Abstract
4-Vinylphenol (4-hydroxystyrene , 4-ethenylphenol , 4-VP) occurs naturally in some foods and has been used as a flavoring agent in food products. It is used synthetically in the production of polymers and resins. It has also been reported to be a minor metabolite of styrene in rats and humans. Varying doses of 4-vinylpheno l were administered ip to mice. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum sorbitol dehydrogenas e (SDH) and by light microscopy. Pneumotoxicity was assessed by measuring proteins, cells, and lactate dehydrogenas e activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and by light microscopy. 4-VP caused a dose-dependent increase in serum SDH and mild hepatocellular swelling. It caused an increase in cell number and lactate dehydrogenas e activity in BALF. Microscopically, there was widespread and severe necrosis of the bronchioles by 12 hours. Re-epithelialzation of the bronchioles was evident by 48 hours. These studies indicate that 4-vinylphenol is both hepatotoxi c and pneumotoxic.
