Effect of an Antihistamine on Early Transient Incapacitation of Monkeys Subjected to 4000 Rads of Mixed Gamma-Neutron Radiation,

Authors: T. F. Doyle; J. E. Turns; T. A. Strike; ARMED FORCES RADIOBIOLOGY RESEARCH INST BETHESDA MD

Abstract:

An antihistamine, chlorpheniramine maleate, was used in monkeys to ameliorate the severe hypotension and to prevent signs of the early transient incapacitation (ETI) frequently associated with supralethal doses of ionizing radiation. Twenty-five monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were given 4000 rads of mixed gamma-neutron radiation delivered as a single pulse of approximately 50 miliseconds duration. Eight of the animals served as controls and received only normal saline injections; 10 animals were each injected with 10 mg of the antihistamine 30 minutes before irradiation; and a third group of seven animals each received 10 mg of antihistamine 60 minutes before irradiation plus 10 mg of antihistamine 30 minutes before irradiation. Blood pressure was monitored from time of injection until death, and clinical symptoms were recorded until 1 hour after irradiation. All but one of the antihistamine-treated animals remained alert and responsive to auditory stimuli with no evidence of ETI. The control animals became unconscious and unresponsive and suffered a longer and more severe hypotension than the antihistamine-treated animals. The average survival time of the antihistamine-treated animals was significantly greater than that of the control animals. (Author)

Pages:

Report Date:

SEP 1970

Report Number:

0613817

Report Unavailable

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