Effects of trichloroethylene inhalation on acid phosphatase in rodent brain.

Rats, mice and gerbils were continuously exposed to 150 ppm trichloroethylene (TCE) for 30 days. In all three species, there was a marked increase in liver weight. In mice the weight increased more (86%) than in rats and gerbils (20%). After exposure the activity of acid phosphatase, a lysosomal marker enzyme, was tested in different brain areas, using a system which had a limit of detection of +/- 10-15%. In most areas no significant influence was found. However, in the brain stem of mice and gerbils the phosphatase activity increased by approx. 10%.