Subchronic toxicology of butyl nitrites in mice by inhalation.

Abstract

Mice were exposed by inhalation to n-butyl, iso-butyl sec-butyl or tert-butyl nitrite in a dynamic airflow chamber 7 h per day for 60 days at concentrations that caused less than 20% fatalities. Under these conditions, body-weight gain was depressed over the first 30 days by all four compounds, but returned to normal over the final 30 days for all compounds except tert-butyl nitrite. Spleen weights were increased by all four butyl nitrites, and lung weights were increased by all except sec-butyl nitrite. Kidney weights were increased by iso-butyl and sec-butyl nitrites, but decreased by the tert-butyl compound. Liver weights were increased by iso-butyl nitrite exposure and decreased by tert-butyl nitrite exposure. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that a significant aspect of butyl nitrite toxicity is due to the resultant methemoglobinemia.

• Authors: D P McFadden, R P Maickel
• Journal: Journal of applied toxicology : JAT (J Appl Toxicol) Vol. 5 Issue 3 Pg. 134-9 (Jun 1985) ISSN: 0260-437X [Print] England
• PMID: 2989351 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Nitrites
• n-butyl nitrite
• Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
• Isocitrate Dehydrogenase
• Glucose-6-Phosphatase

Topics

• Animals
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System (metabolism)
• Glucose-6-Phosphatase (metabolism)
• Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (metabolism)
• Male
• Mice
• Microsomes, Liver (enzymology)
• Nitrites (administration & dosage, toxicity)
• Organ Size (drug effects)
• Stereoisomerism
• Time Factors