Paralysis in Nerve Agent Toxicosis in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Since the discovery of the G-type nerve agents, there have been numerous studies of Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement in the etiology of organophosphate poisoning, notably associated with status Elipticus and/or "electrographic seizures". Brain damage from these effects has been demonstrated as "neuronal necrosis" primarily in the cortex, thalamus and hippocampus. However, despite recurring references to CNS damage, to the author's knowledge there have been no reports of long term paralysis manifested within 24 hr of nerve agent exposure. Occasional paralysis following an asymptomatic time interval of 7-14 days has been reported. This report is intended to summarize the immediate, nerve agent induced paralytic events recorded in guinea pigs (as incidental observations) during development of the Canadian Reactive Skin Decontaminant Lotion RSDL(R). Because the experiments were designed to assess the decontamination procedures, there were no apparent relationships between the amounts of agent applied and the sequellae recorded.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA409328

Entities

People

  • D. J. Risk
  • L. Schofield
  • R. W. Bide

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animals
  • Brain
  • Brain Injuries
  • Casualties
  • Central Nervous System
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Dielectric Polymers
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Nerve Agents
  • Nervous System
  • Organophosphates
  • Poisoning
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Rodents
  • Spinal Cord

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology