Development of a model for the assessment of somesthetic sensitivity impairment in human and nonhuman primates: normative data and applications to the study of drugs and toxic chemicals

Technical Report · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5260359

Maurissen, J P.J.

Numerous physical, chemical, and biological agents produce cutaneous sensory symptoms usually associated with peripheral nerve disorders. The exact nature of these neurotoxic effects was studied using a psychophysical approach which consists of the scientific study of the relations between stimuli and resulting cutaneous sensations. Vibration sensitivity which involves at least two different sets of end organs and nerve fibers was used to define cutaneous sensations. Several chemicals, such as acrylamide and methylmercury, can selectively cause partial loss of or damage to large myelinated fibers. Since vibrator information travels through such fibers, an insult of this nature could result in decreased vibratory sensitivity. A computerized system for the study of vibration sensitivity was designed and developed for use with both monkeys and humans. The system and experimental techniques are described. One human subject received several doses of carbocaine. The time course of the effects of the drug on vibration sensitivity was studied and a dose-effect curve obtained. Two monkeys received the drug misonidazole and showed a decreased vibration sensitivity. Patients receiving the same also displayed elevated thresholds after receiving high neurotoxic doses. Two other monkeys received methylmercury chronically. A decrease in vibration sensitivity occurred without any other detectable signs of intoxication. Changes in vibration sensitivity seem to be an early sign of poisoning. (ERB)

• Research Organization: Rochester Univ., NY (USA). Dept. of Radiation Biology and Biophysics
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76EV03490
• OSTI ID: 5260359
• Report Number(s): UR-3490-1845
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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551000 -- Physiological Systems
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MODELS
BODY
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
DRUGS
MAMMALS
MAN
MONKEYS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
ORGANS
PRIMATES
SENSITIVITY
SKIN
STIMULATION
TOXIC MATERIALS
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES