Cameron A M, Zahlsen K, Haug E, Nilsen O G, Eik-Nes K B
Arch Toxicol Suppl. 1985;8:422-4. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-69928-3_94.
The effect of inhaled methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and n-butanol on male reproductive function as measured by the serum concentration of circulating T (testosterone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) has been investigated. The animals were exposed to concentrations of these alcohols equal to the current threshold limit values in industry (methanol: 200 ppm, ethanol: 1000 ppm, n-propanol, n-butanol: 50 ppm) 6 h a day for up to 1 week. A significant depression in the concentration of circulating T was found after the first 6 h exposure to the respective alcohols with restoration after a recovery period of 18 h, except in rats exposed to n-butanol where a depression of 48% could still measured. The concentration of LH was within the normal range in all experimental groups whereas corticosterone was increased after exposure to n-butanol. Exposure for 1 week was not associated with any significant inability of the rat testis to produce T.
