The neurotoxicity of organic solvents studied using synaptosomes and neural cell cultures

By Naskali, L. - Engelke, M. - Tahti, H.

The most common acute neurotoxic effect of organic solvents is their central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect. The molecular mechanism underlying this effect is not known. The purpose of our studies has been to evaluate the adverse effects of organic solvents on the CNS in vitro. Synaptosomal membranes, whole brain reaggregate and astrocyte cultures were studied. Our results suggest that cell membrane integral proteins are targets for solvent impact, but that there are differences among various cell types. In addition to lipophilicity, the structure of solvent molecules seems to be important when considering CNS toxicity. Organic solvents increase the fluidity of the membranes, which may disturb the tepid-protein interaction and the optimal functioning of the enzyme. However, direct effects of solvents on proteins cannot be excluded. In vitro cell models can be used in methods designed to predict acute neurotoxic effects of foreign compounds, and in studies of neurotoxic mechanisms.