The long-term changes in liver DNA and total protein contents following low level sarin exposure in rats

1. The changes in contents of DNA and total protein in the liver of the rats exposed to low level sarin by inhalation at 3, 6 and 12 months following the exposure were studied. The influence of sarin on the DNA and protein metabolism in liver was determined by the measurements of incorporation of tritiated thymidine into DNA, the concentration of DNA and total protein. 2. Our results show that not only symptomatic level 3 but also asymptomatic levels 1 and 2 of sarin are able to significantly decrease the incorporation of radiolabelled thymidine without changing total concentrations of DNA as well as protein at three months following sarin exposure. On the other hand, the significant decrease in total contents of DNA and protein in liver without the changes in the incorporation of tritiated thymidine was determined in liver six months following sarin exposure. Practically no significant changes in the metabolism of DNA and protein were observed at 12 months following sarin exposure. 3. Thus, not only clinically manifested intoxication but also low-level, asymptomatic exposure to nerve agents such as sarin is able to influence the metabolism of nucleic acids as well as proteins even several months following the exposure.