Repeated toluene exposure modifies the acetylation pattern of histones H3 and H4 in the rat brain

Toluene is a volatile organic solvent with addictive potential that exhibits similarities in its physiological effects and modes of action to other addictive drugs. Despite its widespread abuse, the molecular mechanisms driving the response and adaptation of the organism to this drug are not fully understood. In recent years, different epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene expression have been shown to be associated to cocaine, amphetamine and alcohol misuse-induced alterations in neuronal function. For example, it has been demonstrated that drug consumption induces variations in histone acetylation levels in brain reward regions and these play a relevant role on the abuse-associated behavioral plasticity. In order to decipher whether repeated toluene exposure could mediate epigenetic changes in the rat brain, we here analyzed the acetylation pattern of histones H3 and H4 in three brain areas that have been previously associated to substance abuse reward pathways: the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) and the Central Amygdala (CeA). Using immunofluorescence analysis of brain sections with specific antibodies that recognize the acetylated forms of histones H3 and H4, we demonstrate that chronic toluene inhalation differentially modifies histone H3 and H4 acetylation in the NAc and the VTA while no effect is observed in the CeA. Our results suggest that the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes such as histone de-acetylases (HDACs) in certain brain areas are responsive to toluene inhalation and might be crucial mediators in the addictive response to toluene.

Research highlights▶ Repeated toluene inhalation modifies histones H3–H4 acetylation in the rat brain. ▶ These epigenetic modifications are histone and brain area-specific. ▶ Reward associated areas suffer toluene-induced epigenetic modifications. ▶ In contrast H3–H4 acetylation is not modified by toluene in Central Amygdala.