Accession Number : AD1028432

Title : Intravenous Administration of VX in Man

Descriptive Note : Technical Report,01 Feb 1958,31 Aug 1959

Corporate Author : U.S. Army Chemical Research and Development Laboratories Army Chemical Center United States

Personal Author(s) : Kimura,Kazuo K ; McNamara,Bernard P ; Sim,Van M

Full Text : https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/1028432.pdf

Report Date : 01 Jul 1960

Pagination or Media Count : 20

Abstract : Intravenous studies on VX in man were conducted to obtain precise dose-effect relationships using the route of administration where the exact amount of agent given could be controlled without the influence of absorption problems. These results formed the basis of subsequent percutaneous studies of VX in man. 1. Intravenous VX studies were carried out on 7 volunteer subjects who received either single 30-second injections or slow intravenous infusions. 2. Dose employed ranged from 0.04 to 2.12 microgram/kg 3. At 1 microgram/kg symptoms may occur and cholinesterase levels will fall to 45 to to 50 of normal. 4. Total of 2.12 microgram/kg given over 5.5 hours seems to be the maximum tolerable dose intravenously without using atropine, oximes, and/or artificial resuscitation. 5. Red blood cell and whole blood cholinesterase determinations by both the modified Michel method and the electrolytic method seem to correlate well, particularly at higher doses. 6. There are advantages in an investigation such as this to determine the cholinesterase activity in whole blood as well as in plasma and red blood cells. The method used for whole blood yields a reliable quantitative answer in 10 to 15 minutes. This gives invaluable support to the medical officer responsible for the well being of the volunteer. 7. Red blood cell cholinesterase depression to 35 to 50 of normal after intravenous VX returns to 80 to 90 of normal within 14 days.

Descriptors : chemical warfare , biomedical research , pilot studies , volunteers , CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS , ANTIPERSONNEL AGENTS , NERVE AGENTS , vx agent , blood cells , signs and symptoms , infusions , respiratory physiological phenomena , vomiting

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE