FUNCTION OF THE AUDITORY-SYSTEM, THE VISUAL-SYSTEM, AND PERIPHERAL-NERVE AND LONG-TERM COMBINED EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE AND ETHANOL IN RATS

Male pigmented rats (n=36) were exposed to toluene and/or ethanol (100 0 p.p.m. toluene in the inhaled air 21 hr/day, and 5.7-8.0% ethanol in the drinking water continuously) during 8 weeks. Electrophysiological recordings were made 1 week after the exposure. Auditory sensitivity (auditory brainstem response) was reduced only after exposures includi ng toluene. At 20 kHz, ethanol antagonized toluene-induced loss of aud itory sensitivity (P<0.05). Flash evoked potentials were not affected in any group. In peripheral nerve, exposures containing ethanol were f ollowed by increased amplitudes of nerve and muscle action potentials. Exposures including toluene were followed by an increase in liquid co nsumption.