Effect of acute soman on selected endocrine parameters and blood glucose in rats

The effects of acute doses of soman (40, 60, or 80 micrograms/kg sc) in rats were evaluated for toxic symptoms as well as for changes in plasma levels of glucose, insulin, glucagon, corticosterone, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The relationship between changes in these levels and depressed acetylcholinesterase activity in the hypothalamus was determined. Soman 40 micrograms/kg did not manifest significant changes in any of the parameters evaluated. However, both the 60 and 80 micrograms/kg doses of soman caused dose- and time-related increases in plasma levels of glucose, corticosterone, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and a depression of insulin. Many of these increases, as well as the severity of toxicity, appear to be inversely related to the hypothalamic acetylcholinesterase levels. The hyperglycemia following the higher doses of soman is likely due to the combined effects of elevated levels of corticosterone, catecholamines, possibly glucagon, and depressed insulin levels. Stress from the toxic effects of soman is likely partially responsible for the endocrine effects since most of the changes observed are consistent with changes in these levels that would be manifested in an animal stress model.