ACRYLONITRILE - INVIVO METABOLISM IN RATS AND MICE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 9  (3) , 219-222
Abstract
Acrylonitrile (VCN) is metabolized to cyanide in rats and mice. Cyanide levels following oral administration of an LD50 of VCN or KCN were determined in blood and organs of treated rats and mice. After administration of VCN, cyanide levels were significantly lower than those following treatment with KCN in rats, but in mice the difference was not significant. Differences in VCN toxicity signs were observed in rats and mice. In rats, early VCN toxicity signs were cholinomimetic, i.e., salivation, diarrhea, peripheral vasodilatation and excessive gastric secretion. These signs differed from the CNS disturbances (depression, convulsions and respiratory failure) observed following KCN. In mice, the only signs of VCN toxicity were CNS effects, identical to those following KCN. Blood cyanide concentrations after VCN were dose-dependent in both species. Maximum blood cyanide concentrations were observed 1 h after dosing in mice but at 3 h in rats. Treatments with phenobarbital or Aroclor 1254 or fasting increased blood cyanide concentrations after VCN. Treatments with cobaltous chloride or SKF 525-A [proadifen hydrochloride] decreased blood cyanide concentrations after VCN. There are species differences in VCN toxicity and metabolism, and may be metabolized to cyanide via a mixed/function oxidase enzyme system.

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