dinitrobenzenes and Cyanosis

Dinitrotoluene (DNT) is a nitroaromatic explosive used in propellant mixtures and in the production of plastics. Isomers of DNT were administered daily via oral gavage to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days to determine the subacute toxicity of individual isomers of DNT. The 3,5-DNT isomer was the most toxic isomer, inducing weight loss and mortality within 3 days. Cyanosis and anemia were observed for all isomers. Exposure to 2,4-, 2,6-, and 3,5-DNT resulted in decreased testes mass and degenerative histopathological changes. Increased splenic mass was observed for 2,4-, 2,6-, and 2,5-DNT. Extramedullary hematopoiesis of the spleen was noted for all isomers, while lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen was noted for all isomers except 2,5-DNT. Increased liver mass was observed for 2,3-DNT and 3,4-DNT. Hepatocellular lesions were observed for 2,6-DNT and 2,4-DNT. Neurotoxic effects were noted for 3,4-DNT, 2,4-DNT, and 3,5-DNT.

Topics: Anemia; Animals; Cerebellum; Cyanosis; Dinitrobenzenes; Isomerism; Liver; Male; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Spleen; Structure-Activity Relationship; Testis; Toxicity Tests, Subacute

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is one of the most prevalent high explosives in the environment. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) and 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) are the most common isoforms of dinitrotoluene. The goal of this study was to determine the acute toxic effects of TNT, 2,4-DNT, and 2,6-DNT in adult male bullfrogs. The LD(50) for TNT was 1,060 mg/kg BW while the LD(50 )for 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT was 1,098 mg/kg BW. All three compounds elicited similar symptoms of toxicity including changes of skin color, body weight, development of seizures, liver and kidney necrosis, and lung cyanosis. Relative organ weights did not show significant change.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Cyanosis; Dinitrobenzenes; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Explosive Agents; Kidney; Lethal Dose 50; Liver; Longevity; Lung; Male; Necrosis; Rana catesbeiana; Seizures; Skin Pigmentation; Trinitrotoluene

Topics: Accidents, Occupational; Adhesives; Cyanosis; Dinitrobenzenes; Humans; Methemoglobinemia; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.; Nitrobenzenes; Ohio; Quality Control; United States

A case is reported of a 37 year old man who was involved in an accidental shell blast. He was admitted with black tattooing of his face, forearms, hands and legs. Repair of the severe ocular lesions and the surgical debridement of his burns required general anaesthesia. This lasted for 6 h; throughout, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters remained stable. The Pao2 was 130 mmHg. During recovery, cyanosis was noted despite a Pao2 of 65 mmHg with 92% Sao2, a normal chest X-ray and stable normal haemodynamic parameters. This paradoxical situation suggested a toxic haemoglobinopathy. Biochemical investigations revealed severe methaemoglobinaemia (40%) due to percutaneous absorption of dinitrobenzene (DNB), a constituent of the 1917 bomb. The amount of DNB absorbed had been unknowingly reduced by the surgical brushing of the burned skin. The classical treatment of methaemoglobinaemia, associated with two plasmaphereses to remove the toxic substance, were successful. Normal arterial blood gases associated with chocolate brown coloured arterial blood should make one suspect methaemoglobinaemia.

Topics: Adult; Blast Injuries; Blood Gas Analysis; Cyanosis; Dinitrobenzenes; Humans; Male; Methemoglobinemia; Methylene Blue; Nitrobenzenes; Plasmapheresis