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Acute inhalation toxicity and sensory irritation of dimethylamine
Abstract:
The sensory irritation potential of dimethylamine (DMA) inhalation on male Fischer-344 rats and male Swiss-Webster mice was evaluated by measuring the reflex decrease in respiratory rate. In addition, the six hour LC50 for rats exposed to dimethylamine was established. Groups of 3 or 4 rats and mice were exposed for 10 minutes to concentrations of DMA ranging from 49 to 1576 ppm during which time the respiratory rate was monitored and recorded. Sensory irritation concentration-response curves were obtained and RD50 values (concentration which elicits a 50% decrease in respiratory rate) were determined to be 573 and 511 ppm for rats and mice, respectively. In another set of experiments seven groups of male rats were exposed to concentrations of DMA ranging from 600 to 6119 ppm for six hours. Mortality counts were made during and for 48 hours post exposure. The sic hour LC50 was determined to be 4540 ppm. Histopathologic examination of the respiratory tract revealed concentration related changes ranging from ulceration and necrosis to rhinitis, tracheitis, and emphysema. Overall, DMA was found to be less potent as a sensory irritant than other airborne irritants.
Insights
Dimethylamine (DMA) inhalation caused sensory irritation in rats and mice, with RD50 values indicating moderate potency. The six-hour LC50 for rats was 4540 ppm, and respiratory tract damage was observed at higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Inhalation Toxicology
- Respiratory System Research
Background:
- Dimethylamine (DMA) is an airborne chemical with potential respiratory effects.
- Assessing the sensory irritation and acute toxicity of DMA is crucial for occupational safety and environmental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensory irritation potential of inhaled dimethylamine (DMA) in male Fischer-344 rats and male Swiss-Webster mice.
- To determine the six-hour lethal concentration 50 (LC50) for DMA in male Fischer-344 rats.
- To characterize the histopathological effects of DMA exposure on the respiratory tract.
Main Methods:
- Sensory irritation was assessed by measuring the reflex decrease in respiratory rate (RD50) following 10-minute exposures to varying DMA concentrations (49-1576 ppm).
- Acute inhalation toxicity was determined by exposing rats to DMA concentrations ranging from 600 to 6119 ppm for six hours, with mortality recorded over 48 hours.
- Histopathological examinations of the respiratory tract were conducted post-exposure.
Main Results:
- The RD50 values for DMA were determined to be 573 ppm for rats and 511 ppm for mice, indicating its potential as a sensory irritant.
- The six-hour LC50 for DMA in rats was established at 4540 ppm.
- Histopathological findings included concentration-dependent respiratory tract changes such as rhinitis, tracheitis, emphysema, ulceration, and necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Dimethylamine exhibits moderate sensory irritation potential in rodents.
- DMA possesses moderate acute inhalation toxicity, with significant respiratory tract damage occurring at higher concentrations.
- Compared to other airborne irritants, DMA appears to be less potent as a sensory irritant.