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Effect of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas on the eyes of Fischer 344 rats

Journal Article · · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8772105· OSTI ID:6016299
; ; ;

The accidental release of methyl isocyanate gas in Bhopal, India, was reported to cause temporary blindness and other eye injuries in many of the exposed people. Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is known to be corrosive and to irritate intact skin and mucous membranes, but little is known about the extent of ocular damage incurred during exposure to its vapors. The eyes of male and female Fischer 344 rats were evaluated immediately after a 2-hr exposure to 0, 3, 10, or 30 ppm of MIC, and periodically thereafter during a 91-day recovery period. During exposure to 10 ppm and higher concentrations, rats kept their eyes partially closed. Copious lacrimation and occasional frothy nasal discharge were evident. Eyes were examined under ultraviolet light after topical application of sodium fluorescein, and histopathologic examination included lids, cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, and Harderian gland. There was no significant gross of microscopic evidence of epithelial erosion or ulceration of the cornea, or of adjacent tissues immediately after, or at any time following exposures. No skin irritation was noted. It would appear that the natural protective mechanisms of the eye of rats were adequate to prevent ocular damage at these exposure levels.

Research Organization:
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
OSTI ID:
6016299
Journal Information:
Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States) Vol. 72; ISSN EVHPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CRYSTALLINE LENS
DYES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EYES
FACE
FLUIDS
FLUORESCEIN
GASES
HEAD
HISTOLOGY
HYDROXY ACIDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
ISOCYANATES
LACRIMAL DUCTS
MAMMALS
MEMBRANES
MUCOUS MEMBRANES
NERVES
NERVOUS SYSTEM
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PHENOLS
POLYPHENOLS
RADIATIONS
RATS
RETINA
RODENTS
SENSE ORGANS
SKIN
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
VAPORS
VERTEBRATES