The Influence of Trichloroethylene and Related Drugs on the Vestibular System

A previously described experimental model for studying the effect of industrial solvents on the vestibular system of rabbits has been applied to trichloroethylene. Estimation of trichloroethylene and its metabolites in blood and cerebrospinal fluid was performed by gas chromatography. Vestibular function was studied by recording nystagmus, induced by positional changes or accelerated rotation. At blood levels of trichloroethylene above 30 p.p.m. “positional nystagmus” develops. Two metabolites of trichloroethylene, chloral hydrate and trichloro-ethanol, which are known as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, did not induce this abnormal nystagmus. However, α-chloralose, a derivative of chloral hydrate, induced positional nystagmus and also a markedly exaggerated nystagmus developed during rotatory acceleration. It is suggested that solvents like trichloroethylene elicit vestibular disturbances by stimulation of central subcortical vestibulo-oculomotor connections. The stimulation may be caused by a blockage of inhibitory systems.