Acute methanol toxicity in minipigs
The pig has been proposed as a potential animal model for methanol-induced neuro-ocular toxicosis in humans because of its low liver tetrahydrofolate levels and slower rate of formate metabolism compared to those of humans. To examine the validity of this animal model, 12 4-month-old female minipigs (minipig YU) were given a single oral dose of water or methanol at 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 g/kg body wt by gavage (n = 3 pigs/dose). Dose-dependent signs of acute methanol intoxication, which included mild CNS depression, tremors, ataxia, and recumbency, developed within 0.5 to 2.0 hr, and resolved by 52 hr. Methanol- and formate-dosed pigs did not develop optic nerve lesions, toxicologically significant formate accumulation, or metabolic acidosis. Based on results following a single dose, female minipigs do not appear to be overtly sensitive to methanol and thus may not be a suitable animal model for acute methanol-induced neuroocular toxicosis.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (United States). Health Effects Research Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 6713362
- Report Number(s):
- PB-95-126520/XAB; EPA-600/J-94/392
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Pub. in Fundamental and Applied Toxicology 20, No. 3, 341-347(Mar 1993)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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