Effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the state of the nervous system of experimental animals during intratracheal administration in doses corresponding to real production exposures

Abstract

Introduction. Due to the expansion of production volumes and applications of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCN), a comprehensive toxicological assessment of the nanomaterial is required, followed by the development of approaches to regulating their content in various facilities to reduce the risks of adverse effects on human health. The aim of the study was to assess the state of the nervous system of experimental animals in response to intrapharyngeal introduction of MWCN in doses corresponding to real production exposures. Materials and methods. The object of the study was two-month-old C57BL mice. The experimental groups received by pharyngeal aspiration 20 mcg of MWCN in 0.1% solution of Twin 80; the control group was administered 0.1% Twin 80 in the same way. The nervous system was evaluated 24 hours and 30 days after exposure in a battery of behavioral tests. Results. The use of the "Open field" method allowed us to establish signs of increased anxiety and weakening of research responses in the experimental group 24 hours after exposure. After 30 days, the experimental group showed an increased level of anxiety in variable stress conditions compared to the control group. Conclusions. Thus, the conducted studies revealed some behavioral deviations in the experimental group compared to the control group 24 hours and 30 days after exposure, which suggests the presence of a General systemic or stress reaction to the introduction of the MWCN suspension.