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Chail A, Saini R, Singh H, Datta K, Adhvaryu A. Inhalant abuse: Newer trends in addiction: A case series. JOURNAL OF MARINE MEDICAL SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jmms.jmms_137_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Sharma S, Wakode S, Sharma A, Nair N, Dhobi M, Wani MA, Pottoo FH. Effect of environmental toxicants on neuronal functions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:44906-44921. [PMID: 32996088 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10950-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the last few years, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have attracted attention due to their high prevalence worldwide. Environmental factors may be one of the biggest reasons for these diseases related to neuronal dysfunctions. Most of neuronal disorders are strongly associated with pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental toxins released from industries. Some of the neurotoxic metals such as lead, aluminum, mercury, manganese, cadmium, and arsenic as well as some pesticides and metal-based nanoparticles have been involved in AD and PD due to their ability to produce senile/amyloid plaques and NFTs which are the main feature of these neuronal dysfunctions. Exposure to solvents is also majorly responsible for neurodegenerative disorders. The present review highlights the impact of omnipresent heavy metals with some other neurotoxins on human health and how they give rise to neuronal dysfunctions which in turn causes socio-economic consequences due to increasing pollution worldwide. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Sharma
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Sector-3, MB road, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Sharad Wakode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Sector-3, MB road, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Sector-3, MB road, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Nisha Nair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Sector-3, MB road, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Mahaveer Dhobi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Sector-3, MB road, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad Wani
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, 163, Maniktala Main road, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O.BOX 1982, Damman, 31441, Saudi Arabia.
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Bardolia D, Parikh U, Nemlekar S, Oswal R. Observations from a peculiar case of volatile substance dependence-A case report. J Addict Dis 2020; 39:11-14. [PMID: 32752981 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1801131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Volatile substance dependence is a relatively rare form of substance use disorders. It is predominantly noted in the adolescent age group. Higher prevalence is also seen in individuals from the lower socio-economic strata. These agents induce a rapid mood change by altering the levels of central neurotransmitters. Here we present a unique case of volatile substance dependence in a middle aged female with iron deficiency anemia. We managed this with the SSRIs and parenteral iron preparations which led to recovery. This emphasizes the fact that any treatment regimen must address all the factors, co-morbidities and patient characteristics for complete recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Bardolia
- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Parul Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Baroda, India
| | - Urvika Parikh
- Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, GMERS Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Saumitra Nemlekar
- Scientific Officer, Department of Psychiatry, BARC Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Rajat Oswal
- Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Baroda Medical College, Baroda, India
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Ranson MA, Del Bigio MR. Chronic near lifetime toluene exposure in rodents does not replicate solvent abuse leukoencephalopathy in humans. Neurotoxicology 2018; 69:260-265. [PMID: 30056179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Toluene is an organic solvent used in industry and as a substance of abuse. The latter situation may be associated with a leukoencephalopathy characterized by white matter atrophy, multifocal myelin loss, and macrophages that contain birefringent granular inclusions. To determine if rodents can develop the same white matter damage, we studied archived rodent brain samples from three near-lifetime toluene carcinogenicity experiments. Rats and mice were exposed to toluene via an inhalation chamber at 1200 ppm for 6.5 h daily, 5 days per week, for 103 weeks. Rats were exposed to toluene via oral gavage of 800 mg/kg, 4 days per week, for 104 weeks. In gavage-exposed brains, immunohistochemical staining was used to detect reactive astroglial and microglial changes, neuron populations, and cytochrome P450 upregulation. None of the white matter changes reported in human toluene abuse were identified in the rat or mouse brains. In a blinded analysis, a mild widespread increase in reactive microglia was detected in female rats that received toluene by gavage at 800 mg/kg. However, no significant differences were detected in neurons or astrocytes. Potential reasons for the absence of changes are discussed. We conclude that rodent studies designed to study carcinogenicity of toluene might not adequately model abuse exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Ranson
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada.
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Exposure to the Abused Inhalant Toluene Alters Medial Prefrontal Cortex Physiology. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:912-924. [PMID: 28589963 PMCID: PMC5809778 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Inhalants, including toluene, target the addiction neurocircuitry and are often one of the first drugs of abuse tried by adolescents. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in regulating goal-directed/reward-motivated behaviors and different mPFC sub-regions have been proposed to promote (prelimbic, PRL) or inhibit (infralimbic, IL) these behaviors. While this dichotomy has been studied in the context of other drugs of abuse, it is not known whether toluene exposure differentially affects neurons within PRL and IL regions. To address this question, we used whole-cell electrophysiology and determined the intrinsic excitability of PRL and IL pyramidal neurons in adolescent rats 24 h following a brief exposure to air or toluene vapor (10 500 p.p.m.). Prior to exposure, fluorescent retrobeads were injected into the NAc core (NAcc) or shell (NAcs) sub-regions to identify projection-specific mPFC neurons. In toluene treated adolescent rats, layer 5/6 NAcc projecting PRL (PRL5/6) neurons fired fewer action potentials and this was associated with increased rheobase, increased spike duration, and reductions in membrane resistance and amplitude of the Ih current. No changes in excitability were observed in layer 2/3 NAcc projecting PRL (PRL2/3) neurons. In contrast to PRL neurons, layer 5 IL (IL5) and layer 2/3 (IL2/3) NAcc projecting neurons showed enhanced firing in toluene-exposed animals and in IL5 neurons, this was associated with a reduction in rheobase and AHP. For NAcs projecting neurons, toluene exposure significantly decreased firing of IL5 neurons and this was accompanied by an increased rheobase, increased spike duration, and reduced Ih amplitude. The intrinsic excitability of PRL5, PRL2/3, and IL2/3 neurons projecting to the NAcs was not affected by exposure to toluene. The changes in excitability observed 24 h after toluene exposure were not observed when recordings were performed 7 days after the exposure. Finally, there were no changes in intrinsic excitability of any region in rats exposed to toluene as adults. These findings demonstrate that specific projections of the reward circuitry are uniquely susceptible to the effects of toluene during adolescence supporting the idea that adolescence is a critical period of the development that is vulnerable to drugs of abuse.
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Allam HK, soliman S, Wasfy T, Ghoneim A, Serag Y, Simbajwe G. The neuro-ophthalmological effects related to long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents in painters. Toxicol Ind Health 2018; 34:91-98. [PMID: 29137569 PMCID: PMC7027990 DOI: 10.1177/0748233717736598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Organic solvents are widely used in many industries, and usually, exposure occurs with mixtures of solvents. Organic solvent mixtures are known for their ability to affect tissues of high lipid content including the myelin sheath in the nervous system. The purpose of this work was to study the evidence that long-term (more than 10 years) exposure to organic solvent mixtures among painters can induce neuro-ophthalmological effects on the function of retinal ganglion cells and the optic tract. METHODS Twenty workers with long-term occupational exposure to mixed organic solvents were compared to 40 control subjects. The controls were matched for age, gender, and demographic characteristics but were not occupationally exposed to any known organic solvents, using the following comparators: visual evoked potential (VEP), electroretinogram (ERG), color vision (CV), and contrast sensitivity (CS) testing. Environmental monitoring was done in the work environment with consideration to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values (ACGIH-TLVs). RESULTS The exposed group had significantly longer latency and higher amplitude of VEP waves especially P100, higher Color Confusion Index (CCI), especially affecting the blue-yellow spectrum, and lower Log CS. There was no significant difference between exposed and nonexposed groups in full-field flash ERG response; however, in the pattern ERG, the exposed group had significantly longer latency of P50, which reflects changes in the retinal ganglion cell. CONCLUSION Long-term occupational exposure to mixed organic solvents appeared to affect the optic tract functions in the form of increasing latency of VEP response, affecting the quality of CV and decreasing CS. It also affects the retinal ganglion cell layer with increased latency of P50 of the pattern ERG response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Khodary Allam
- Public health and community medicine department, Menoufia university, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa soliman
- Public health and community medicine department, Menoufia university, Egypt
| | - Tamer Wasfy
- Ophthalmology department, Tanta university, Egypt
| | | | - Yasser Serag
- Ophthalmology department, Tanta university, Egypt
| | - Grace Simbajwe
- Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences, CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, USA
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Chemogenetic Excitation of Accumbens-Projecting Infralimbic Cortical Neurons Blocks Toluene-Induced Conditioned Place Preference. J Neurosci 2018; 38:1462-1471. [PMID: 29317484 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2503-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abuse rates for inhalants among adolescents continue to be high, yet preclinical models for studying mechanisms underlying inhalant abuse remain limited. Our laboratory has previously shown that, in male rats, an acute binge-like exposure to toluene vapor that mimics human solvent abuse modifies the intrinsic excitability of mPFC pyramidal neurons projecting to the NAc. These changes showed region (infralimbic; IL vs prelimbic; PRL), layer (shallow; 2/3 vs deep; 5/6), target (core vs shell), and age (adolescent vs adult) dependent differences (Wayman and Woodward, 2017). To expand these findings using reward-based models that may better mimic human drug abuse, we used whole-cell electrophysiology and drug receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs to examine changes in neuronal function and behavior in rats showing a conditioned place preference (CPP) to toluene. Repeated pairings of adolescent rats to binge concentrations of toluene vapor previously shown to enhance dopamine release in reward-sensitive areas of the brain produced CPP that persisted for 7 but not 30 d. Toluene-induced CPP was associated with increased excitability of IL5/6 mPFC neurons projecting to the core of the NAc and reduced excitability of those projecting to the NAc shell. No changes in PRL-NAc-projecting neurons were found in toluene-CPP rats. Chemogenetic reversal of the toluene-induced decrease in IL5/6-NAc shell neurons blocked the expression of toluene-induced CPP while manipulating IL5/6-NAc core neuron activity had no effect. These data reveal that alterations in selective mPFC-NAc pathways are required for expression of toluene-induced CPP.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Disturbed physiology of pyramidal neurons projecting from the mPFC to the NAc has been shown to have different roles in drug-seeking behaviors for a number of drugs (e.g., methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, alcohol, heroin). Here, we report that rats repeatedly exposed to the volatile organic solvent toluene, a member of the class of abused inhalants often used for intoxicating purposes by adolescents, induces a preference for the drug-paired environment that is accompanied by altered physiology of a specific population of NAc-projecting mPFC neurons. Chemogenetic correction of this deficit before testing prevented expression of drug preference. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of corticolimbic circuitry in mediating the rewarding properties of abused inhalants.
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Montoya-Filardi A, Mazón M. The addicted brain: Imaging neurological complications of recreational drug abuse. RADIOLOGIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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El cerebro adicto: imagen de las complicaciones neurológicas por el consumo de drogas. RADIOLOGIA 2017; 59:17-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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No Association Between Unintentional Head Injuries and Early-Life Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-Contaminated Drinking Water. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 58:1040-1045. [PMID: 27513173 PMCID: PMC5704661 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Because of emerging evidence that early-life exposure to the solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) has long-lasting neurological consequences, we examined the risk of unintentional head injuries following prenatal and childhood exposure to PCE-contaminated drinking water. Methods: Participants provided information on head injuries and other relevant characteristics in a self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to PCE was modeled using a leaching and transport algorithm set in water system modeling software. Results: We did not observe any evidence of an increased risk of any type of head injury among exposed participants. Conclusions: PCE is a widespread water pollutant. Thus, documenting possible health effects of early-life exposure is vital for ensuring that drinking water regulations adequately protect vulnerable populations.
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Abstract
Inhalant abuse is the intentional inhalation of a volatile substance for the purpose of achieving an altered mental state. As an important, yet underrecognized form of substance abuse, inhalant abuse crosses all demographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic boundaries, causing significant morbidity and mortality in school-aged and older children. This review presents current perspectives on epidemiology, detection, and clinical challenges of inhalant abuse and offers advice regarding the medical and mental health providers' roles in the prevention and management of this substance abuse problem. Also discussed is the misuse of a specific "over-the-counter" dissociative, dextromethorphan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Storck
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
| | - Laura Black
- New York University, Department of Psychiatry, One Park Avenue, 8 th floor, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Morgan Liddell
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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Woods D, Chantavarin S. Serial neuropsychological assessment of an adolescent girl after suffering a sudden out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest following recreational inhalant use. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2016; 6:378-387. [PMID: 27216834 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2016.1185372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sudden out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA) following recreational inhalant use is well documented in the literature. The present case study reports the long-term neuropsychological sequelae of a 14-year-old girl who suffered an OHCA secondary to recreational butane gas inhalation. The patient was assessed on day-13 as an inpatient, and again at 3- and 12-month outpatient follow-ups. Acutely the patient demonstrated significant impairment on tasks associated with verbal and non-verbal memory and executive functioning. Re-testing at 3-months post-acute state suggested improved executive and non-verbal functions while showing continued deficits in verbal memory. At 12-months she was cognitively performing at levels expected for her age. This case is reported for its rarity in successfully being able to track the patient's clinical course from hospital discharge to the successful reintegration back into school and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damith Woods
- a Faculty of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory , Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Suphasiree Chantavarin
- a Faculty of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory , Chulalongkorn University , Bangkok , Thailand
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Min YS, Ahn YS. Central nervous system diseases of organic solvents exposed workers based on nationwide medical surveillance-data in Korea. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:392-8. [PMID: 26909673 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New light is being shed on the relationship between chronic neurotoxicity of the central nervous system (CNS) and exposure to low-level organic solvents (OS). However, there are few longitudinal studies with a large sample size. METHODS A cohort of OS-exposed male workers was selected who had undergone an OS-associated specialized medical check-up at least once between 2000 and 2004 in Korea. The standardized admission ratios (SAR) for CNS diseases were calculated with reference to the Korean adult male population. Adjusted relative risks (ARR) were also estimated in comparison to noise-exposed male workers. RESULTS There were 238,574 OS-exposed workers, yielding 954,772 person-years of exposure. OS-exposed workers were at elevated risk of "other extrapyramidal and movement disorders" (G25) with a SAR = 2.95 (95% CI: 1.41-5.42) and "systemic atrophies primarily affecting the CNS" (G10-G13) SAR = 2.08 (95% CI: 1.03-3.74). There were no significant differences between the OS-exposed workers and noise-exposed workers. CONCLUSIONS A limited number of CNS diseases identified through hospital admissions data and short observation periods reduced statistical power to determine effect size. OS exposure was positively associated with "other extrapyramidal and movement disorder and systemic atrophies primarily affecting the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sun Min
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital; Gyeongju-si South Korea
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital; Goyang-si South Korea
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Occupation and the risk of chronic toxic leukoencephalopathy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2015; 131:73-91. [PMID: 26563784 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-62627-1.00006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Among the hundreds of environmental insults capable of inducing nervous system injury, a small number can produce clinically significant damage to the brain white matter. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in affected individuals has greatly illuminated this previously obscure area of neurotoxicology. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has acute and chronic forms, in both of which cognitive dysfunction is the major clinical manifestation. Chronic toxic leukoencephalopathy (CTL) has been most thoroughly described in individuals with intense and prolonged exposure to leukotoxins, but the consequences of lesser degrees of exposure are not well understood. Rare cases of CTL have been reported in workers exposed to culpable leukotoxins, but study of this syndrome is hindered by many confounds such as uncertain level of toxin exposure, the presence of multiple toxins, vague dose-response relationship, comorbid medical or neurologic disorders, psychiatric illness, and legal issues. The risk of CTL in workers is low, although it is not possible to determine quantitative risk estimates. More knowledge can be expected with the application of advanced MRI techniques to the assessment of workers who may have been exposed to known or potential leukotoxins. Preventive measures for avoiding workplace CTL will be informed by clinical assessment involving the use of advanced neuroimaging and neuropsychologic evaluation in combination with accurate measurement of leukotoxin exposure.
