Abstract
The effect of phenobairbital pretreatment on the toxicity of a variety of halogenated hydrocarbon solvents has been investigated in the rat. The present data demonstrate the marked potentiation of toxicity of carbon tetrachloride and chloroform by phenobarbital pretreatment. However, a potentiating effect of phenobarbital on the toxicity of other halogenated solvents, including methylene chloride, methyl chloroform, trfchloroeithylene, and perchloroethylene could not be demonstrated by utilizing single high-dose levels of these solvents. Since barbiturates may have considerable usage among industrial workers, it is important to be aware of the potential for synergistic action that may be associated with the inhalation of several of the halogenated solvents as well as the apparent lack of potentiation associated with others.