Acute microinstillation inhalation exposure to soman induces changes in respiratory dynamics and functions in guinea pigs.

We investigated the toxic effects of the chemical warfare nerve agent (CWNA) soman (GD) on the respiratory dynamics of guinea pigs following microinstillation inhalation exposure. Male Hartley guinea pigs were exposed to 841 mg/m3 of GD or saline for 4 min. At 24 and 48 h post GD exposure, respiratory dynamics and functions were monitored for 75 min after 1 h of stabilization in a barometric whole-body plethysmograph.

Abdominal bloating and irritable bowel syndrome like symptoms following microinstillation inhalation exposure to chemical warfare nerve agent VX in guinea pigs.

While assessing the methylphosphonothioic acid S-(2-(bis(1-methylethyl)amino)ethyl)O-ethyl ester (VX) induced respiratory toxicity and evaluating therapeutics against lung injury, we observed that the animals were experiencing abnormal swelling in the abdominal area. Nerve agent has been known to increase salivary, nasal and gastrointestinal secretion and cause diarrhea. This study was initiated to investigate the effect of VX on the gastrointestinal tract (GI) since abdominal pathology may affect breathing and contribute to the on going respiratory toxicity.

A new device for the capture and transport of small nonhuman primates in scientific research.

Conventional methods of capturing marmosets and other small nonhuman primates (NHPs) require prolonged physical contact between animals and their handlers. This causes NHPs to become stressed and exhausted and can put both animals and handlers at risk of injury or exposure to infectious diseases. The authors designed a self-contained device for the capture and transport of small NHPs.