h a day for 12 weeks. Body weight was measured before exposure and every 2 weeks. Motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and distal latency (DL) were measured before exposure and every 4 weeks during exposure. Histological examination of the nervous system was also performed. Exposure of rats (n = 9) to 1000 ppm resulted in suppression of body weight gain and a significant decrease in brain weight compared to the control (n = 9). Electrophysiological measurements showed a significant decrease in MCV in 1000 ppm exposed rats at 8 weeks and significant prolongation of DL at 8 and 12 weeks. Abnormalities of the myelin sheath were detected in the common peroneal nerves. In 100-ppm exposed rats (n = 9), no significant changes were noted in body weight and the peripheral nerve. In conclusions, long-term exposure to 1000 ppm of 2-BP may result in peripheral neuropathy in rats.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Hydrocarbons, Brominated / toxicity*
  • Kidney / growth & development
  • Liver / growth & development
  • Male
  • Motor Neurons / drug effects
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Mutagens / toxicity*
  • Myelin Sheath / drug effects
  • Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Neural Conduction / drug effects
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Peroneal Nerve / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Reaction Time / drug effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons, Brominated
  • Mutagens
  • 2-bromopropane