An Exploration of the Neurobehavioral and Neurochemical Outcomes Resultant from Abuse- and Environmental-Like Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds

• Main Author: Davidson, Cameron J
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2021
• Subjects: Behavioral psychology; Environmental science; Neurosciences
• ISBN: 9798738653391

This investigation explores two different but related types of VOC exposure; abuse-like and environmental-like exposures. In the abuse-like exposure investigation, dopamine, DOPAC, and the turnover ratio (DOPAC/DA) were quantified using HPLC following abuse-like toluene exposure (30 min/day for 5 days; PND 28-32) on two time points (32 & 35). In a separate group of subjects, toluene exposure occurred as described, then, after a delay (PND 36 or 44) subjects were challenged with cumulative cocaine or ethanol. Subjects’ brains were collected immediately following the exposure or challenge. Subtle differences related to development were found. In the environmental-like exposure, combined benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) vapor was used to expose subjects for long durations (1.5 hr/ session, 2 sessions/day, 5 days/week, for 3 weeks) modeling human environmental exposure. Behavioral assessments conducted during and following the exposure are explored with a focus on subtle differences in locomotion during exposure and subsequent learning. The neurochemical analysis immediately following exposure did not reveal impacts in components or regions observed. Improvements to be made on this novel model are also discussed.