VX Toxicity in the Gottingen Minipig
Abstract
The present experiments determined the intramuscular LD50 of VX in male Gttingen minipigs at two stages of development. In pubertal animals (115days old), the LD50 of VX was indeterminate, but approximated 33.3g/kg. However, in sexually mature animals (152days old), the LD50 was estimated to be only 17.4g/kg. Signs of nerve agent toxicity in the Gttingen minipig were similar to those described for other species, with some notable exceptions (such as urticaria and ejaculation). Latencies to the onset of sustained convulsions were inversely related to the administered dose of VX in both ages of minipigs. Additionally, actigraphy was used to quantify the presence of tremor and convulsions and, in some cases, was useful for precisely estimating time of death. The main finding indicates that in minipigs, as in other species, even relatively small differences in age can substantially alter the toxicity of nerve agents. Additionally, actigraphy can serve as a non-invasive method of characterizing the tremors and convulsions that often accompany nerve agent intoxication.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1012118
Entities
People
- Jeffrey L. Langston
- Todd M. Myers
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense