Rabbit, lethal doses

As was the case with guinea pigs, the few acute lethality studies of phosgene in rabbits do not contain experimental details such as strain or gender, number of animals exposed, or analytical methodology. These less than adequate studies are summarized in Table 1-9. 

The acute oral LDjo in guinea pigs and rabbits for kerosene has been reported to be 16,320 mg/kg and 22,720 mg/kg, respectively (Deichmann et al. 1944). These data suggest that guinea pigs may be more sensitive to kerosene than rabbits. Similarly, a lethal dose of kerosene of 6,400 mg/kg has been reported in calves (Rowe et al. 1973), but the lethal dose for rats is 12,000 mg/kg (Muralidhara et al. 1982). Comparison of these data is problematic however, they do suggest that species differences and age sensitivity may exist for oral kerosene toxicity, although such differences have not been established. 

Careful dose-response studies on the effect of nitrophenols on the development of methemoglobinemia, in multiple species, both sexes, and at multiple doses, would provide information on an effect that is relevant to humans. Studies in rabbits could provide data on what appears to be the most sensitive species, as judged by data on acute lethality by the oral route (Williams 1938). The limited pharmacokinetic data do not suggest route-specific target organs. Because 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol are rapidly removed from the circulation and excreted (see Chapter 2.3), they will not accumulate. This is particularly important in intermittent-exposure studies and in occupational settings and applies to intermediate- and chronic-duration studies, as well. However, additional studies that use continuous exposure would provide information relevant to potential exposure by populations surrounding hazardous waste sites. 

Lethality. Dacre and Goldman reported the percutaneous LD50 of SM to be 9 mg kg in the rat, 92 mg kg in the mouse, 20 mg kg in the dog, -100 mg kg in the rabbit, 20 mg kg in the guinea pig and 50 mg kg in the goat, although they do not quote the source for these estimates or the time after exposure when the estimates were made, and no details of the cause of death are given Le. systemic toxicity or as a result of skin injury). 

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