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Kodavanti PRS, Royland JE, Moore-Smith DA, Besas J, Richards JE, Beasley TE, Evansky P, Bushnell PJ. Acute and subchronic toxicity of inhaled toluene in male Long-Evans rats: Oxidative stress markers in brain. Neurotoxicology 2015; 51:10-9. [PMID: 26343380 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are of concern to the EPA, are poorly understood, in part because of insufficient characterization of how human exposure duration impacts VOC effects. Two inhalation studies with multiple endpoints, one acute and one subchronic, were conducted to seek effects of the VOC, toluene, in rats and to compare the effects between acute and subchronic exposures. Adult male Long-Evans rats were exposed to toluene vapor (n=6 per group) at a concentration of 0 or 1019 ± 14 ppm for 6h in the acute study and at 0 ± 0, 10 ± 1.4, 97 ± 7, or 995 ± 43 ppm for 6h/d, 5d/week for 13 weeks in the subchronic study. For the acute study, brains were dissected on ice within 30 min of the end of exposure, while for the subchronic study, brains were dissected 18 h after the last exposure. Frontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and striatum were assayed for a variety of oxidative stress (OS) parameters including total aconitase (TA), protein carbonyls, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GRD), glutathione transferase (GST), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidants (TAS), NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), and NADH ubiquinone reductase (UBIQ-RD) activities using commercially available kits. Following acute exposure, UBIQ-RD, GCS and GRD were increased significantly only in the cerebellum, while TAS was increased in frontal cortex. On the other hand, subchronic exposure affected several OS markers including increases in NQO1 and UBIQ-RD. The effect of subchronic toluene exposure on SOD and TAS was greater in the striatum than in the other brain regions. TA activity (involved in maintaining iron homeostasis and an indicator of DNA damage) was inhibited in striatum and cerebellum, increased in hippocampus, and unchanged in frontal cortex. Protein carbonyls increased significantly in both the frontal cortex and cerebellum. In general, the results showed that acute exposure to toluene affected OS parameters to a lesser extent than did subchronic exposure. These results suggest that toluene exposure induces OS in the brain and this may be a component of an adverse outcome pathway for some of the neurotoxic effects reported following toluene exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasada Rao S Kodavanti
- Neurotoxicology Branch, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Joyce E Royland
- Genetic and Cellular Toxicology Branch, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Debra A Moore-Smith
- Neurotoxicology Branch, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan Besas
- Neurotoxicology Branch, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Judy E Richards
- Cardiopulmonary and Immunotoxicology Branch, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tracey E Beasley
- Neurotoxicology Branch, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Paul Evansky
- Inhalation Toxicology Facility, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Philip J Bushnell
- Neurotoxicology Branch, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Joshi M, Vankar G. Gasoline abuse in a 10-year-old child with mental retardation: a case report. Subst Abuse 2015; 9:5-8. [PMID: 25733844 PMCID: PMC4332342 DOI: 10.4137/sart.s20148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Inahalant abuse is of increasing interest in India. The age of onset is typically during adolescence. Gasoline inhalant use is rarely reported in adolescents with intellectual deficit. We report a case of petrol dependence in a 10-year-old child with mental retardation. Possible effect of petrol huffing on behavior and cognition is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Joshi
- Department of Psychiatry, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Gk Vankar
- Department of Psychiatry, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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LPG Dependence after a Suicide Attempt. Case Rep Psychiatry 2015; 2015:643253. [PMID: 25664196 PMCID: PMC4309026 DOI: 10.1155/2015/643253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhalant abuse is a problem that is getting more common all around the world. The increase in prevalence of inhalant abuse escalates morbidity and mortality rates. About 22% of people using inhalant have died at their first attempt. Particularly propane, butane, or propane-butane mixture has highest mortality rates. Sudden sniffing death syndrome, cardiomyopathy, central nervous system toxicity, hematological abnormalities, kidney toxicity, and hepatocellular toxicities are the major complications of inhalant abuse. Herein we present a patient with inhalant use disorder. At the age of 19, after a stressful life event he had unsuccessfully tried to suicide by inhaling LPG (liquefied petroleum gas, a mixture of butane and propane gases). After he realized that he had hallucinations and felt better during the inhalation, he started to abuse it. He was addicted to LPG for 10 years at the time of admission. Besides being dangerous for the society security, this intense level of LPG inhalation (12 liters a day) not giving any physical harm makes this case interesting.
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Malik AK, Melookaran AM, Simon GS, Zhu Q. Effects of Substance Abuse on the Cardiovascular System and Its Management. Subst Abus 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1951-2_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
Worldwide, several hundred million tons of organic solvents are used annually in household, industry, and other occupational settings. Millions of workers are regularly exposed to organic solvents considered neurotoxic. Acute neurotoxicity due to high exposure of solvent is usually evident, but the nature of long-term effects, such as chronic solvent encephalopathy (CSE), has raised uncertainty even among experts. Earlier studies were criticized for their methodology, mainly epidemiologic studies or investigations of exposed groups with many possible confounders and inadequate exposure assessment. However, an increasing number of studies have been performed since, also on workers with defined CSE based on differential diagnostics. During the last decade, evidence has emerged to enable identification of CSE, a necessity for the early recognition and prevention of progression of dysfunction and disability. Selected chemicals are presented here due to their widespread use, neurotoxic potential, and ability to cause solvent encephalopathy. Constant introduction of new chemicals may introduce new hazardous chemicals or known chemicals may reveal new health effects. It is important to keep an open mind for new findings of solvent-related neurobehavioral effects.
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Abnormal white matter integrity and impairment of cognitive abilities in adolescent inhalant abusers. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2014; 47:89-95. [PMID: 25479538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Inhalant abuse represents a major health problem especially among adolescents and young adults. However, less is known about white matter (WM) microstructure in adolescent inhalant abusers. In the present study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study WM changes in adolescent inhalant abusers compared with healthy controls. We also tested whether there was any relationship between WM integrity and neuropsychological measures in adolescent inhalant abusers. The study included 19 adolescent inhalant abusers and 19 healthy control subjects. Whole brain analysis of WM microstructure was performed using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to detect abnormal WM regions between groups. Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) and Stroop test were used to measure neuropsychological performance. We found that adolescent inhalant abuser group had significantly higher axial diffusivity (AD) values in left parietal, occipital and temporal WM than in healthy control group. Inhalant abuser and control groups did not differ significantly on fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) values. Adolescent inhalant abusers showed worse performance when compared with control group in WCST and Stroop test. There was no significant correlation of AD values in significant clusters with neuropsychological test performances within the two groups. We only found discrete impairments in neuropsychological test performance and WM integrity in adolescent inhalant abusers compared with healthy control subjects and we were not able to demonstrate a direct correlation between WM alterations and neurocognitive performance. Future work is required to longitudinally evaluate brain abnormalities through methods assessing brain structure, function and connectivity.
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Hong SB, Choi EJ, Kim HH, Suh JE, Takagi MJ, Lubman DI, Kim JW, Kim CD, Yi SH, Yücel M. Decreased thalamic volumes in adolescent inhalant users from Korea and Australia. World J Biol Psychiatry 2014; 15:636-40. [PMID: 24815323 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2014.902540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research investigating the impact of inhalant misuse on brain structure suggests abnormalities in subcortical regions. We investigated the association between inhalant misuse and subcortical brain volumes in adolescents. METHODS Based on a collaborative dataset from South Korea (inhalant users: N = 15, mean age = 16.7, SD = 1.1; controls: N = 15, mean age = 15.4, SD = 1.2) and Australia (inhalant users: N = 7, mean age = 18.2, SD = 1.4; controls: N = 7, mean age = 18.9, SD = 2.6), the volumes of caudate nucleus, putamen, pallidum, amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus were estimated in adolescent inhalant users and healthy adolescents using FreeSurfer. RESULTS The results revealed a significantly decreased right thalamic volume in adolescent inhalant users (P = 0.042), along with a trend-level decrease in left thalamic volume (P = 0.061). A negative correlation (r = -0.544; P = 0.036) between thalamic volume and severity of inhalant use (i.e., reduced volumes associated with greater use) was identified among Korean participants. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that compared with other subcortical structures, the thalamus is particularly sensitive to damage following chronic inhalant exposure during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Beom Hong
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health , Parkville, Victoria , Australia
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Dick ALW, Lawrence AJ, Duncan JR. Chronic intermittent toluene inhalation initiated during adolescence in rats does not alter voluntary consumption of ethanol in adulthood. Alcohol 2014; 48:561-9. [PMID: 25212750 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Voluntary inhalation of organic solvents, such as toluene, is particularly prevalent in adolescent populations and is considered to be a contributing factor to substance use and dependence later in life. While inhalants are often the initial "drug" experienced during this period, alcohol is another substance readily abused by adolescent populations. Although both substances are thought to have similar actions within the brain, our understanding of the implications of adolescent inhalant abuse upon subsequent exposure to alcohol remains to be investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess locomotor responses to acute ethanol and voluntary ethanol consumption following a period of toluene inhalation throughout adolescence/early adulthood. Adolescent male Wistar rats (postnatal day [PN] 27) inhaled air or toluene (3000 ppm) for 1 h/day, 3 days/week for 4 (PN 27-52) or 8 weeks (PN 27-80) to mimic the patterns observed in human inhalant abusers. Following the exposure period, cross-sensitization to acute ethanol challenge (0.5 g/kg, intra-peritoneally [i.p.]), and voluntary consumption of 20% ethanol in a chronic intermittent 2-bottle choice paradigm, were assessed. Hepatic ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism and liver histopathology were also investigated. Chronic intermittent toluene (CIT) exposure throughout adolescence for up to 8 weeks did not alter the behavioral response to acute ethanol or voluntary consumption of ethanol in adulthood, although an age-dependent effect on ethanol consumption was observed (p<0.05). Both liver function and pathology did not differ between treatment groups. Thus, in the paradigm employed, CIT exposure throughout adolescence and early adulthood did not predispose rats to subsequent locomotor sensitivity or voluntary consumption of ethanol in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec L W Dick
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Australia.
| | - Jhodie R Duncan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Australia; Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia.
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Epstein KA, Kumra S. Executive attention impairment in adolescents with schizophrenia who have used cannabis. Schizophr Res 2014; 157:48-54. [PMID: 24875171 PMCID: PMC4105131 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Repeated exposure to cannabis in nonpsychotic adolescents is associated with impairments in executive control of attention, similar to those observed in young adults with first-episode schizophrenia. To assess the impact of recurrent exposure to cannabis on cognitive function, this study characterized attention performance in both nonpsychotic adolescents and adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS). METHOD The Attention Network Test, a standard procedure that estimates the functional state of neural networks controlling the efficiency of three different attentional behaviors (alerting, orienting, and executive attention), was administered to four groups of participants: (1) adolescents with EOS and comorbid cannabis use disorder (EOS+CUD; n=18), (2) "Pure" schizophrenia (EOS; n=34), (3) "Pure" cannabis use disorder (CUD; n=29), and (4) Healthy controls (HC; n=53). Task performance was examined with a 2×2 design (EOS+ versus EOS- and CUD+ versus CUD-) using multivariate analysis of covariance. Correlative analyses were conducted between executive attention performance and measures of surface area in the right anterior cingulate cortex. RESULTS A significant EOS×CUD interaction was observed. In the executive attention network, adolescents with EOS+CUD showed reduced efficiency relative to adolescents with pure EOS, whereas no group differences were found between adolescents with pure CUD and HC. Less efficient executive attention was significantly associated with smaller surface area in the right caudal anterior cingulate cortex in EOS+CUD. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that the presence of CUD has a moderating effect on attentional performance in adolescents with schizophrenia compared to nonpsychotic adolescents. These deficits could have a role in difficulties with self-regulation and predisposition to substance misuse in this patient group. The anatomic substrate of this cognitive deficit may be related to surface area in the right caudal anterior cingulate cortex.
