Repeated exposure of rats to JP-4 vapor induces changes in neurobehavioralcapacity and 5-HT/5-HIAA levels

Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed for 6 h/d for 14 consecutive da ys to JP-4 jet fuel vapor (2 mg/L) or room air control conditions. Followin g a 14- or 60-d recovery period, rats completed a battery of 8 tests select ed from the Navy Neurobehavioral Toxicity Assessment Battery (NTAB) to eval uate changes in performance capacity. Exposure to JP-4 vapor resulted in si gnificant changes in neurobehavioral capacity on several tests that varied as a function of the duration of the recovery period. Rats were evaluated f or major neurotransmitter and metabolite levels in five brain regions and i n the blood serum. Levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were shown to be significantly elevated in several bra in regions as well as in the blood serum in the vapor-exposed groups. Resul ts of the rat study are compared to previously reported neurobehavioral eva luations of European manufacturing personnel exposed chronically to jet fue l vapor.