Toxicology Studies on Lewisite and Sulfur Mustard Agents: Subchronic Toxicity Study of Lewisite in Rats
Abstract
Occupational health standards have not been established for Lewisite DICHLORO(2-CHLOROVINYL)ARSINE, a potent toxic vesicant which reacts with the sulfhydryl groups of proteins through its arsenic group. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats of each sex, 6-7 weeks old, were divided into six groups (10/group/sex) and gavaged with either, 0, 0.01, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg of Lewisite in sesame oil 5 days/week for 13 weeks. No significant dose-related change in body weight was observed. At the high dose serum protein, creatinine, SGOT, and SGPT were decreased in males; lymphocytes and platlets were increased in females. A treatment-related lesion was detected in the forestomach of both sexes at 2.0 mg/kg. These lesions were characterized by necrosis of the stratified squamous epithelium accompanied by infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, proliferation of neocapillaries, hemorrhage, edema and fibroblast proliferation. Mild acute inflammation of the gradular stomach was also observed in some cases at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg. Early deaths were attributed to severe inflammation of the upper and/or lower respiratory tract possibly from deposition or reflux of test material into the pharynx. Estimated dose range for NOEL appears to be >0.5 and <1.0 mg/kg when administered orally.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217886
Entities
People
- D. R. Kalkwarf
- J. A. Cushing
- L. B. Sasser
- P. W. Mellick
- R. L. Buschbom