| Title: | The last two decades on preclinical and clinical research on inhalant effects |
| Address: | "Department of Pharmacobiology, Center of Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), Calzada de los Tenorios No. 235, Col. Granjas Coapa, Mexico City 14330, Mexico. Electronic address: slcruzm@cinvestav.mx. Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 5057 Woodward Ave., Suite 7906.1, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address: scott.bowen@wayne.edu" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.106999 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1872-9738 (Electronic) 0892-0362 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "This paper reviews the scientific evidence generated in the last two decades on the effects and mechanisms of action of most commonly misused inhalants. In the first section, we define what inhalants are, how they are used, and their prevalence worldwide. The second section presents specific characteristics that define the main groups of inhalants: (a) organic solvents; (b) aerosols, gases, and volatile anesthetics; and (c) alkyl nitrites. We include a table with the molecular formula, structure, synonyms, uses, physicochemical properties and exposure limits of representative compounds within each group. The third and fourth sections review the direct acute and chronic effects of common inhalants on health and behavior with a summary of mechanisms of action, respectively. In the fifth section, we address inhalant intoxication signs and available treatment. The sixth section examines the health effects, intoxication, and treatment of nitrites. The seventh section reviews current intervention strategies. Finally, we propose a research agenda to promote the study of (a) solvents other than toluene; (b) inhalant mixtures; (c) effects in combination with other drugs of abuse; (d) age and (e) sex differences in inhalant effects; (f) the long-lasting behavioral effects of animals exposed in utero to inhalants; (g) abstinence signs and neurochemical changes after interrupting inhalant exposure; (h) brain networks involved in inhalant effects; and finally (i) strategies to promote recovery of inhalant users" |
| Keywords: | Animals Humans Inhalant Abuse/*epidemiology Inhalation Exposure/*adverse effects Prevalence Solvents/*pharmacology Substance-Related Disorders/*epidemiology Toluene/pharmacology Abuse Aerosols Dependence Gases Inhalants Mechanism of action Nitrites Sensit; |
| Notes: | "MedlineCruz, Silvia L Bowen, Scott E eng Review 2021/06/05 Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2021 Sep-Oct; 87:106999. doi: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.106999. Epub 2021 Jun 2" |
