Sulfolane-induced hypothermia enhances survivability in mice.

Abstract

Mice injected intraperitoneally with sulfolane (tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide) underwent a significant decrease in metabolic rate and body temperature at ambient temperatures of 20 and 30 degrees C but not 35 degrees C. If given the opportunity, mice treated with sulfolane preferentially sought a cool ambient temperature. When given an LD50 dose of sulfolane (1270 mg/kg), the percentage mortality varied directly with ambient temperature. For example, at 35 degrees C mortality was 75% whereas at 25 degrees C mortality was only 8%. By undergoing an autonomically and behaviorally mediated decrease in body temperature (i.e., regulated hypothermia), sulfolane-treated mice appear to enhance their chance of survival.

• Authors: C J Gordon, M D Long, K S Fehlner, R S Dyer
• Journal: Environmental research (Environ Res) Vol. 40 Issue 1 Pg. 92-7 (Jun 1986) ISSN: 0013-9351 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 3709502 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Thiophenes
• sulfolane

Topics

• Animals
• Body Temperature Regulation (drug effects)
• Hypothermia (chemically induced)
• Injections, Intraperitoneal
• Lethal Dose 50
• Male
• Mice
• Prognosis
• Regression Analysis
• Temperature
• Thiophenes (pharmacology, toxicity)