Toluene-induced activation of certain hypothalamic and median eminence catecholamine nerve terminal systems of the male rat and its effects on anterior pituitary hormone secretion.

Subacute exposure to high concentrations (500--1000 ppm) of toluene vapour led to an increase of noradrenaline levels in the subependymal layer of the median eminence (SEL) and to an increase of noradrenaline turnover within the subependymal layer, the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and the anterior periventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PV I). Increased dopamine levels in the lateral palisade zone of the median eminence (LPZ) and increased catecholamine turnover within the medial palisade zone (MPZ) were also produced. Measurement of the anterior pituitary hormone secretion showed a significant increase of FSH and delayed increase of corticosterone secretion following toluene exposure.