Effects of toluene inhalation on locomotor activity and brain catecholamine levels in rats.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of toluene inhalation on locomotor activity and brain catecholamine levels. The inhaling of toluene vapor (0.7% in air, for 15 min) induced the increase in spontaneous locomotor activity. This locomotor accelerating effect lasted about 60 min after the end of toluene exposure. The repeated exposure was apt to decrease the rate of increase in toluene induced locomotor acceleration. The levels of brain noradrenaline and dopamine were not changed in the single inhaled rats. In the repeatedly inhaled (for 14 days) rats, dopamine level was significantly increased with no change in noradrenaline level. These results suggest that toluene may raise dopaminergic neuron activity.