The Effects of Repeated Sub-Toxic Sarin Exposure on Behavior, EEG and Blood and Brain AChE Activity
Abstract
Guinea pigs were exposed 5 days/week/two weeks to saline or one of two sarin doses (0.2 or 0.4 x LD50). Animals were assessed for signs of toxicity, changes in body weight and temperature, EEG activity, behavioral and biochemical parameters during exposure (E1-10) and up to 100 days post-exposure (P100). Red blood cell AChE was depressed 60% and 80% respectively in the 0.2 and 0.4 x LD50 groups following E10, returning to baseline by P100. Brain AChE was significantly reduced in the 0.4 x LD50 animals only following E10, returning to baseline by P100. The 0.4 x LD50 animals exhibited a significant increase in beta2 EEG activity across exposure days, but returned to control levels by P3. No differences were noted among groups on toxicity signs, weight or temperature. A significant increase in flinch threshold in both sarin groups was found only on P3, P10 and P30. There were significant increases in vertical movement and activity-chamber center time in the 0.4 xLD50 animals at P100; due to high variability, a supplementary cohort was exposed and tested; no significant changes were found. These results suggest that the initial depression of AChE does not result in persistent changes that influence physiology or behavior.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA465921
Entities
People
- Cerissa P. Francisco
- John H. McDonough
- Kathleen M. Mcavoy
- Mark A. Reynolds
- Mary D. Gonzales
- Melinda R. Roberson
- Michelle B. Schmidt
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense