A three month inhalation toxicity study in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) with terbutaline sulfate (Bricanyl)

A study of the subacute toxicity of inhaled terbutaline sulfate was performed in the Squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). 3 groups of monkeys were exposed 1 h daily 7 days/week for 3 months to terbutaline sulfate aerosols at concentrations of 0.039, 0.185 and 0.799 mg terbutaline/litre of air respectively. A fourth group was a chamber control receiving air only. The following clinical parameters were evaluated: physical appearance and behavior, weight gain, ophthalmoscopic appearance, electrocardiograms, hemograms, blood biochemical profiles and urinalyses. At termination necropsies were conducted and organ weights determined. A variety of staining techniques was employed in the histopathological examination of tissues. Special attention was given to heart and lung. The distribution of goblet cells in sections from the main bronchi and trachea was also investigated. Occasionally a few animals in both the intermediate and high dose groups showed small amounts of exudate and frothing around the mouth during exposure to their respective terbutaline aerosols. No other changes that could be attributed to the exposure to terbutaline aerosols were seen in any parameter.