A new antibody-based fiberoptics biosensor was used to detect the important carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). The fiberoptics sensor utilizes anti-BaP antibodies covalently bound to its tip. A helium cadmium laser was used as the excitation source to induce fluorescence from BaP conjugated to the bound anti-BaP antibodies. The fiberoptics device can detect 1 femtomole of BaP in a 5-ttL sample drop.

The effects of 3-methyl substitution on the heart retention and metabolism of 3-R,S-methyl-(BMIPP) and 3,3-dimethyl-(DMIPP) analogues of 15-(p-iodophenyl)-pentadecanoic acid (IPP) were studied in rats. Methyl substitution considerably increased the myocardial half-time values in fasted rats: IPP, 5-10 min; BMIPP, 30-45 min; DMIPP, 6-7 h. Because of the observed differences in the relative myocardial uptake and retention of these agents, an evaluation of the subcellular distribution profiles and the distribution of radioactivity within various lipid pools extracted from cell components was performed. Studies with DMIPP in food-deprived rats have shown high levels of the free fatty acid and only slow conversion to triglycerides. These data are in contrast to the rapid clearance of the straight chain IPP analogue and rapid incorporation into triglycerides, and suggest that the prolonged myocardial retention observed with DMIPP in vivo may result from inhibition of beta oxidation. Subcellular distribution studies have shown predominant association of DMIPP and BMIPP with the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions, while IPP was primarily found in the cytoplasm. Because of the unique "trapping" properties and the high heart:blood ratios, [123I]DMIPP should be useful for evaluation of aberrations in regional myocardial uptake.

Current treatment protocols for exposure to nerve and vesicant agents found in the U.S. stockpile of unitary chemical weapons are summarized, and the toxicities of available antidotes are evaluated. The status of the most promising of the new nerve agent antidotes is reviewed. In the U.S. atropine and pralidoxime compose the only approved antidote regimen for organophosphate nerve agent poisoning. Diazepam may also be used if necessary to control convulsions. To avoid death, administration must occur within minutes of substantial exposure together with immediate decontamination. Continuous observation and repeated administration of antidotes are necessary as symptoms warrant. Available antidotes do not necessarily prevent respiratory failure or incapacitation. The toxicity of the antidotes themselves and the individualized nature of medical care preclude recommending that autoinjectors be distributed to the general public. In addition, precautionary administration of protective drugs to the general population would not be feasible or desirable. No antidote exists for poisoning by the vesicant sulfur mustard (H, HD, HT); effective intervention can only be accomplished by rapid decontamination followed by palliative treatment of symptoms. British anti-Lewisite (BAL) (2,3-dimercapto-1-propanolol) is the antidote of choice for treatment of exposure to Lewisite, another potent vesicant. Experimental water-soluble BAL analogues have been developed that are less toxic than BAL. Treatment protocols for each antidote are summarized in tabular form for use by health care providers.

Current treatment protocols for exposure to nerve and vesicant agents found in the U.S. stockpile of unitary chemical weapons are summarized, and the toxicities of available antidotes are evaluated. The status of the most promising of the new nerve agent antidotes is reviewed. In the U.S., atropine and pralidoxime compose the only approved antidote regimen for organophosphate nerve agent poisoning. Diazepam may also be used if necessary to control convulsions. lb avoid death, administration must occur within minutes of substantial exposure together with immediate decontamination. Continuous observation and repeated administration of antidotes are necessary as symptoms warrant. Available antidotes do not necessarily prevent respiratory failure or incapacitation. The toxicity of the antidotes themselves and the individualized nature of medical care preclude recommending that autoinjectors be distributed to the general public. In addition, precautionary administration of protective drugs to the general population would not be feasible or desirable. No antidote exists for poisoning by the vesicant sulfur mustard (H, HlD, HT); effective intervention can only be accomplished by rapid decontamination followed by palliative treatment of symptoms. British anti-Lewisite (BAL) (2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol) is the antidote of choice for treatment of exposure to Lewisite, another potent vesicant. Experimental water-soluble BAL analogues have been developed that are less toxic than BAL. Treatment protocols for each antidote are summarized in tabular form for use by health care providers