Effect of chronic inhalation of toluene and dioxane on activity of free radical processes in rat ovaries and brain

The effects of toluene and dioxane inhalations on the intensity of free radical oxidation in rat ovaries and brain cortex were studied. Both toxins in a dose 10-fold surpassing the maximum permissible concentration increased activity of glutathione peroxidase in brain tissue; moreover, toluene increased chemiluminescence intensity, which attested to activation of free radical processes. In ovarian tissue toluene increased activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase and the intensity of lipid peroxidation. These changes were associated with the appearance of normally absent circadian rhythm.