Acute Oral Toxicity of Trimethylolethane Trinitrate (TMETN) in Sprague- Dawley Rats
Abstract
The acute oral toxicity of trimethylolethane trinitrate (TMETN) was determined in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats by using the oral gavage single-dose method. The median lethal dose (MLD) for male rats was 1587.3 + or - 191.5 mg/kg and for female rats was 1027.4 + or - 63.7 mg/kg. Clinical signs observed following TMETN administration were inactivity, tremors, irritability, clonic convulsions, depression of grasping and righting reflexes, changes in the startle reflex, disorientation, hunched posture, and rough coat. Most animals exhibited signs within 2 hours of dosing and had either died or returned to normal by 72 hours after dosing. The extent of the neurotoxic component of this clinical signs profile suggests that TYMETN possesses pharmacological properties in addition to those routinely associated with nitrate esters. According to the classification scheme of Hodge and Steiner, these results indicate that TMETN is a slightly toxic compound. keywords: Munitions; Nitroglycerine substitute; Acute oral toxicity; TMETN; Trimethylolethane trinitrate; Rat; Mammalian toxicology; Propellants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA211981
Entities
People
- Conrad R. Wheeler
- Don W. Korte Jr.
- Steven K. Sano
- Yvonne C. Letellier
Organizations
- Letterman Army Hospital