Acute behavioral toxicity of the organophosphate sarin in rats

Three experiments were performed to determine the behavioral effects of acutely administered isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate, sarin (61-115 micrograms/kg, SC) to male rats. Dosages of 71 micrograms/kg or greater produced conditioned flavor aversions while spontaneous locomotor activity was increased at 61 micrograms/kg and significantly decreased at dosages of 84 to 115 micrograms/kg, when compared to vehicle control levels. Significant decrements in rotorod performance were observed at 98 and 115 micrograms/kg sarin. The LD50 of sarin was determined to be 165 micrograms/kg. Behavioral alterations were thus obtained at dosages that were between 37 and 59 percent of the LD50.