SRINAGARIND MEDICAL JOURNAL

Volume 35, No. 05, Month SEPTEMBER, Year 2020, Pages 603 - 608

Effect of exposure to low-level toluene on learning and memory in mice

Pichai Kantachai, Sirinya Laten, Narakorn Sareelae, Kanlaya Munluan, Wittaya Byagghantara, Kanit Sripankaew

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Background and Objective: Focusing on the study of the effects of exposure to toluene on brain functions related to learning and memory. To analyze the level of exposure toluene that affect neurological behavior. Methods: Experimental mice were exposed to different levels of toluene 5 days per week for 4 weeks continuously. The behavior and duration of the swimming mice in the zone that used to have an underwater platform were testing prior and after exposure to toluene by the Morris Water Maze Test. The statistical differences were analyzed by the Paired sample t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Repeated- Measures ANOVA Result: Experimental mice that exposed to toluene concentration of 50, 100 and 150 ppm had a statistically significant difference in learning compared with control mice at the level of p<0.01. The mean swimming duration of the post-control mice was statistically significant at the level of p<0.01. Three groups of experimental mice showed no significant difference in the meantime. When analyzing the differences between the groups, it was found that the mean duration of the control and experimental group mice after exposure to toluene had a tendency of difference (p<0.01). Conclusion: Continuous exposure to low concentrations of toluene affects learning and memory in experimental mice. It showed be studied clearly in humans. In order to see the health effects of those who need to work and will lead to the determination of appropriate preventive measures.

Keywords

Toluene Exposure Learning and Memory Morris Water Maze Test

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