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EFFECTS OF 2,4-DITHIOBIURET ON SENSORY AND MOTOR FUNCTION
Citation:
Crofton, K., R. Hamrick, K. Dean, AND W. Boyes. EFFECTS OF 2,4-DITHIOBIURET ON SENSORY AND MOTOR FUNCTION. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-91/088 (NTIS PB91200220).
Description:
2,4-Dithiobiuret exposure causes a delayed onset muscle weakness in rats that has been attributed to depressed neuromuscular transmission. he present study compares the effects of DTB on sensory and motor function in rats. dult male Long-Evans hooded rats were exposed to saline, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg DTB, ip, for 5 consecutive days (Days 1-5). ody weights were monitored throughout the experiment. otor activity was measured for 1 hr in figure-eight mazes on Days 0, 6, 13, and 27. orelimb and hindlimb grip strength Are assessed on Days 6, 13, and 27. uditory thresholds were determined for 5 and 40 kHz tones using reflex modification of the startle response on Days 0, 7, 1, and 28. isual function was examined on Day 6 using flash- and pattern-elicited visual evoked potentials (FEP and PEPs, respectively). hermal sensitivity was measured using the hot plate procedure. ll motor endpoints were decreased in a dosage- and time-dependent manner. here ere no effects on any measure of sensory function with the exception of peak N2 of the FEP. oth the amplitude and latency of FEP N2 were altered by DTB exposure. ecreases in body weight were maximal on Day 9 at 1.0 mg/kg/day (20% from control), but recovered by Day 22. otor activity was suppressed on Day 6 only, whereas grip strength measures were decreased on both Days 6 and 13. uditory thresholds were not significantly altered; however, baseline startle amplitude was decreased at the highest dosage on Days 7 and 14, but recovered by Day 28. ot plate latencies here not altered by DTB treatment. hese data demonstrate that 078 produces a reversible impairment of motor function, without altering auditory, thermal or pattern visual function. he effects of DTB on FEP N2, which is thought to arise from activity generated in the superficial layers of visual cortex, indicate that in addition to its effects on peripheral motor function, DTB can alter the function of the central nervous system.