EFFECT OF PROTEIN-MALNUTRITION ON THE NEUROBEHAVIORAL TOXICITY OF STYRENE IN YOUNG-RATS

Neurotoxic effects of styrene on certain biochemical and behavioural i ndices were studied in young rats kept deficient in protein during the weaning period. Young rats fed a low-protein diet showed a significan t decrease in the level of dopamine and an increase in frontocortical [H-3]serotonin binding in comparison to the group of rats fed a normal protein diet. These rats also showed a significant increase in foot s hock-induced aggressive behaviour, while no changes in amphetamine-ind uced locomotor activity, levels of norepinephrine and serotonin and bi nding of [H-3]spiperone to striatal membrane were observed. On exposur e to styrene, rats fed a normal protein diet showed a decrease in dopa mine level and an increase in foot shock-induced aggressive behaviour only, with no significant change in other parameters, in comparison to the respective controls. It was, however, interesting to note that wh en rats fed a low-protein diet were exposed to styrene they showed a s ignificant decrease in the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and sero tonin and an increase in the binding of [H-3]spiperone and [H-3]5-HT t o striatal and frontocortical membranes, respectively. A significant i ncrease in foot shock-induced aggressive behaviour and amphetamine-ind uced locomotor activity was also observed in this group of animals in comparison to those fed a low-protein diet. The biochemical and behavi oural data indicate that protein deficiency makes young animals more v ulnerable and it is an important predisposing factor in the neurobehav ioural toxicity of styrene.