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Specific impairments in instrumental learning following chronic intermittent toluene inhalation in adolescent rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1531-42. [PMID: 24322667 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Inhalant abuse is prevalent in adolescent populations, with chronic use resulting in neurobiological and cognitive abnormalities in adulthood. However, the nature and persistence of cognitive dysfunction, particularly following adolescent inhalant abuse, remain equivocal. OBJECTIVE The present study assessed specific cognitive processes beginning in late adolescence and adulthood following adolescent inhalation of toluene, a main component of many compounds readily abused. METHODS Adolescent male Wistar rats (postnatal day (PN) 27) were exposed to chronic intermittent inhaled toluene (10,000 ppm) for 1 h/day, 3 days/week for 4 weeks (PN 27-52) to mimic the patterns observed in human adolescent inhalant abusers. Following toluene exposure, motor and cognitive function was assessed. RESULTS Adolescent toluene exposure did not alter motor learning in the Rotarod task (PN 58) or acquisition, reversal, or retention of spatial learning in the Morris water maze (PN 55-64). In contrast, it delayed acquisition of instrumental responding for sucrose (5 % w/v) and impaired operant reversal learning and cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose seeking in adulthood (PN 57-100). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that exposure to toluene at an abuse concentration during adolescence results in specific impairments in aspects of instrumental learning, without altering motor function and spatial learning in late adolescence/early adulthood. Our data imply that persistent alterations in reward processing may occur following adolescent inhalant misuse.
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Abdollahnejad R, Delfabbro P, Denson L. Understanding the relationship between pathological gambling and gambling-related cognition scores: the role of alcohol use disorder and delusion proneness. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2014.886711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Takagi M, Lubman DI, Walterfang M, Barton S, Reutens D, Wood A, Yücel M. Corpus callosum size and shape alterations in adolescent inhalant users. Addict Biol 2013; 18:851-4. [PMID: 21955104 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2011.00364.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Inhalants, frequently abused during adolescence, are neurotoxic to white matter. We investigated the impact of inhalant misuse on the morphology of the corpus callosum (CC), the largest white matter bundle in the brain, in an adolescent sample of inhalant users [n = 14; mean age = 17.3; standard deviation (SD) = 1.7], cannabis users (n = 11; mean age = 19.7; SD = 1.7) and community controls (n = 9; mean age = 19.5; SD = 2.6). We identified significant morphological differences in the CC among inhalant users compared with community controls. There were no morphological differences between inhalant and cannabis users. Our findings may represent the early stages of neurobiological damage associated with chronic inhalant misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Takagi
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Vilar-López R, Takagi M, Lubman DI, Cotton SM, Bora E, Verdejo-García A, Yücel M. The effects of inhalant misuse on attentional networks. Dev Neuropsychol 2013; 38:126-36. [PMID: 23410215 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2012.745547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Inhalant misuse among adolescents is poorly understood from a neuropsychological perspective. This study aimed to identify attentional deficits related to inhalant misuse measured with the Attention Network Test (ANT). We examined three groups: 19 inhalant users, 19 cannabis users, and 18 community controls. There were no group differences on the ANT measures of orienting, alerting, and executive control. However, compared to the cannabis and control groups, inhalant users demonstrated an increased rate of response errors in the absence of any reaction time differences. These differences may reflect a selective deficit in sustained attention or greater impulsivity in the inhalant group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Vilar-López
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatric Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
The brain is the primary target of toluene (methylbenzene), the major solvent in spray paint and a constituent of many other easily obtained commercial and industrial products. The effects of acute intoxication can be dramatic and the lasting adverse effects of inhalants may be highly injurious. Mental status alterations range from acute confusional state to coma. Toluene abuse effects on white matter are demonstrable neuroradiologically and neuropathologically, and have important neurobehavioral consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Filley
- Behavioral Neurology Section, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, MS B185, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Cairney S, O' Connor N, Dingwall KM, Maruff P, Shafiq-Antonacci R, Currie J, Currie BJ. A prospective study of neurocognitive changes 15 years after chronic inhalant abuse. Addiction 2013; 108:1107-14. [PMID: 23490054 DOI: 10.1111/add.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In a previous study, neurological and cognitive deficits reflecting central nervous system (CNS) disruption from chronic inhalant abuse showed substantial recovery after 2 years' abstinence. Functional recovery was progressive, with recovery rates dependent on the degree of impairment prior to abstinence, and severity and duration of initial abuse. Persistent deficits occurred in those with previous 'lead encephalopathy' from leaded petrol abuse. The current study examined recovery in the same cohort 15 years after baseline. DESIGN Prospective cohort design. SETTING Two remote Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Using baseline group classifications, 27 healthy controls, 60 ex-chronic inhalant abusers and an additional 17 with previous lead encephalopathy were assessed. MEASUREMENTS Standard neurological, ocular-motor and cognitive functions and blood lead levels. FINDINGS Chronic (non-encephalopathic) inhalant abusers showed elevated blood lead levels and abnormal scores on most tasks at baseline. At 2 years' abstinence, blood lead was reduced but remained elevated and most scores had normalized. By 15 years, blood lead and all performance scores were equivalent to healthy controls for this group (P > 0.05). The encephalopathic group was more severely impaired on all scores at baseline and showed little improvement, if any, across all tests after both 2 and 15 years' abstinence. Blood lead for this group declined, and was not significantly different to controls after 15 years. CONCLUSIONS Some inhalant abusers experience severe and persistent neurological deficits, suggesting irrecoverable damage attributable to lead encephalopathy. In the absence of this encephalopathy long-term abstinence from inhalants may allow recovery of normal brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree Cairney
- Menzies School of Health Research, Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
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Ford JB, Sutter ME, Owen KP, Albertson TE. Volatile Substance Misuse: An Updated Review of Toxicity and Treatment. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2013; 46:19-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-013-8371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Janulewicz PA, Killiany RJ, White RF, Martin BM, Winter MR, Weinberg JM, Aschengrau A. Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an adult cohort following prenatal and early postnatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated drinking water. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2013; 38:13-20. [PMID: 23571160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2013.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This population-based retrospective cohort study examined Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain in relation to prenatal and early postnatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated drinking water on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Subjects were identified through birth records from 1969 through 1983. Exposure was modeled using pipe network information from town water departments, a PCE leaching and transport algorithm, EPANet water flow modeling software, and Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology. Brain imaging was performed on 26 exposed and 16 unexposed subjects. Scans were acquired on a Philips 3T whole body scanner using the ADNI T1-weighted MP-RAGE scan. The scans were processed by FreeSurfer version 4.3.1 software to obtain measurements of specific brain regions. There were no statistically significant differences between exposed and unexposed subjects on the measures of white matter hypointensities (β: 127.5mm(3), 95% CI: -259.1, 1514.0), white matter volumes (e.g. total cerebral white matter: β: 21230.0mm(3), 95% CI: -4512.6, 46971.7) or gray matter volumes (e.g. total cerebral gray matter: β: 11976.0mm(3), 95% CI: -13657.2, 37609.3). The results of this study suggest that exposure to PCE during gestation and early childhood, at the levels observed in this population, is not associated with alterations in the brain structures studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Janulewicz
