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29318 
Journal Article 
Abstract 
Cardiovascular alterations resulting from inhalation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane 
Herd, PA; Martin, HF; Lipsky, M 
1973 
1 
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
ISSN: 0041-008X
EISSN: 1096-0333 
25 
3 
468-469 
English 
WOS:A1973Q218800090 
is part of a larger document 3114922 Abstracts of papers for the Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology, New York, New York March 18–22, 1973
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCE) is an organic solvent which has enjoyed increased use in recent years because it is less toxic than several other halogenated hydrocarbons. However, some clinical toxicity data has suggested that inhalation of TCE is responsible for direct, and possibly long-term alterations in cardiovascular function. To explore this possibility, anesthetized (chloralose) dogs were attached to a bubble vaporizer and controlled dosages of TCE ((10^4)-4 x 10^4 ppm/min) were found to produce a biphasic decline in arterial blood pressure. The initial decline in pressure (within 10 to 15 sec after introduction of TCE) was found to be due to a decrease in total peripheral resistance (TPR), since cardiac output increased (40-45 %) initially. Infusion of the pure a-agonist, phenylephrine, reversed these peripheral vascular effects indicating that TCE does not act directly on the vascular musculature. Also, in contrast to other catecholamines (e.g. epinephrine), no arrythmagenic effects were noted. The second phase of blood pressure decline is associated with a decrease in myocardial contractility, reflected by a decline of both heart rate and stroke volume. In contrast, the change in TPR was greatly diminished during this phase. Exogenous ca++ reversed the TCE-induced decline in myocardial contractility but had no effect on the initial phase of peripheral vasodilatation. The data indicate that drug-sensitive cardiovascular components are involved in TCE-induced intoxication. These phenomena cannot be attributed only to generalized central nervous system depression as proposed by others. Further characterization of the nature of these components may enable more effective patient management. (Supported, in part, by Rhode Island Hospital and the Tupper Foundation, New York City.) 
Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology 
New York 
March 18–22, 1973