Subacute Toxicity of RDX and TNT in Monkeys
Abstract
A study was carried out in 42 rhesus monkeys to evaluate the toxicity of RDX and TNT when given orally, once daily, seven days per week for 13 weeks (90 days). Dosages of RDX were 10, 1 and 0.1 mg/kg/day and for TNT were 1, 0.1 and 0.02 mg/kg/day. Five monkeys on the highest dose of RDX showed 12 instances of CNS disturbance, usually involving tonic convulsions. One of these monkeys were euthanatized; the others recovered and survived the study. Except for frequent episodes of emesis, predominantly in the high dosage RDX group, no other clinical signs of toxicologic significance were observed. Laboratory testing revealed only scattered changes of no toxicologic significance. Histopathologic examination showed some increases in numbers of degenerate or necrotic megakaryocytes in bone marrow sections and increased amounts of iron- positive material in liver cord cytoplasm, both occurring in the high dosage groups of both RDX and TNT. The toxicologic importance of these two findings is uncertain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA044650