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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Quraishi R, Pattanayak RD, Jain R, Dhawan A. A descriptive study of clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters of inhalant users seeking treatment at a tertiary care center in India. Indian J Psychol Med 2013; 35:174-9. [PMID: 24049229 PMCID: PMC3775050 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.116249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhalant (or solvent) abuse is the purposeful inhalation of vapors or gases, intended to produce pleasurable psychoactive effects. There is a dearth of Indian studies on inhalant users. AIM The present study aimed to describe the socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics of inhalant users visiting a Tertiary Care Center in North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a retrospective chart review for 50 inhalant users who sought treatment for the first time from the center over a period of 2 years. All patients seeking treatment for inhalant use at the center were evaluated by a psychiatrist. RESULTS Mean age of the sample was 17.16±4.09 years and majority comprised of children and adolescents (72.2%). There were only three girls (6%). Majority comprised of school drop-outs (82%), from lower socio-economic status (80%). Mean age of initiation of first substance was 14.13±4.27 years and inhalants were first drugs for 38%. Duration of inhalant use ranged between 1 month and 7.5 years. Use was mostly uninterrupted, and 88% were dependent users. Correction fluid was the commonest product, used by huffing or sniffing. A large majority (86%) had used at least one other substance besides inhalants, and 8% reported involvement in high-risk sexual behaviors. Comorbid psychiatric disorder was seen in 8% of sample. Positive family history was observed in 30% of the sample. The mean hemoglobin of the sample was 11.88±0.60, with low hemoglobin in 25% of users. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes were elevated beyond normal in 10.8%, 6.5%, 15.2%, and 7.5%, respectively. There was no evidence of leucopenia. Bilirubin and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase was elevated in 6.6% and 13% of inhalant users, respectively. CONCLUSION The study adds to the limited date available on the treatment-seeking inhalant users from Indian settings. There is a need to examine the pattern of inhalant use in larger samples, across multiple sites in a prospective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Quraishi
- Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Adolescent toluene inhalation in rats affects white matter maturation with the potential for recovery following abstinence. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44790. [PMID: 23028622 PMCID: PMC3445546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhalant misuse is common during adolescence, with ongoing chronic misuse associated with neurobiological and cognitive abnormalities. While human imaging studies consistently report white matter abnormalities among long-term inhalant users, longitudinal studies have been lacking with limited data available regarding the progressive nature of such abnormalities, including the potential for recovery following periods of sustained abstinence. We exposed adolescent male Wistar rats (postnatal day 27) to chronic intermittent inhaled toluene (3,000 ppm) for 1 hour/day, 3 times/week for 8 weeks to model abuse patterns observed in adolescent and young adult human users. This dosing regimen resulted in a significant retardation in weight gain during the exposure period (p<0.05). In parallel, we performed longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (T₂-weighted) and diffusion tensor imaging prior to exposure, and after 4 and 8 weeks, to examine the integrity of white matter tracts, including the anterior commissure and corpus callosum. We also conducted imaging after 8 weeks of abstinence to assess for potential recovery. Chronic intermittent toluene exposure during adolescence and early adulthood resulted in white matter abnormalities, including a decrease in axial (p<0.05) and radial (p<0.05) diffusivity. These abnormalities appeared region-specific, occurring in the anterior commissure but not the corpus callosum and were not present until after at least 4 weeks of exposure. Toluene-induced effects on both body weight and white matter parameters recovered following abstinence. Behaviourally, we observed a progressive decrease in rearing activity following toluene exposure but no difference in motor function, suggesting cognitive function may be more sensitive to the effects of toluene. Furthermore, deficits in rearing were present by 4 weeks suggesting that toluene may affect behaviour prior to detectable white matter abnormalities. Consequently, exposure to inhalants that contain toluene during adolescence and early adulthood appear to differentially affect white matter maturation and behavioural outcomes, although recovery can occur following abstinence.
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Comparison of neural correlates of risk decision making between genders: An exploratory fNIRS study of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Neuroimage 2012; 62:1896-911. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Gmaz JM, Matthews BA, McKay BE. Toluene inhalation modulates dentate gyrus granule cell output in vivo. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2012; 34:403-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2012] [Revised: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Adult neuropsychological performance following prenatal and early postnatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated drinking water. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2012; 34:350-9. [PMID: 22522125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This population-based retrospective cohort study examined adult performance on a battery of neuropsychological tests in relation to prenatal and early postnatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated drinking water on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Subjects were identified through birth records from 1969 through 1983. Exposure was modeled using pipe network information from town water departments, a PCE leaching and transport algorithm, EPANet water flow modeling software, and a Geographic Information System (GIS). Results of crude and multivariate analyses among 35 exposed and 28 unexposed subjects showed no association between prenatal and early postnatal exposure and decrements on tests that assess abilities in the domains of omnibus intelligence, academic achievement or language. The results were suggestive of an association between prenatal and early postnatal PCE exposure and diminished performance on tests that assessed abilities in the domains of visuospatial functioning, learning and memory, motor, attention and mood. Because the sample size was small, most findings were not statistically significant. Future studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to further define the neuropsychological consequences of early developmental PCE exposure.
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Klisch Y, Miller LM, Wang S, Epstein J. The Impact of a Science Education Game on Students' Learning and Perception of Inhalants as Body Pollutants. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY 2012; 21:295-303. [PMID: 23926416 PMCID: PMC3733386 DOI: 10.1007/s10956-011-9319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the knowledge gains and attitude shifts attributable to a unique online science education game, Uncommon Scents. The game was developed to teach middle school students about the biological consequences of exposure to toxic chemicals in an environmental science context, as well as the risks associated with abusing these chemicals as inhalants. Middle school students (n = 444) grades six through eight participated in the study consisting of a pre-test, three game-play sessions, and a delayed post-test. After playing the game, students demonstrated significant gains in science content knowledge, with game usability ratings emerging as the strongest predictor of post-test content knowledge scores. The intervention also resulted in a shift to more negative attitudes toward inhalants, with the most negative shift occurring among eighth grade students and post-test knowledge gains as the strongest predictor of attitude change across all grade levels. These findings suggest that the environmental science approach used in Uncommon Scents is an efficacious strategy for delivering both basic science content and influencing perceived harm relating to the inhalation of toxic chemicals from common household products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Klisch
- Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 120, Houston, TX 77005 USA
| | - Leslie M. Miller
- Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 120, Houston, TX 77005 USA
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Psychology, Rice University, Houston, TX USA
| | - Joel Epstein
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, St. Louis, MO USA
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Peyravi M, Mirzayan MJ, Krauss JK. Fatal outcome despite bilateral decompressive craniectomy for refractory intracranial pressure increase in butane intoxication. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2011; 114:392-3. [PMID: 22112747 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2011.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morad Peyravi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School Hannover, MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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Dingwall KM, Maruff P, Fredrickson A, Cairney S. Cognitive recovery during and after treatment for volatile solvent abuse. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 118:180-5. [PMID: 21497458 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment reflecting CNS disruption in chronic solvent abusers can resolve within two years of abstinence. However, the specific time course for recovery has yet to be determined empirically. This study monitored cognition among solvent (i.e., gasoline) abusers throughout 8 weeks of residential treatment. It also investigated the extent to which solvent-related cognitive impairments persisted following discharge. METHODS Non-drug using healthy controls (n=33) and solvent abusers (n=29) who had inhaled gasoline, regularly or episodically, for an average of 4.3 years (SD=2.7) were assessed. Using linear mixed model analyses, solvent abusers were compared to healthy controls throughout treatment at baseline, two weeks, four weeks and six weeks, on visual motor, attention, learning, memory, and executive function tasks. Ten users who maintained abstinence were reassessed an average of 12 months later (SD=2.8) and were compared to healthy controls (n=12) retested at the same time interval using ANCOVA while controlling for age and baseline performance. RESULTS At baseline, solvent abusers showed cognitive deficits on visual motor, learning and memory, paired associate learning, and executive functions. Paired associate learning performance improved within 6 weeks of abstinence, however, impairments in visual motor speed, learning and memory, and executive function persisted throughout and in some cases beyond treatment. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive deficits exist for solvent abusers upon treatment entry. Some impairments resolve within weeks of abstinence, while memory and executive function improves gradually over months to years of abstinence, and might never fully recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M Dingwall
- Menzies School of Health Research, Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.
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Tang CY, Carpenter DM, Eaves EL, Ng J, Ganeshalingam N, Weisel C, Qian H, Lange G, Fiedler NL. Occupational solvent exposure and brain function: an fMRI study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:908-913. [PMID: 21296712 PMCID: PMC3222975 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in cognitive function have been demonstrated among workers chronically exposed to solvents, but the neural basis for these deficits has not been shown. OBJECTIVES We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare pathophysiological changes in brain function between solvent-exposed and control workers. METHODS Painters, drywall tapers, and carpenters were recruited from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 9 in New York City and District Council 21 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and from the Carpenters Union in New Jersey. Twenty-seven solvent-exposed and 27 control subjects of similar age, education, and occupational status completed the N-Back working memory test during fMRI. After controlling for confounders (age; lifetime marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol use; blood lead; symptoms of depression; verbal intelligence), voxelwise group analysis and regional activation levels were compared and then correlated with an index of lifetime solvent exposure. RESULTS Solvent-exposed workers' performance on the N-Back was significantly worse than that of controls. Activation of the anterior cingulate, prefrontal, and parietal cortices--areas serving working memory function and attention--was also significantly lower for solvent-exposed workers relative to controls. After controlling for confounders, we observed a negative correlation between lifetime solvent exposure and activation in these same regions among the solvent-exposed workers. CONCLUSIONS This study is one of the few to document neural structures affected by exposure to solvents. Our findings provide a biological mechanism for the neurobehavioral deficits in working memory and attention that have previously been reported by other groups studying the effects of chronic exposure to solvents. These imaging markers, which are consistent with the neurobehavioral measures in our subject population, are consistent with altered brain pathology caused by prolonged exposure to solvent mixtures during construction work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Ying Tang
- Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
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Dingwall KM, Cairney S. Recovery from central nervous system changes following volatile substance misuse. Subst Use Misuse 2011; 46 Suppl 1:73-83. [PMID: 21609150 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2011.580221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This review examines cognitive, neurological, and neuroanatomical recovery associated with abstinence from volatile substance misuse (VSM). Articles describing functional or structural brain changes longitudinally or cross-sectional reports comparing current and abstinent users were identified and reviewed. A significant lack of empirical studies investigating central nervous system recovery following VSM was noted. The few case reports and group studies identified indicated that cognitive and neurological impairments appear to follow a progression of decline and progression of recovery model, with the severity of impairment related to the duration and severity of misuse, blood lead levels among leaded petrol misusers, and the duration of abstinence for recovery. By contrast, severe neurological impairment known as lead encephalopathy from sniffing leaded petrol occurred as more catastrophic or abrupt damage to cerebellar processes that may never fully recover. Neuroanatomical damage may not recover even with prolonged abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M Dingwall
- Menzies School of Health Research, Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
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Takagi M, Lubman DI, Cotton S, Fornito A, Baliz Y, Tucker A, Yücel M. Executive control among adolescent inhalant and cannabis users. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010; 30:629-37. [PMID: 21355925 DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00256.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Inhalants are frequently among the first drugs abused by adolescents; however, little is known about how chronic inhalant abuse affects cognition (e.g. executive functioning). Several studies have examined cognitive deficits among inhalant users; however, no study has thoroughly addressed the confounding issues frequently associated with inhalant users (e.g. polysubstance use). The aim of the current study was to examine possible deficits in cognitive control among young, regular inhalant users and explore the relationship between inhalant use and executive functioning. DESIGN AND METHODS Three groups (n = 19) of young people (aged 14-24) were recruited: an inhalant-using group, a drug-using control group and a community control group. The inhalant and drug-using controls were matched on demographic, clinical and substance use measures. All three groups were matched on age, sex and education. Cognitive control was assessed using Stroop and Go/No-Go tasks. RESULTS There were no significant differences in performance between the groups on any measure. However, three measures (incongruent reaction times and congruent errors for the Stroop and omission errors for the Go/No-Go) were significantly correlated with inhalant use measures, suggesting inhalant use was associated with poorer performance. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The lack of significant differences between the groups is surprising; however, it raises important questions regarding cognitive deficits among chronic inhalant users. Further longitudinal studies using well-matched control participants are required to delineate the nature and timing of cognitive and neurobiological pathology among adolescent inhalant users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Takagi
- Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
The practice of petrol sniffing is a unique and poorly understood phenomenon that is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and social devastation in affected remote Indigenous communities. For these groups and for the wider community, much mystery has surrounded the practice and its effects. Here we introduce the epidemiology of petrol sniffing among Indigenous groups internationally, review its impact on the brain, behaviour and social functions and summarise related interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree Cairney
- Menzies School of Health Research, Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
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Licata SC, Renshaw PF. Neurochemistry of drug action: insights from proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and their relevance to addiction. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1187:148-71. [PMID: 20201852 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) is a noninvasive imaging technique that permits measurement of particular compounds or metabolites within the tissue of interest. In the brain, (1)H MRS provides a snapshot of the neurochemical environment within a defined volume of interest. A search of the literature demonstrates the widespread utility of this technique for characterizing tumors, tracking the progress of neurodegenerative disease, and for understanding the neurobiological basis of psychiatric disorders. As of relatively recently, (1)H MRS has found its way into substance abuse research, and it is beginning to become recognized as a valuable complement in the brain imaging toolbox that also contains positron emission tomography, single-photon-emission computed tomography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Drug abuse studies using (1)H MRS have identified several biochemical changes in the brain. The most consistent alterations across drug class were reductions in N-acetylaspartate and elevations in myo-inositol, whereas changes in choline, creatine, and amino acid transmitters also were abundant. Together, the studies discussed herein provide evidence that drugs of abuse may have a profound effect on neuronal health, energy metabolism and maintenance, inflammatory processes, cell membrane turnover, and neurotransmission, and these biochemical changes may underlie the neuropathology within brain tissue that subsequently gives rise to the cognitive and behavioral impairments associated with drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Licata
- Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA.
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Brain damage in a large cohort of solvent abusers. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 119:435-45. [PMID: 20300918 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0653-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 02/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropathology of solvent inhalation consists of patchy myelin loss with white matter macrophages that contain granular inclusions. It has been described only in a small number of cases. We sought to characterize the abnormalities in greater detail. In a retrospective study from 1995 to 2009, we encountered 88 autopsy cases with documented history of solvent abuse by inhalation and 1 with industrial exposure. Among these are 6 fetuses and infants with maternal exposure, 23 children (12-17 years), and 60 adults (18-66 years). Available brain samples from 75 cases were stained with solochrome cyanein (to demonstrate myelin) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) (to highlight the inclusions). Forty brains of ethanol and/or illicit drug exposed individuals and ten cases of multiple sclerosis were examined as controls. We found that 16 cases (age 23-49, median 37 years) had well-established leukoencephalopathy with multifocal myelin loss and abundant macrophages that stain with PAS and which contain birefringent inclusions. Six cases (age 15-55, median 27 years) had early leukoencephalopathy with scattered macrophages but no obvious myelin changes. Clusters of PAS-staining but non-birefringent macrophages were seen in 2/10 cases of (active) multiple sclerosis and in none of the ethanol/drug exposed brains. Ultrastructurally, inclusions from solvent cases differed from multiple sclerosis cases. Although exposure to solvents is impossible to quantify, there appears to be a duration-dependent effect. Brain damage related to solvent abuse can begin within only a few years of the onset. In the context of substance abuse, the changes are relatively specific for solvent inhalation and do not appear to result from demyelination alone. Interaction with ethanol cannot be excluded as a compounding risk factor.
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Papageorgiou SG, Karantoni E, Pandis D, Kouzoupis AV, Kalfakis N, Limouris GS. Severe dopaminergic pathways damage in a case of chronic toluene abuse. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2009; 111:864-7. [PMID: 19651471 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2009.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toluene toxicity primarily affects central nervous system white matter, causing a characteristic brain MRI pattern. CASE REPORT A toluene addicted man, after an abstinence period and a treatment with neuroleptics, presented with severe worsening of preexisting generalized tremor, opsoclonus, dysarthria, gait inability, jerky tendon reflexes and behaviour disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mild leukoencephalopathy and hypointensities in deep gray matter nuclei. The DaT-scan revealed a decrease in presynaptic dopamine reuptake. CONCLUSION Clinical and neuroradiological findings and the possible sensitivity to neuroleptics indicate dopaminergic impairment. Our case suggests that chronic toluene abuse causes presynaptic dopaminergic depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokratis G Papageorgiou
- Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, Athens National University, Athens, Greece.
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Aydin K, Kircan S, Sarwar S, Okur O, Balaban E. Smaller gray matter volumes in frontal and parietal cortices of solvent abusers correlate with cognitive deficits. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009; 30:1922-8. [PMID: 19643925 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Abuse of toluene-containing organic solvents by inhalation is a prevalent practice among adolescents. Long-term abuse of toluene causes cognitive deficits. The mechanism of cognitive deficits induced by long-term toluene abuse has not yet been defined. In the current study, we assessed the effects of chronic toluene abuse on cortical gray matter volume and the association between cognitive impairment and cortical gray matter volume distribution in chronic toluene abusers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen toluene abusers and 20 healthy control subjects matched in sex, age, education level, and handedness were investigated by structural MR imaging. The cognitive states of the subjects were assessed by using the third edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III). The voxel-based comparison and correlation analyses of MR images were performed by using SPM5 software. RESULTS The voxel-based morphometric analysis revealed that toluene abusers had significantly lower gray matter volumes in the bilateral frontotemporal and right parietal cortices. In addition, the lower gray matter volumes in the frontal and parietal regions correlated with the duration of toluene abuse. There was a positive correlation between the WISC performance scale scores and gray matter volumes in the frontal and parietal cortices of the abusers. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study demonstrate that chronic toluene abusers have smaller gray matter volumes than nonabusers in various regions of the brain. Moreover, the cognitive deficits are associated with the lower gray matter volumes in the frontal and parietal cortices of chronic toluene abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Aydin
- Department of Neuroradiology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Spiller HA. Epidemiology of Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) Cases Reported to US Poison Centers. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2009; 30:155-65. [PMID: 15083559 DOI: 10.1081/ada-120029871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Volatile substance abuse (VSA) is believed to be widespread. The Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) of the American Association of Poison Control Systems offers an opportunity to evaluate the epidemiology of volatile substance abuse using a data set that captures data from a large geographic area covering a wide-ranging group of socioeconomic strata, ethnic groups, and demographics. To utilize this potential we analyzed a data set of TESS for the 6-year period of 1996 through 2001 involving all cases of intentional inhalational abuse of nonpharmaceutical substances. Over the study period there was a mean annual decline of 9% of reported VSA with an overall decline of 37% from 1996 to 2001. Volatile substance abuse was reported primarily in children, with 6358 cases (54%) in children 13-19 yr and 1803 (15%) cases in children 6-12 yr. Fifty-two cases were reported in children < 5 or = 5 yr. A total of 2330 (20%) VSA cases had a serious outcome, defined as either moderate effect (n = 2000), major effect (n = 267), or death (n = 63). The top five categories of substances abused were gasoline (41%), paint (13%), propane/butane (6%), air fresheners (6%), and formalin (5%). Three categories were responsible for the majority of deaths: gasoline (45%), air fresheners (26%), and propane/butane (11%). While there was a decline in reported cases, there was no decline in major outcomes or fatalities. Volatile substance abuse was reported in all 50 states, with case distribution similar to population distribution. However, seven states had > 2 times the expected rate based on their population; three western states, two midwestern states, and two Appalachian states. The role of urban vs. rural population may possibly explain the difference in numbers, with a greater incidence of VSA cases reported in states with large rural populations. The mean monthly occurrence rate was 162 VSA cases/month (S.D. +/- 10.85). There were 4 months that were > 2 standard deviations from the mean, with two peak months (May, 192/month and March, 187/month) and two trough months (December, 126/month and January, 137/month). This report presents a broad picture of VSA in the United States. Volatile substance abuse, as reported to U.S. poison centers, appears to be on the decline, but continues to be an ongoing problem. Volatile substance abuse is reported throughout the U.S. in all areas of the country, with a higher incidence in states with large rural populations. A small group of substances appears responsible for the majority of deaths. It is imperative that we continue to educate the public and healthcare professionals regarding the risks of VSA and hopefully impact the incidence of VSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry A Spiller
- Kentucky Regional Poison Center of Kosair Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
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