Potential Role of Stress and Sensitization in the Development and Expression of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Barbara A. Sorg and Balakrishna M. Prasad
Program in Neuroscience, Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
Abstract
Chemical sensitivity in humans may be an acquired disorder in which individuals become increasingly sensitive to chemicals in the environment. It is hypothesized that in individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a sensitization process has occurred that is akin to behavioral sensitization and kindling observed in rodents. In the rodent sensitization model, repeated exposure to stress or drugs of abuse enhances behavioral and neurochemical responses to subsequent stimuli (stress or drugs of abuse). Kindling is a form of sensitization in which repeated application of electrical stimuli applied to the brain at low levels culminates in the induction of full-blown seizures when the same stimulus is applied at a later time. A similar sensitization of specific limbic pathways in the brain may occur in individuals with MCS. The time-dependent nature of sensitization and kindling and the role of stress in the development of sensitization are discussed in the context of rodent models, with an emphasis on application of these models to human studies of MCS. -- Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 2):467-471 (1997)
Key words: multiple chemical sensitivity, kindling, limbic system, sensitization, stress
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 21 October 1996.
This research was supported by the Wallace Research Foundation.
Address correspondence to Dr. B.A. Sorg, Department of VCAPP, Stadium Way, Wegner, Room 205, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6520. Telephone: (509) 335-4709. Fax: (509) 335-4650. E-mail: barbsorg@vetmed.wsu.edu
Abbreviations used: CNS, central nervous system; CRH, corticotropin-releasing hormone; MCS, multiple chemical sensitivity; NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate; PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder.
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Last Update: March 20, 1997