1,3‐Dinitrobenzene: Toxic effectsin vivoandin vitro

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Abstract
When 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB) was given to rats orally as a 1% suspension in corn oil, the LD50 was 83 mg/kg with fiducial limits 56-124 mg/kg. The compound was equally toxic in both sexes. Signs of toxicity included reduction in ambulatory motion, ataxia, weakness, dyspnea, rapid heartbeat, cyanosis, coma and respiratory failure. When 1,3-DNB was added to the daily drinking water in concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/l for 8 wk, 3 of 6 male rats receiving the highest concentration died during wk 4 and another died during wk 5. In females, 1 died during wk 6 and another during the wk 7. All other animals survived. Growth rate was reduced in both sexes and at 200 mg/l 1,3-DNB in the water supply the animals lost weight. There were mild, consistent reductions in hematocrit and Hb values. Enlarged spleens were present in both sexes at all concentrations; fibrosis with deposition of hemosiderin was present in all rats at 200 mg/l 1,3-DNB. Testicular atrophy was evident but there was no effect on the ovaries. A brown-yellow pigment was deposited in the Kupffer cells of the liver. Hexobarbital-induced sleep time decreased. When 3, 8 or 20 mg/l 1,3-DNB was provided daily in drinking water for 16 wk, no signs of acute toxicity were seen. Growth of females receiving 20 mg/l was retarded progressively after 8 wk of exposure; growth was normal in the other groups. Moderate reductions in hematocrit and Hb values occurred in males after 5 and 10 wk of 20 mg/l. 1,3-DNB values were normal in the same animals after 16 wk. Spleens were increased in weight and hemosiderin deposits were observed. Testes were reduced in weight among males at the 20 mg/l level. Behavioral abnormalities, in the form of increased activity in running wheels, were noted in male rats exposed to 3 and 8 mg/l 1,3-DNB in drinking water for 90 days. Other male rats similarly exposed, but kept on activity platforms showed increased activity but the increases were not significant. Minimal effects on cells in vitro were noted at 3-8 mg 1,3-DNB/l medium. Growth reduction by 50% was observed at 20-25 mg/l. All cells were killed when the concentration of 1,3-DNB to which they were exposed exceeded 56 mg/l.