The interaction of topically applied toluene and ambient temperature on O2 uptake of tissue homogenates
Hakaim, A.G.; Weiss, H.S.
Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology 33(1): 95-102
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-5164 PMID: 7268213 Document Number: 173924
These studies examined the role of toluene in temperature-cancer experiments where it was used as a solvent for benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). Toluene (0.08 ml/wk topically) and ambient temperature (cool Ta = 16 degrees C, normal Ta = 23 degrees C and warm Ta = 32 degrees C) interacted to affect O2 uptake of tissue homogenates. After 3.5 weeks of acclimation and 2 weeks of toluene (0.16 ml total), O2 uptake of muscle homogenates was elevated 32% for all Ta's; O2 uptake of skin homogenates was elevated 139% for all Ta's; however, O2 uptake of liver homogenates was elevated 665% in cool Ta, elevated 36% in normal Ta but depressed 50% in warm Ta. The pattern of liver homogenate O2 uptake of C greater than N greater than W is similar to that for tumorigenesis when BaP is dissolved in the toluene, although toluene alone is nontumorigenic. Common cellular mechanisms may be involved in the metabolism of toluene, the activation of BaP and in thermogenic acclimation.