ABSTRACT
This work was devoted to study the biochemical changes induced by inhaling a local glue Kolla", that is commonly and widely abused by street children in Egypt. The effect of single and repeated daily inhalation of this substance on certain brain neurotransmitters was studied in rats. Besides, the effect of this substance oil and kidney functions was investigated. Previous chemical analysis showed that the main volatile solvent ingredient of Kolla" is toluene and, thus, it was used as a standard solvent inhalant in this study. Two different concentrations of each inhalant, glue and toluene, were investigated. Single [30 mm] as well as repeated daily inhalation [30 mm/day for 10 days] of the two tested concentrations of each of "Kolla" [5000 and 10000 ppm] and toluene [28225 and 56450 ppm] increased the level of dopamine in rat's brain. Similarly, brain serotonin level increased following single inhalation of the high concentrations of both 'Kolla" and toluene. Serotonin level was also increased after repeated daily inhalation of the two toxic inhalants in the four tested concentrations. Liver and kidney function tests showed an increase in serum liver enzymes levels [ALT/GPT, AST/GOT and ALP] and in both serum urea and creatinine levels following single and repealed daily inhalation of each of Kolla" and toluene. In conclusion, glue inhalation leads to remarkable changes in some brain neurotransmitters and deleterious effects on liver and kidney function