D3120: Toluene exposure causes changes in egg production and offspring development in Drosophilia melanogaster

Toluene is a widely used aromatic hydrocarbon commonly found household items such as paint thinner, nail polish, and glue, though at very low concentrations (2.66 x 10-4 ppm.) Although toluene is not carcinogenic, long-term exposure can lead to detrimental effects on human organ function, fetal development, and hormone regulation. As D. melanogaster and humans share many gene homologs, as well as possessing molecular similarities in the reproductive and nervous mechanisms, we can infer that any effects from toluene exposure observed in D. melanogaster can be correlated to human systems. We have established the female gaseous toluene LE50 (50% of the population killed) to be approximately 1100-1200 ppm for 24 hours and that exposed adult females produce fewer eggs, and the offspring maturation period increased.

Here, we focus on possible differences in toluene effects between males and females. Male adult flies were exposed to the female LE50 and higher for 24 hours, after which they were mated with unexposed females for a period of five days. Offspring were counted at the egg, larval, and pupal stages. As seen with the female flies, the effects on offspring production and survivability increased as toluene concentration increased. Our data indicated that the male LE50 may be higher than that of females. Regardless of which parent was exposed, toluene causes detrimental effects in reproductive capacity and offspring development. Future genetic and molecular studies will examine the mechanism of action by which development is disrupted in the offspring of exposed adults.