Acute Oral Toxicity of DIGL-RP Solid Propellant in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Abstract
The DoD is considering the use of diethyleneglycol dinitrate (DEGDN), triethyleneglycol dinitrate; or trimethylolethane trinitrate as a replacement for nitroglycerin in munition formulations. A 'health effects' review identified numerous gaps in the toxicology database of these compounds. Consequently, an initial health effects evaluation of DEGDN, TMETN, TEGDN, and two DEGDN-based propellants, JA-2 and DIGL-RP was conducted. The acute oral toxicity of DIGL-RP solid propellant was determined in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats by using an oral gavage split-dose method. The medium lethal dosage was 2946.1 + or - 39. 2 mg/kg for male rats and 2636.4 + or - 117.8 mg/kg for female rats. DIGL-RP produced clinical signs that were attributed to its nitrate ester component, DEGDN. These signs included tremors, depression of reflexes, cyanosis, increases in respiratory rate and depth, and decreased body temperature. Other clinical signs observed were associated with the general malaise of the animals and dosing and included hunched posture, squinting, reddish stains around the eyes and nose, and perianal staining. Most animals exhibited signs by 4 hours after dosing and either had died or the signs had cleared by 96 hours after dosing. According to the classification scheme of Hodge and Sterner, these results placed DIGL-RP in the slightly toxic class. Keywords: Mammalian toxicology; Gun propellants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217712
Entities
People
- Conrad R. Wheeler
- Don W. Korte Jr.
- Larry D. Brown
Organizations
- Letterman Army Hospital