Investigation of Toluene Toxicity in an Animal Model: The Role of Intralipid Emulsion

Toluene toxicity poses significant health risks, and no specific antidote is currently available. This study aimed to assess the biochemical and histopathological effects of toluene toxicity and investigate the potential protective role of intralipid emulsion in an animal model. Twenty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) were randomly assigned to four groups. The Control group received 18.6 mL/kg of normal saline IV, while the Lipid group received 18.6 mL/kg of intralipid emulsion IV. The Toluene group was administered toluene at an LD50 of 7.4 g/kg via gastric lavage, and the Toluene + Lipid group received the same dose of toluene followed by 18.6 mL/kg of intralipid IV. After 3 h, the rats were decapitated, and blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis. During the 180-min period, three rats from the Toluene group and two from the Toluene + Lipid group died. Biochemical analysis showed significant differences in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and troponin T concentrations among groups (p < 0.05). BUN concentrations were elevated in the Lipid and Toluene + Lipid groups, while creatinine was highest in the Toluene + Lipid group. Troponin T was significantly increased in the Toluene and Toluene + Lipid groups. Histopathological analysis revealed significant kidney damage in the Toluene group, which was reduced in the Toluene + Lipid group. Toluene-induced renal toxicity is evident both biochemically and histopathologically but may be attenuated or prevented with intralipid emulsion administered shortly after exposure. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings with larger sample sizes and extended observation periods.