Low-Level Effects of VX Vapor Exposure on Pupil Diameter and Cholinesterase Levels in Rats

Abstract

The median effective concentrations (EC sub 50's) for miosis in male and female rats exposed to VX vapor for 10, 60 and 240 min were estimated using whole body vapor exposures conducted in a 750 liter dynamic airflow inhalation chamber. Miosis was defined as at least a 50% reduction in pupil diameter relative to baseline measurements. Results show that the median effective dosages (ECt sub 50) for miosis are approximately an order of magnitude lower than the calculated ECt sub 50 values for both GB and GF at each of the 3 exposure durations. There were significant gender differences in the ECt sub 50 values for male and female rats with female rats being more sensitive to the effects of VX than males. There was significant whole blood AChE depression at the highest concentrations at each of the exposure times. The results of this study have identified several effects of VX vapor that could impact operational readiness and serve as a basis for predictions useful for military Operational Risk Management (ORM) decisions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA433450

Entities

People

  • B. J. Benton
  • C. E. Whalley
  • C. L. Crouse
  • D. B. Miller
  • D. R. Sommerville
  • E. M. Jakubowski Jr.
  • J. S. Anthony Jr.
  • J. Scotto
  • K. L. Matson
  • R. B. Crosier
  • S. W. Hulet

Organizations

  • Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acetylcholinesterases
  • Blood Proteins
  • Business Administration
  • Controlled Environment
  • Depression
  • Diameters
  • Measurement
  • Microsomes
  • Nerve Agents
  • Operational Readiness
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Risk
  • Risk Analysis
  • Risk Management
  • Toxicity
  • Vapor Pressure

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology