Subconvulsive Effects of Monomethylhydrazine on Runway Performance in the Cat
Report Number: AMRL TR 68-183
Author(s): Sterman, M. B., Van Twyver, H. B., Fairchild, M. D.
Corporate Author(s): University of Califronia, Los Angeles
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Rsearch Laboratory
Date of Publication: 1969-06
Pages: 14
Contract: AF 33(615)-2822
DoD Project: 6302
DoD Task: 630202
Identifier: AD0691473
Abstract:
Previous neurophysiological and behavioral studies of the toxic propellant UDMH have indicated that its subtle-dose influences can be most effectively evaluated in the cat by reference to trained locomotor performance. To determine similar fundamental information in evaluating monomethylhydrazine (MMH), a related derivative of hydrazine, this same technique was employed. Cats were trained and tested in a special runway apparatus to provide a reliable indication of performance changes over a 6-hour period following the administration of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg MMH. These low doses significantly altered locomotor performance, both during drug session testing and saline control testing carried out 24 hours later. Within 30 minutes after injection of all three doses of MMH, runway performance was depressed. At 2 and 4 mg/kg, this influence was profound and was associated with overt physiological symptoms of toxicity. A total disruption of performance occurred with 4 mg/kg doses when tested 2-5 hours after administration. Performance was still depressed after 24 hours following 4 mg/kg, but was actually facilitated at this same point following 1 and 2 mg/kg doses.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine
Author(s): Sterman, M. B., Van Twyver, H. B., Fairchild, M. D.
Corporate Author(s): University of Califronia, Los Angeles
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Rsearch Laboratory
Date of Publication: 1969-06
Pages: 14
Contract: AF 33(615)-2822
DoD Project: 6302
DoD Task: 630202
Identifier: AD0691473
Abstract:
Previous neurophysiological and behavioral studies of the toxic propellant UDMH have indicated that its subtle-dose influences can be most effectively evaluated in the cat by reference to trained locomotor performance. To determine similar fundamental information in evaluating monomethylhydrazine (MMH), a related derivative of hydrazine, this same technique was employed. Cats were trained and tested in a special runway apparatus to provide a reliable indication of performance changes over a 6-hour period following the administration of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg MMH. These low doses significantly altered locomotor performance, both during drug session testing and saline control testing carried out 24 hours later. Within 30 minutes after injection of all three doses of MMH, runway performance was depressed. At 2 and 4 mg/kg, this influence was profound and was associated with overt physiological symptoms of toxicity. A total disruption of performance occurred with 4 mg/kg doses when tested 2-5 hours after administration. Performance was still depressed after 24 hours following 4 mg/kg, but was actually facilitated at this same point following 1 and 2 mg/kg doses.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine