The Latest Evidence in the Neuroscience of Solvent Misuse: An Article Written for Service Providers

This work reviews preclinical and clinical studies published during the past two decades on the cellular and behavioral effects of commonly misused solvents. In animals, acute solvent exposure produces motor impairment and antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects. Human intoxication from misusing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Substance use & misuse 2011-05, Vol.46 (s1), p.62-67
Main Author: Cruz, Silvia L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
acute effects
Antidepressants
Brain
chronic effects
Drug use
Drunkenness
Effects
Ethanol
Evidence-Based Medicine
Humans
inhalants
Male
mechanisms of action
Mental disorders
Nervous System Diseases - chemically induced
Neurosciences
receptors
Solvents
Solvents - administration & dosage
Solvents - poisoning
Substance-Related Disorders - complications
toluene
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Description
Summary:This work reviews preclinical and clinical studies published during the past two decades on the cellular and behavioral effects of commonly misused solvents. In animals, acute solvent exposure produces motor impairment and antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects. Human intoxication from misusing solvents is similar to that of ethanol; however, hallucinations and sudden sniffing death may occur at high solvent concentrations. Among chronic misusers, there is evidence of impaired memory, increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, and neurological damage. Solvents facilitate inhibitory neurotransmission and block excitatory mechanisms. Toluene, in particular, increases brain dopamine levels and its effects occur at concentrations that do not dissolve cell membranes; therefore, neuronal damage is not an immediate, unavoidable consequence of solvent misuse.
ISSN:1082-6084
1532-2491
DOI:10.3109/10826084.2011.580215