Effects of Whole-Body VX Vapor Exposure on Lethality in Rats

Abstract

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. SPONSORING I MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORJMONITOR'S ACRONYM(S)Defense Threat Reduction Agency, 8725 John J. Kingman Road, MS 6201, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201 SPONSORIMONITOR'S REPORT NUMBER(S) DISTRIBUTION I AVAILABILITY STATEMENTApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ABSTRACTMuch of what is known of the effects of VX on whole animals is derived from studies administering VX percutaneously, subcutaneously, or as an aerosol. Major gaps exist in our understanding of the effects of VX vapor. This study exposed rats to VX vapor in a 1000 L inhalation chamber and established LCT 5 0's and ECT 5 0's (for severe effects) at exposure durations of 10, 60, and 240 min. The values were derived from data collected 24 hr post exposure. A potency comparison with GB and GF shows that VX is approximately 4 to 25 times more potent than GB and 5 to 15 times more potent than GF. Gender differences in the LCT 50 values were not significant. An empirical toxic load model was developed, and the toxic exponent for lethality (n) in the equation C' x T = k was determined to be n = 0.92. There was a significant depression of AChE of at least 85% at all concentrations tested. Elevated levels of VX-G analog were found in blood plasma at 1 hr post exposure.

Assessment of Potential Long Term Health Effects on Army Human Test Subjects of Relevant Biological and Chemical Agents, Drugs, Medications and Substances

“…220 Likewise, chronic carriage of toxin-producing strains may also be linked to select inflammatory disease states. 223 …”

“…222,223 Although these low-level inflammations do not produce a great deal of morbidity, and seem inconvenient rather than dangerous, these disease processes may be indicative of other sub-clinical sequelae produced after exposure to SEB.…”

“…fatigue, autonomic and gastro-intestinal symptoms, and a subjective feeling of infection). 223 For example, Maes and colleagues examined the serum IgM and IgA against LPS of enterobacteria, and found that they were significantly (p=0.0002 for IgM and p=0.01 for IgA) greater in depressive patients (12/28 for IgM and 11/23 for IgA) than in normal volunteers (0/23 for IgM and 2/23 for IgA). 223 Specifically this study found that the IgM against P. aeruginosa and P. putida LPS was much higher in depressive patients than in controls.…”

“…223 For example, Maes and colleagues examined the serum IgM and IgA against LPS of enterobacteria, and found that they were significantly (p=0.0002 for IgM and p=0.01 for IgA) greater in depressive patients (12/28 for IgM and 11/23 for IgA) than in normal volunteers (0/23 for IgM and 2/23 for IgA). 223 Specifically this study found that the IgM against P. aeruginosa and P. putida LPS was much higher in depressive patients than in controls. Increased translocation of LPS across the gut can also account for depression in alcoholics and potentially in other diseases related to gut permeability, such as inflammatory bowel disease and some autoimmune disorders.…”

“…Increased translocation of LPS across the gut can also account for depression in alcoholics and potentially in other diseases related to gut permeability, such as inflammatory bowel disease and some autoimmune disorders. 223 It is unclear at this time whether LPS translocation occurs first, and is followed by an inflammatory response (notably increases in IL-6 and IFN-γ), or whether an inflammation increases gut permeability and secondarily moves LPS across the gut. …”