experimental study of subchronic toxicity of perchloroethylene [PER] in mice

This study included 240 mature Swiss mice of both sexes. Mice were dividedinto three test groups [n = 50 in each group] that received low, moderate andhigh doses of per dissolved in calculated doses of pure corn oil orally anddaily for 70 days. Control groups [n = 30 in each group], administrated thecorresponding doses of pure corn oil. After 45 days, blood samples werecollected from each animal and blood and urine samples were collected after 70days. Complete blood picture analysis revealed a hemolytic anemia likepattern which was dose and duration dependent. Liver function tests showedsignificant increase of ALT and AST enzyme activities which were dosedependent. Kidney function tests showed significant increase in the level ofserum creatinine only in the high dose group. Beta-2 microglobulin wasundetected in urine of all mice. Histopathological studies of the animalsinternal groups revealed significant changes in spleen, liver and kidneysmatching with the results of blood, liver enzymes, serum creatinine and absentbeta-2 microglobulin. Dysplasia was found in the liver of male mice more thanfemales. Lungs showed significant pathological changes, while testes showedsome degree maturation arrest

Chronic toxicity of perchloroethylene [PCE] in workers of dry-cleaning shops

Twenty-four male workers in dry-cleaning shops were investigated for effects of chronic exposure to perchloroethylene in their work places. A control group [n=24] matched by age and sex with the workers was also studied. Systemicexamination, chest X-rays, pulmonary function test, EEG, EMG and liverfunction tests [ALT, AST, GGT, LDH and serum bilirubin, bile acid and albumin]were done to both groups [workers and controls]. The results revealedneuropsychic and gastrointestinal manifestations in all workers [100%] andchest manifestations in 79.17%. X-ray showed chronic bronchitis in 6 workersand emphysematous changes in ten cases; a significant reduction of pulmonary function test was observed with a significant correlation between the duration of PCE exposure, FEV1 and FVC, normal EEC, abnormal EMG finding in 83.33% ofworkers. Increased activities of liver enzymes, serum bilirubin and bile acidand hypoalbuminemia were found in PCE exposed workers