Abstract
Inhalation toxicity following exposure to 1-Chloroace tophenone (CN) and Dihenz(b,f)-1,4 oxazepine (CR) aerosols for 60 min at sublethal concentrations were stud ied in rats. The dynamic surface tension (γ max and stabil ity ratio) of lung homogenate increased significantly on CN exposure. The lung mechanics studies revealed a sig nificant increase in compliance in CN exposed rats. CR, on the other hand did not influence any of the above vari ables except for a decrease in compliance. Total lung phos pholipids and sphingomyelin contents decreased signifi cantly following exposure to CN, while CR exposure pro duced an increase in sphingomyelin, reduction in phos phatidylcholine and ethanolamine, with no change in total phospholipid contents. Histomorphological observations indicated cellular degeneration in the epithelium of the bronchiole and alveolar septal-wall thickening due to the presence of an increased number of mononuclear cells in CN exposed rats. However, CR induced inflammatory reaction and enlargement of respiratory air spaces. It is concluded that of the two sensory irritants (tear gases) examined, CN is potentially more toxic compared to CR in rats.
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