Effect of inhalation exposure to 2-bromopropane on the nervous system in rats

Exposure to 2-bromopropane (2-BP) is suspected to have adverse effects on t he nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the exp osure of rats to 2-BP had neurotoxic effects using histological and electro physiological studies. Wistar strain male rats were exposed daily to either 100 or 1000 ppm 2-BP or to fresh air for 8 h a day for 12 weeks. Body weig ht was measured before exposure and every 2 weeks. Motor nerve conduction v elocity (MCV) and distal latency (DL) were measured before exposure and eve ry 4 weeks during exposure. Histological examination of the nervous system was also performed. Exposure of rats (n = 9) to 1000 ppm resulted in suppre ssion of body weight gain and a significant decrease an brain weight compar ed to the control (n = 9). Electrophysiological measurements showed a signi ficant decrease in MCV in 1000 ppm exposed rats at 8 weeks and significant prolongation of DL at 8 and 12 weeks. Abnormalities of the myelin sheath we re detected in the common peroneal nerves. In 100-ppm exposed rats (n = 9), no significant changes were noted in body weight and the peripheral nerve. In conclusions, long-term exposure to 1000 ppm of 2-BP may result in perip heral neuropathy in rats. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.