The high toxicity induced by occupational and environmental benzene exposure lead to its use restriction. However, at these conditions, neuronal and immune toxicity has been described. It is well known that benzene metabolites, such as hydroxyl compounds phenol (PHE) and hydroquinone (HQ), are responsible for immunotoxicity. In this context, it has shown herein that male Wistar rats exposed to HQ (doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg/day; 13 days with 2-day intervals every 5 doses) presented marked reduction in the number of mononuclear (MN) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes in the bronchoalveolar fluid 24 hours after inhalation of Lipopolyssacaride of Salmonella abortus (LPS; 100 µg/mL). On the other hand, leukocyte migration into inflamed lungs was not altered in FE exposed rats, since values obtained were similar to those detected in control animals. Simultaneous exposure to HQ and PHE (5 mg/kg each compound) maintained the decreased number of MN cells observed in HQ exposed rats and potentiated the reduction of PMN cells induced by HQ exposure. The impaired leukocyte migration into inflamed lung did not reflect alterations on number of circulating cells. Moreover, it is important to emphasize that schedule of intoxication did not alter the functional ability of liver and kidney, as detected by normal activity of transaminases and creatinine concentration in the serum. Therefore, it is shown herein that in vivo exposures to lower doses of HQ do not alter end points used as biological indicators of toxicity, nevertheless toxic effects are evident after a host defense.
Benzene; Hydroquinone; Phenol; Lung inflammation; Lipopolyssacaride of Salmonella abortus
