Attenuation of Phosgene Toxicity.
Abstract
Certain inhaled toxins, e.g., phosgene and other oxidant gases, can trigger a debilitating and usually fatal form of respiratory distress. Presently, there is no antidote for such lung-damaging agents. We have completed a comprehensive examination of surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) as a counter-measure against these agents which damage the pulmonary surfactant system of the alveolar and respiratory bronchiolar airways. Exogenous pulmonary surfactant was administered either by intratracheal instillation or by aerosol to male Sprague-Dawley rats that had been exposed to 40.5 ppm phosgene gas for 10 minutes in a Cannon type (nose-only) chamber (the LCt50, 24-hour) in order to assess treatment effects on tissue edema, lung function and survival. Phosgene exposure was found to have an adverse effect on the surface activity of the endogenous pulmonary surfactant system in these exposed rats. Surfactant replacement helped to restore this activity. SRT did not prevent massive outpouring of edema water which marks the clinical phase of phosgene poisoning, nor did it alleviate the attending decline in lung function. Nonetheless, SRT was found to significantly reduce mortality from exposure to the toxin. Our findings suggest that SRT may be the first effective countermeasure for US military personnel following lethal phosgene exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA306936
Entities
People
- William D. Currie
Organizations
- Duke University Hospital