Acute Inhalation Toxicity of Saxitoxin to Mice
Abstract
Systemic toxicity of saxitoxin (STX) in a variety of laboratory ani mals is well documented. Reports of toxicity from respiratory exposure, however, are negligible. In this study a concentration-response curve was determined for mice exposed to aerosols generated from a saline solution of STX. For a 10 min exposure, the STX aerosol concentration calculated to kill 50% (LC50) of the exposed mice was approx. 0.3 micrograms STX/liter air. Results from aerosol deposition studies in mice exposed to an LC50 concentration of STX aerosol gave an LD50 of 0.9 micrograms/kg. Thus, STX was at least 10 times more toxic to mice by aerosol exposure than by systemic administration. The mechanism of this enhanced toxicity is presently unknown.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 18, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA203563
Entities
People
- D. A. Cresia
- M. L. Neally
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases