THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ETHANOL INGESTION ON TOLUENE METABOLISM

The metabolism of toluene was studied in rats administered ethanol for more than three months. Male rats (eight weeks old) were given 5 % et hanol (5 % ethanol-treated group), 20% ethanol (20% ethanol-treated gr oup) or water (control group) for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The conce ntrations of hippuric acid and benzoic acid in the urine from the rats administered toluene were measured by high-performance liquid chromat ography. The cumulative amounts of hippuric acid in the urine from the 20% ethanol-treated rats for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months were higher th an those from control groups at 6 and 12 hours after administration of toluene. The 24-hour excretion of benzoic acid in the 20% ethanol-tre ated group was higher than that of the control group after 12 and 18 m onths of ethanol ingestion. The metabolic rate of toluene increased in rats which were treated for more than 1 month with ethanol. However, the formation of hippuric acid from benzoic acid might be inhibited by ingestion of 20% ethanol for more than twelve months.