Environmental Health Perspectives 105, Supplement 2, March 1997

A Behavior-Genetic Approach to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

David B. Newlin

National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract
This report emphasizes the application of behavior-genetic designs to the study of sensitivity to toxic chemicals, and features of multiple chemical sensitivity and substance abuse that are polar opposites. The implications of these issues for future research are discussed in relation to twin, adoption, and sibling pair studies, as well as in relation to the degree to which genetically selected lines of rodents that have been developed in the alcoholism field are applicable to multiple chemical sensitivity. -- Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 2):505-508 (1997)

Key words: behavior genetics, multiple chemical sensitivity, twins, adoptees, animal models, drug abuse, alcoholism

This paper is based on a presentation at the Conference on Experimental Approaches to Chemical Sensitivity held 20-22 September 1995 in Princeton, New Jersey. Manuscript received at EHP 6 March 1996; manuscript accepted 22 May 1996.
The author acknowledges the valuable feedback of the Sensitization/Kindling Working Group of the conference at which this report was presented, particularly that of I. Bell. In addition, R. Griffiths and R. Pickens provided useful editorial assistance. This discussion represents the views of the author and not those of the National Institute on Drug Abuse or the U.S. Government. (In the public domain.)
Address correspondence to Dr. D. B. Newlin, NIDA-IRP, 5500 Nathan Shock Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224. Telephone: (410) 550-1411. Fax: (410) 550-1438. E-mail: dnewlin@irp.nida.nih.gov
Abbreviations used: CNS, central nervous system; HAD, high alcohol drinking; LAD, low alcohol drinking; MCS, multiple chemical sensitivities; NP, alcohol nonpreferring; P, alcohol-preferring.

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Last Update: March 24, 1997