Nerve agents reproductive toxicity

As noted by ORNL, the data base for GD lacks chronic oral studies in two species and reproductive and developmental toxicity studies. However, because studies on other nerve agents, including a multigeneration... 

There have been some discrepancies between the results of various studies evaluating the reproductive toxicity of different OP compounds. While decreased libido has been observed in men following acute exposures to both OP nerve agents and insecticides, this reproductive effect is most hkely related to the neurobehavioral effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, associated with acute exposures to these chemicals (McDonough and Romano, 2008). Some nerve agents have been associated with post-implantation morbidity and mortahty in laboratory animals (Wismer,... 

No review of subacute, subchronic, or chronic toxicity of chemical warfare nerve agents would be complete without discussion of the significant paper by Munro et al. that reviewed both animal and human studies of the nerve agents tabun (GA), sarin (GB), and VX. These studies included subacute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity studies in animals. Special attention was paid to the phenomenon of Organophosphorus-Induced Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN). Reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity tests were reviewed as well as in vitro studies of mutagenicity. Munro et al. s findings can be summarized as follows ... 

For nerve agent GB, no evidence of acute or chronic toxicity was found at low intermittent exposure levels, sufficient to significantly depress AChE levels. No evidence for carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, or mutagenicity was found for GB, but a data gap in the area of reproductive toxicity was noted. 

Target Organ Toxicity. -Hexane exposure is documented to cause toxicity in peripheral nerves of humans (both sensory and motor). In rats, -hexane exposure causes toxicity in the peripheral and central nervous system and in male reproductive tissues. Effects on respiratory tissue have been observed in mice and rabbits. The toxic agent in nervous system and reproductive tissues is believed to be the -hexane metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (Graham et al. 1995). 

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