Study on mechanism of reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity of 1-bromopropane, a new alternative to chlorofluorocarbons

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(1) STUDY ON TOXIC MECHANISM OF 1-BROMOPROPANE Forty-four Wistar female rats were divided into four groups of elevens and exposed to 1-bromopropane at 200 ppm, 400 ppm and 800 ppm, for eight hours per day for twelve weeks. The control was given only fresh air. Results were as follows : 1) weakened muscle strength of limbs, 2) elongation of distal latency of rat tail, 3) decrease in motor nerve conduction velocity, 4) degeneration of myelin of peripheral nerve, 5) swelling of preterminal axons in gracile nucleus in medulla oblongata, 6) irregular banding of muscle fibers, 7) decreased epididymal sperm, 8) decreased motility of sperm, 9) increase in sperm with immature head, and 10) increased step 19 spermatid at post spermiation stages. The study shows that 1-bromopropane has severe dose-dependent neurotoxicity and also impairs spermiation.(2) BIOCHEMICAL STUDY ON BRAIN OF RATS EXPOSED TO 1-BROMOPROPANE Thirty-two Wistar male rats were divided into four groups and exposed to 1-bromopropane at 200, 400 and 800 ppm, eight hours per day for seven days. Total creatine kinase activity decreased in cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord. Non protein free SH base decreased and total glutathione significantly decreased at cerebrum and cerebellum.(3) STUDY ON BIOMARKER OF 1-BROMOPROPANE EXPOSURE (a cooperative study with Dr.Valentine, Vanderbilt University, USA) Urine was collected from 29 workers exposed to 1-bromopropane. The urine sample was acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. N-acetyl S-propylcystein was found as a major metabolite of 1-bromopropane. This might be a good indicator of 1-bromopropane exposure.