Evaluation of the Toxicity Profile and Central Nervous System Activities of Glue (Adhesive) Inhalation in Wistar Rats.

Background

Glue inhalation is a common unconventional substance of abuse, and it contains neurotoxic and volatile solvents. We examined the toxicity profile and central nervous system (CNS) activities of glue inhalation in Wistar rats.

Methods

Acute toxicity was investigated, and the subacute toxicity was studied using 24 male Wistar rats at graded concentrations of air, 2, 4 and 8 mL glue (n = 6/group) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological evaluations, and vital organs (lung, liver, kidney, heart, brain and eye) were used for histological analysis. Behavioural studies were carried out using an elevated plus maze, hole board test, open-field test, tail suspension test and forced swim test. Dependence and abstinence effects were also evaluated.

Results

The lethal dose (LD50) of the inhalational glue was 14.14 mL. Glue significantly increased liver function parameters such as TB, DB, ALP, ALT, TP and electrolyte levels (K+ and HCO3) but reduced cholesterol levels in exposed rats. Glue inhalation had significant anxiolytic and depressant effects on the rats at concentrations of 4 and 8 mL. Histological analysis revealed liver and lung tissue abnormalities and subconjunctival inflammation in eye tissue at 8 mL.

Conclusion

The study therefore suggests that glue inhalation has anxiolytic and depressant effects in Wistar rats.