Trichloroethylene interactions with muscle cells

Abstract

The toxic effect of trichlorethylene (TCE) was investigated on isolated muscles prepared from frog and rats. Twitch and tetanic contractions as well as caffeine-induced contractures, were recorded. Trichloroethylene at a concentration of 0.25-4.0 mM depressed the force development of both twitch and tetanic tension in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was not influenced by the type of muscle. As TCE shortened the time to peak of twitch contractions, it may alter the Ca2+ binding kinetics. Subthreshold caffeine concentrations applied after pre-exposure to TCE (1 or 2mM) induced contractures. The same TCE exposure enhanced regular caffeine contractures through increasing the speed of tension development and the absolute force. Exposure to 5 or 10 mM TCE did not affect the first caffeine-induced contracture but enhanced the potency of the second caffeine dose given 15 min after the first. The results suggest that the interaction of TCE with membrane sites is responsible for Ca2+ release for contractile processes.

Results of common laboratory tests in solvent-exposed workers

“…A slow toxic process that gradually diminishes the muscle mass might lower the level of serum creatinine. Both alcohol (Lang et al 2001;Preedy et al 2001) and occupational solvents (Pedersen et al 1980;Kossler 1991) may cause myopathy, but a confounding factor may also be present. Workers with a long history of solvent exposure may feel sick and reduce their normal activity, especially during their leisure time.…”

Trichloroethylene — a Review of the Literature From a Health Effects Perspective

“…For example, TCE has been shown to decrease squid axonal potentials in proportion to the concentration of TCE (Shrivastav et al, 1976). In an animal study, Kossler (1991) reported that TCE depressed the force development of both twitch and tetanic tension of isolated muscles prepared from frogs and rats in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggested that the interaction of TCE with membrane sites is responsible for Ca2+ release for contractile processes ,; ...:…”