The historic and current use of glycol ethers: a picture of change

The use of glycol ethers has changed significantly over the past 30 years. Low molecular weight E-series have been phased-out and progressively replaced by low molecular weight P-series whenever possible. There is a trend to shift from E-series to P-series and an obvious willingness to substitute where alternative solutions exist or as a consequence of strengthening regulation and voluntary measures to reduce exposure in the workplace.

U.S. EPA's IRIS assessment of 2-butoxyethanol: the relationship of noncancer to cancer effects

U.S. EPA's integrated risk information system (IRIS) assessment of 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) indicates that the human carcinogenic potential of EGBE cannot be determined at this time, but that "suggestive evidence" for cancer exists from laboratory animal studies (hemangiosarcoma of the liver in male mice and forestomach squamous cell papilloma or carcinoma in female mice [National Toxicology Program (NTP), 2000a. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of 2-butoxyethanol (CAS no. 111-76-2) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (inhalation studies). National Toxicology Program Technical Report Series No. 484. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Washington, DC]). Since the last EGBE IRIS assessment, a number of studies have provided evidence that the carcinogenic effects observed in mice are nonlinear in their mode of action and may be dependent on threshold events such as EGBE-induced hemolytic effects. EPA is in the process of considering several questions relating to this issue. First, can a plausible mode of action be determined for the two types of tumors observed in mice? Second, are the mechanisms involved applicable to humans? If so, should the mode of action be considered to result in a linear or nonlinear dose-response? These questions will be addressed within the context of the agency's new cancer guidelines and with regard to how the answers might affect a revised IRIS assessment for EGBE.

The INSERM expert review on glycol ethers: findings and recommendations

The use of glycol ethers and their effects on health have recently attracted the attention of the French health authorities. At their request, INSERM, the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, conducted a collective expertise review on glycol ethers in 1999. INSERM Expertise Reviews are independent procedures performed by experts from several disciplines, to guarantee the objectivity and the relevance of the report. During several work sessions, the experts carried out a critical analysis of and reviewed studies concerning the toxicity of glycol ethers. This process resulted in a series of recommendations and conclusions. All these data have been published in the form of a report and have been used to help the public authorities to make decisions on how to prevent risks for professionals and consumers.

INRS activities on risk assessment of glycol ethers

The occupational exposure assessment uses data from published sources, from Industry (most often from the producers), and from dedicated occupational exposure data bases, as well as evaluations using the EASE model (Estimation and Assessment of Substance Exposure). Atmospheric concentrations and characteristics of skin contacts are evaluated in different scenarios (such as manufacturing, formulating, main and most polluting uses) and sub-scenarios (e.g. warm water dilution). Air concentrations of EGBE are low during production (most often <0.5 mg/m(3)), incidental excursions being <50 mg/m(3); the "worst-case" mean concentration is proposed as 9 mg/m(3). Skin contact, according to EASE, may be in the range of 0-0.1 mg/cm(2)(day), and should be mitigated by the use of suitable gloves. For formulations of products containing EGBE, air concentrations are evaluated as 10 mg/m(3) and skin contact as 0.19 mg/cm(2)(day). The "reasonable worst case" air concentrations (8-Hr TWA) are assessed at around 11 mg/m(3) (coating industry), from 5 to 20 mg/m(3) in printing activities (depending on the task), and in the 20-70 mg/m(3) range (upper limit 40 mg/m(3) in better controlled situations) for cleaning activities. Skin contact would be around twice the preceding level, i.e., 0.4 mg/cm(2)(day) for coating as well as cleaning activities. EGBE and its major metabolites, 2-butoxyacetaldehyde (2-BAL) and 2-butoxyacetic acid (2-BAA) have been subjected to tests for genetic toxicity tests both in vitro and in vivo. While some positive responses have been obtained, the balance of the evidence indicates that EGBE does not express significant genotoxic activity. There are no epidemiological data investigating a relationship between exposure to EGBE and human cancer. Two carcinogenicity inhalation bioassays have been conducted in rodents, one in rats and one in mice. Significant increases were found in forestomach tumours in female mice and haemangiosarcomas in male mice. No increases in tumour incidences were found in either male or female rats. Mechanistic studies have suggested the crucial involvement in the pathogenesis of haemangiosarcomas of a chain of events consisting of (1) haemolysis due to BAA, followed by (2) hepatic haemosiderin deposition and (3) the subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species within the endothelial cells from which haemangiosarcomas arise. Since human erythrocytes are particularly resistant to the haemolytic effects of BAA, it is extremely unlikely, according to this model, that the haemangiosarcomas observed in male mice will have human significance. Similarly, mechanistic studies on the female mouse forestomach tumours have suggested that these also are not important as an indication of human risk. In vivo, EGBE tested in a continuous breeding study and in repeated dose toxicity tests, did not produced specific effects on reproductive organs or fertility parameters. For developmental toxicity, rats, mice and rabbits were dosed via oral and/or inhalation routes. Foeto- and embryo-toxicity was observed in presence or maternal toxicity (haemolytic anaemia). The data available give plausible support to the hypothesis that this developmental toxicity is a direct consequence of maternal toxicity. There are no epidemiological data investigating a relationship between exposure to EGBE alone and human reproductive effects.

New toxicity data for the propylene glycol ethers – a commitment to public health and safety

Propylene glycol ethers are a class of solvents used in a wide array of industrial, commercial and consumer applications, such as in paints, cleaners and inks. A robust toxicity database exists for the propylene glycol ethers that provide strong product safety support. Standard toxicity studies conducted under good laboratory practices indicate a lack of genotoxic, developmental and reproductive hazards. Recent testing efforts have primarily focused in two areas: (1) examination of the chronic toxicity/oncogenicity potential of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) in rats and mice and (2) expansion of the developmental toxicity database to higher molecular weight P-series glycol ether derivatives (i.e. propylene glycol n-propyl ether (PGPE), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PGBE) and dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPGBE)). In PGME chronic toxicity/oncogenicity studies no treatment-related increases in the incidence of tumors occurred in either species. Like other previously tested P-series derivatives, PGPE, PGBE and DPGBE were negative in rodent and rabbit developmental toxicity studies. Collectively, the toxicity database for P-series glycol ether products continues to support the lack of significant health effects with proper use of the commercial products.

International industry initiatives to improve the glycol ether health effects knowledge base

Following the recognition in the early 1980s of the potential reproductive hazards of certain glycol ethers, industry organizations were formed in the US and Europe having a number of stated goals to: (1) provide hazard information by expanding the toxicity database for glycol ethers; (2) promote cooperation among scientists, governmental authorities, and industry; and (3) promote scientifically sound regulatory actions and to assist in the setting of scientifically defensible safety standards. This effort led to early recommendations that EGME, EGEE, and their acetates be removed from consumer products. Also, studies conducted by industry under US EPA test rules have led to a better understanding of the hazards associated with glycol ether constituents of brake fluids, paints, and other products. Industry-provided information has greatly assisted the setting of occupational and public safety standards in a number of countries. Hazard assessments for a number of large-volume glycol ethers have been performed under the OECD SIDS program. This work continues with the industry-funded ICCA/HPV testing initiative. To provide sound risk assessment data, industry continues to sponsor basic research aimed at better understanding human versus mouse versus rat sensitivities to certain glycol ethers. Industry has also prepared and supported the publication of toxicological data compendia for glycol ethers.

The activities of INRS in the classification and labeling of glycol ethers

Glycol ethers are a complex family of more than 30 substances that exhibit a wide range of toxicological properties. This complexity can lead to confusion over which are of real concern and which do not pose significant hazards. Also, many have not been reviewed under the European hazard classification and labelling scheme. Following a major study carried out in France, a number of glycol ethers were identified for review under the classification scheme. This process is now substantially complete and revised classification proposals made and agreed at the European level. When these changes are enacted, the classification of all the commercially important glycol ethers and glymes will reflect their known toxicological hazards.

Tumor-promoting activity and mutagenicity of 5 termiticide compounds

The tumor-promoting activities of 5 commercial compounds used in termiticides were measured by a cell-transformation assay employing Bhas 42 cells. Their initiating activities were also measured by the microsuspension assay employing S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. The results of the transformation assay confirmed the tumor-promoting activities of fenitrothion, silafluofen and bifenthrin. Furthermore, the mutagenicity of S-421 and fenitrothion were also confirmed. Consideration of 2-stage carcinogenesis suggests that concurrent use of and long-term exposure to these compounds that have tumor-promoting and initiator activity, and compounds exhibiting either type of activity individually should be avoided as much as possible.

Role of Cytochrome P4503A in Cysteine S-Conjugates Sulfoxidatıon and the Nephrotoxicity of the Sevoflurane Degradatıon Product Fluoromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)vinyl Ether (Compound A) in Rats

The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane is degraded to fluoromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)vinyl ether (FDVE) in anesthesia machines. FDVE is nephrotoxic in rats. FDVE undergoes glutathione conjugation, subsequent conversion to cysteine and mercapturic acid conjugates, and cysteine conjugate metabolism by renal beta-lyase, which is a bioactivation pathway mediating nephrotoxicity in rats. Recent in vitro studies revealed cytochrome P4503A-catalyzed formation of novel sulfoxide metabolites of FDVE cysteine-S and mercapturic acid conjugates in rat liver and kidney microsomes. FDVE-mercapturic acid sulfoxides were more toxic than other FDVE conjugates to renal proximal tubular cells in culture. Nevertheless, the occurrence and toxicological significance of FDVE sulfoxides formation in vivo remain unknown. This investigation determined, in rats in vivo, the existence, role of P4503A, and nephrotoxic consequence of FDVE conjugates sulfoxidation. Rats were pretreated with dexamethasone, phenobarbital, troleandomycin, or nothing (controls) before FDVE, and then, nephrotoxicity, FDVE-mercapturate sulfoxide urinary excretion, and FDVE-mercapturate sulfoxidation by liver microsomes were assessed. The formation of FDVE-mercapturic acid sulfoxide metabolites in vivo and their urinary excretion were unambiguously established by mass spectrometry. Dexamethasone and phenobarbital increased, and troleandomycin decreased (i) liver microsomal FDVE-mercapturic acid sulfoxidation in vitro, (ii) FDVE-mercapturic acid sulfoxide urinary excretion in vivo, and (iii) FDVE nephrotoxicity in vivo assessed by renal histology, blood urea nitrogen concentrations, and urine volume and protein excretion. Urine 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(fluoromethoxy)propanoic acid, reflecting beta-lyase-dependent FDVE-cysteine S-conjugates metabolism, was minimally affected by the pretreatments. These results demonstrate that FDVE S-conjugates undergo P4503A-catalyzed sulfoxidation in rats in vivo, and this sulfoxidation pathway contributes to nephrotoxicity. FDVE S-conjugates sulfoxidation constitutes a newly discovered mechanism of FDVE bioactivation and toxicification in rats, in addition to beta-lyase-catalyzed metabolism of FDVE-cysteine S-conjugates.

Enzymatic Release of Antitumor Ether Lipids by Specific Phospholipase A2 Activation of Liposome-Forming Prodrugs

An enzymatically activated liposome-based drug-delivery concept involving masked antitumor ether lipids (AELs) has been investigated. This concept takes advantage of the cytotoxic properties of AEL drugs as well as the membrane permeability enhancing properties of these molecules, which can lead to enhanced drug diffusion into cells. Three prodrugs of AELs (proAELs) have been synthesized and four liposome systems, consisting of these proAELs, were investigated for enzymatic degradation by secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)), resulting in the release of AELs. The three synthesized proAELs were (R)-1-O-hexadecyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1-O-DPPC), (R)-1-O-hexadecyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine poly(ethylene glycol)(350) (1-O-DPPE-PEG(350)), and 1-O-DPPE-PEG(2000) of which 1-O-DPPC was the main liposome component. All three phospholipids were synthesized from the versatile starting material (R)-O-benzyl glycidol. A phosphorylation method, employing methyl dichlorophosphate, was developed and applied in the synthesis of two analogues of (R)-1-O-hexadecyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine poly(ethylene glycol). Differential scanning calorimetry has been used to investigate the phase behavior of the lipid bilayers. A release study, employing calcein encapsulated in non-hydrolyzable 1,2-bis-O-octadecyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (D-O-SPC) liposomes, showed that proAELs, activated by sPLA(2), perturb membranes because of the detergent-like properties of the released hydrolysis products. A hemolysis investigation was conducted on human red blood cells, and the results demonstrate that proAEL liposomes display a very low hemotoxicity, which has been a major obstacle for using AELs in cancer therapy. The results suggest a possible way of combining a drug-delivery and prodrug concept in a single liposome system. Our investigation of the permeability-enhancing properties of the AEL molecules imply that by encapsulating conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, such as doxorubicin, in liposomes consisting of proAELs, an increased effect of the encapsulated drug might be achievable due to an enhanced transmembrane drug diffusion.

Short-term oral toxicity of pentyl ether, 1,4-diethoxybutane, and 1,6-dimethoxyhexane in male rats

Pentyl ether (PE) and two newly synthesized polyoxy ethers, 1,4-diethoxybutane (DEB) and 1,6-dimethoxyhexane (DMH), have been proposed as candidate diesel fuel additives. To characterize and compare their toxicity and to provide information for risk assessment, a 4-week oral study was conducted on these compounds. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (288 +/- 20 g) were divided into groups of seven animals each, and were administered by gavage low (2 mg/kg body weight), medium (20 mg/kg body weight), or high (200 mg/kg body weight) doses of PE, DEB, or DMH, respectively, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Animals in the control group received the vehicle (corn oil, 1 ml/100 g body weight) only. At the end of the exposure period, relative testis and thymus weights were reduced by 30 and 46%, respectively, in animals treated with the high dose of DMH. Significant reductions in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum uric acid, and blood platelet counts were also observed in the high dose of DMH. Serum corticosterone was significantly depressed in the high doses of PE and DEB and in the low dose of DMH. Serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were decreased (p < 0.05) in all DMH treatment groups and in the medium and high dose PE and DEB groups, while liver TBARS were unaffected by treatment. In the liver, increased glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione-S-transferases activity were detected in the high dose DMH group. Urinary ascorbic acid levels were markedly increased in animals receiving the high doses of PE, DEB, and DMH. Urinary formic acid was increased by 13 times in the high dose PE and DEB groups. Testes of all animals receiving the high dose of DMH showed a moderate to marked degree of degeneration of the seminiferous tubules, including a mild degree of vacuolation. At the same time, the epididymis of these animals had substantially reduced sperm density with prominent presence of spermatid giant cells. Mild histological changes were seen in the liver at all dose levels for all three chemicals. Thyroid effects were also observed in the high dose PE and DEB groups and in the medium and high dose DMH groups. It was concluded that DMH is the most toxic of the three ethers tested, with testicular, epidiymal, and thymic effects being the most prominent at 200 mg/kg. Other significant changes included depressed platelet counts and serum biochemical changes. Increased production of formic acid, an ocular toxin, from PE and DEB treatments may also be of toxicological concern.

Cytotoxicity of S-conjugates of the sevoflurane degradation product fluoromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) vinyl ether (Compound A) in a human proximal tubular cell line

Fluoromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)vinyl ether (FDVE) is a fluorinated alkene formed by degradation of the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane in anesthesia machines. FDVE is nephrotoxic in rats but not humans. Rat FDVE nephrotoxicity is attributed to FDVE glutathione conjugation and bioactivation of subsequent FDVE-cysteine S-conjugates, in part by renal beta-lyase. Although FDVE conjugation and metabolism occur in both rats and humans, the mechanism for selective toxicity in rats and lack of effect in humans is incompletely elucidated. This investigation measured FDVE S-conjugate cytotoxicity in cultured human proximal tubular HK-2 cells, and compared this with known cytotoxic S-conjugates. HK-2 cells were incubated with FDVE and its GSH, cysteine S-mercapturic acid, cysteine S-sulfoxide, and mercapturic acid sulfoxide conjugates (0.1-2.7 mM) for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, total LDH, and the ability of viable cells to reduce a tetrazolium-based compound (MTT). FDVE was cytotoxic only at concentrations >/=0.9 mM. No increase in LDH release was observed with either FDVE-GSH conjugate. The FDVE-cysteine conjugates S-(1,1-difluoro-2-fluoromethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl) ethyl)-L-cysteine (DFEC) and (Z)-S-(1-fluoro-2-fluoromethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl) vinyl)-L-cysteine ((Z)-FFVC) caused significant differences in LDH release and MTT reduction only at 2.7 mM; (Z)-FFVC was slightly more cytotoxic. Both S-(1,1-difluoro-2-fluoromethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl) ethyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxide (DFEC-SO) and (Z)-N-acetyl-S-(1-fluoro-2-fluoromethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl) vinyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxide ((Z)-N-Ac-FFVC-SO) caused slightly greater changes in LDH release or total LDH than the corresponding equimolar DFEC and (Z)-N-acetyl-S-(1-fluoro-2-fluoromethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl) vinyl)-L-cysteine ((Z)-N-Ac-FFVC) conjugates. In contrast to FDVE S-conjugates, S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine was markedly cytotoxic, at concentrations as low as 0.1 mM. These results show that human proximal tubular cells are relatively resistant to FDVE and FDVE S-conjugate cytotoxicity. This may partially explain the lack of FDVE nephrotoxicity in humans.

Study of the potential cytotoxicity of dental impression materials

The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of tow types of impression dental materials: polyethers (Impregum Penta, Permadyne Penta Heavy and Light) and vinyl polysiloxanes (Elite Mono Tray, Medium, Low viscosity and Elite H-D Putty). Their cytotoxic effects were studied by indirect and direct tests. The indirect tests were performed by incubating impression materials in serum free cell culture medium to prepare the soluble extracts. Balb/c 3T3 cells were incubated with extract dilutions (25, 50, 75 and 100%) for 24 h. The extracts of polyether materials caused a decrease of cellular viability, evaluated by light microscopy, by cell counting and by MTT test. The extracts of vinyl polysiloxanes materials induced a slight effect on cellular number and viability. The direct tests were performed by placing the impression materials in the centre of Petri dishes while Balb/c 3T3 were settling. The cellular proliferation was drastically reduced by polyethers and it was unaffected by the presence of vinyl polysiloxanes. These results show that: (a) the polyether materials are more toxic than vinyl polysiloxanes in our experimental conditions, (b) the impression materials are cytotoxic to the same degree in all assay methods.

Octachlorodipropyl ether (s-2) mosquito coils are inadequately studied for residential use in Asia and illegal in the United States

Children and their parents in residences are often protected by insecticides from nuisance and disease-bearing mosquitoes. The annual worldwide consumption of the four major types of residential insecticide products--aerosols, mosquito coils, liquid vaporizers, and vaporizing mats--is in the billions of units. Mosquito coils are burned indoors and outdoors in East Asia and to a limited extent in other parts of the world, including the United States. Coils consist of an insecticide/repellant, organic fillers capable of burning with smoldering, binder, and additives such as synergists, dyes, and fungicide. The number of coil users in China is in the millions. In Indonesia alone, an estimated seven billion coils are purchased annually. Coils containing pyrethroid insecticides, particularly d-allethrin, may contain octachlorodipropyl ether (S-2, S-421) as a synergist or active ingredient. Use of those coils likely exposes children and adults to some level of bis(chloromethyl)ether (BCME). BCME is formed from formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride, combustion products formed from the slow smoldering (about 8 hr/coil) of the mosquito coils. Because BCME is an extremely potent lung carcinogen, the nature and extent of prolonged exposures that recur in homes during the mosquito season in tropical regions must be evaluated with respect to health. In a small analytical study, coils purchased in Indonesia and in the United States contained highly variable amounts of S-2. Some coils that contained S-2 were not labeled, making it impossible for consumers to make an informed decision about coil contents. Mosquito coils containing S-2 are unregistered, and their use is illegal in the United States. Indoor air monitoring under conditions that represent conditions of use in tropical settings and epidemiology to assess health impacts of coil use are essential to permit responsible regulatory decisions regarding continuing S-2 use.

Sevoflurane degradation by carbon dioxide absorbents may produce more than one nephrotoxic compound in rats

PURPOSE

Degradation of sevoflurane by carbon dioxide absorbents produces compound A, a vinyl ether. In rats, compound A can produce renal corticomedullary necrosis. We tested whether other compounds produced by sevoflurane degradation also could produce corticomedullary necrosis.

METHODS

Two groups of rats were exposed for four hours to sevoflurane 2.5% delivered through a container filled with fresh Sodasorb and heated to 30 degrees C or to 50 degrees C, respectively. Compound A was added to produce an average concentration of 120 ppm in both groups. A third (control) group received 2.5% sevoflurane that did not pass through absorbent, and no compound A was added.

RESULTS

As determined by gas chromatography, the higher temperature produced more volatile breakdown products, including compound A. Median necrosis of the corticomedullary junction in the 50 degrees C group [10% (quartiles 1.0%-7.8%); n = 20] exceeded that in the 30 degrees C group [5% (6.5%-15%); n = 18; P < 0.02], and both exceeded the median necrosis in the control group [0% (0.0%-0.2%); n = 10; P < 0.02]. The respective mean +/- SD values for these three studies were: 12.8 +/- 16.7%, 5.3 +/- 4.4%, and 0.3 +/- 0.5%.

CONCLUSION

Degradation products of sevoflurane other than compound A can cause or augment the renal injury in rats produced by compound A.

[Twenty-eight day repeated dose oral toxicity test of synergist of a pyrethroid insecticide, 2,3,3,3,2',3',3',3'-Octachlorodipropyl ether (S-421) in rats]

2,3,3,3,2',3',3',3'-Octachlorodipropyl ether (Abbreviation; S-421) is originally developed as synergist of a pyrethroid insecticide. In recent years, S-421 is used widely at home, for a mosquito-repellent incense, electric mosquito-repellent, an insect-killing spray, a vacuum cleaner paper pack, etc. as well. On the other hand, S-421 has been detected in vacuum cleaner dust samples as well as human milk samples in Japan indicating that our living environment is already contaminated by this compound. Long term toxicity studies including a carcinogenesis study have been performed and NOEL of chronic toxicity has been settled. However, it is clear that S-421 is used in close proximity so that acute or subacute exposure at relatively higher dose levels than chronic NOEL values are easily assumed, such as use of a spray in an ill-ventilated room, etc. This study, 28 day repeated oral dose toxicity study of S-421 was performed to monitor the outcome of acute and subacute exposure assuming possible exposure accidents mentioned above. The protocol is as follows; Groups of 10 rats of each sex(5 week-old), were treated with intragastric administration of S-421 with a dose of 0 (olive oil, control), 10, 40, 160 or 640 mg/kg body weight. For recovery test, 14 day after the last treatment, the control and 640 mg/kg groups were examined, respectively. All animals of all groups in both sexes survived. In the 640 mg/kg groups of the both sexes, all animals were set to drowsiness from about 5 hours after administration, however, they recovered by the next morning. In the hematology examination, Hb, MCH, MCHC, WBC values were significantly decreased and MCV value was significant increased in the 640 mg/kg group of both sexes. In the serum biochemistry, items increased in the 640 mg/kg groups of both sexes returned to normal level after 14 days recovery period. Absolute and relative liver weight increase seen in the 160 mg/kg and above also returned to control level after recovery. Histopathologically, slight hepatocellular swelling was observed in the 160 mg/kg groups and severe hepatocellular swelling with vacuolization and slight necrosis was seen in the 640 mg/kg group. In conclusion, the no-observed-effect levels (NOEL) of S-421 under these conditions was judged to be 40 mg/kg/day.

Results of long-term carcinogenicity bioassays on tert-amyl-methyl-ether (TAME) and di-isopropyl-ether (DIPE) in rats

Tert-amyl-methyl ether (TAME) was administered by gavage in extra virgin olive oil solution at concentrations of 750, 250, or 0 mg/kg bw to groups of 100 male and 100 female Sprague-Dawley rats 8 weeks old at the start of the experiment. Di-isopropyl ether (DIPE) was administered in the same manner at the doses of 1000, 250, or 0 mg/kg body weight to groups of 100 male and 100 female Sprague-Dawley rats. TAME and DIPE were each delivered in 1-mL solution 4 days a week for 78 weeks. Control animals received 1 mL of extra virgin olive oil without TAME or DIPE. At the end of the treatment period, all animals were kept under observation until spontaneous death. Under these test conditions, TAME and DIPE were found to be potential carcinogenic agents for various organs and tissues.

Glutathione S-conjugation of the sevoflurane degradation product, fluoromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)vinyl ether (compound A) in human liver, kidney, and blood in vitro

Fluoromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)vinyl ether (FDVE) is a fluorinated alkene formed by degradation of the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane in anesthesia machines. FDVE is nephrotoxic in rats and undergoes glutathione-dependent conjugation to form two alkane (G1, G2) and two alkene glutathione S-conjugates (G3, G4), cleavage to cysteine S-conjugates, and beta-lyase-catalyzed metabolism to reactive thionoacyl fluorides, which may react with cellular macromolecules to cause nephrotoxicity. Although similar metabolites have been identified in human urine in vivo, little is known about sites and mechanisms of GSH conjugation in humans. This investigation quantified FDVE-GSH conjugates formed by human hepatic and renal microsomal and cytosolic fractions and blood in vitro. LC-MS/MS analysis identified all four GSH conjugates (G1-G4) formed in all human subcellular fractions. Quantitative analysis indicated that the relative order of formation was G2 > G1 > G4 > G3 with human liver and kidney subfractions. In blood, the order was G1 > G4 > G2 > G3. These results demostrate that FDVE undergoes GSH-dependent conjugation in human liver and kidney microsomes and cytosol as well as blood, which may account for the detection of corresponding mercapturic acids in the urine of patients exposed to FDVE.

Toxicity of a sevoflurane degradation product incubated with rat liver and renal cortical slices

Compound A (2-fluoromethoxy-1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene) is a degradation product of the anesthetic sevoflurane which is created in closed-circuit anesthetic machines. Past in vivo and in vitro studies have implied that Compound A is nephrotoxic via bioactivation through the cysteine conjugate beta-lyase pathway. Although glutathione (GSH) conjugates of Compound A have been reported, it is not clear if they are formed enzymatically or via direct reaction with GSH. To determine if these metabolites are produced and toxic, a tissue slice system that first exposes male Fischer 344 rat liver slices to volatilized Compound A followed by exposure of rat kidney slices to the liver incubate was employed. Liver slices exposed to volatilized Compound A (6-12 microM medium conc.; approximately 23 ppm) exhibited a loss of K+ by 6 h, which was not seen in kidney slices exposed to Compound A. Aminobenzotriazole, a cytochrome P 450 suicide inhibitor, initially inhibits the cytotoxicity of Compound A to liver slices (at these times and concentrations). The sequential liver/kidney slice experiments using Compound A have not demonstrated nephrotoxic results. GSH conjugates were synthesized and was found to be nephrotoxic at concentrations above 91 microM (18 h), with higher concentrations showing toxicity at earlier times. Additionally, non-enzymatic reactions of Compound A with GSH or sulfhydryl-containing medium produces nephrotoxic products. These studies show that Compound A is directly toxic to the liver, possibly via P 450 activation, and Compound A can react with sulfhydryls directly to produce a nephrotoxic.

Humoral immune response to a sevoflurane degradation product in the guinea pig following inhalation exposure

Compound A (2-fluoromethoxy-1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene) is produced by reaction of the inhalation anesthetic, sevoflurane, with CO2 absorbents. Compound A has been reported to directly react with protein. Since adduction of proteins can transform them into antigenic material, Compound A was assessed for its ability to produce a humoral immune response. Male outbred Hartley guinea pigs (500-600 g, N = 7) were exposed via inhalation for 4 h to a subtoxic level (100 ppm) of Compound A, 3 times, at 42 day intervals. Blood samples obtained at 2, 14, 28 and 40 days after each exposure were measured for ALT, creatinine, and urea nitrogen and for the presence of antibodies to trifluoroacetylated guinea pig albumin (TFA-GSA). All indicators of liver and kidney injury remained within normal range throughout the course of the study. A humoral immune response to TFA-GSA was observed following each exposure to Compound A with a titer appearing by day 14 after exposure, peaking near day 28, and resolving to normal levels by day 40. The titer levels were approximately equivalent after each exposure and about one-third that previously seen in guinea pigs after multiple exposures to halothane. Compound A would appear to have the ability to form antigenic adducts during inhalation exposure. These findings are similar to those observed for halogenated inhalation anesthetics that have been linked to cases of immune-medicated idiosyncratic hepatitis and indicate that Compound A exposure may pose the same hazard.

In vitro toxicities of experimental jet fuel system ice-inhibiting agents

One research emphasis within the Department of Defense has been to seek the replacement of operational compounds with alternatives that pose less potential risk to human and ecological systems. Alternatives to glycol ethers, such as diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (M-DE), were investigated for use as jet fuel system ice-inhibiting agents (FSIIs). This group of chemicals includes three derivatives of 1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol (M-1, M-2, and M-3) and a 1,3-dioxane (M-27). In addition, M-DE was evaluated as a reference compound. Our approach was to implement an in vitro test battery based on primary rat hepatocyte cultures to perform initial toxicity evaluations. Hepatocytes were exposed to experimental chemicals (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 mM dosages) for periods up to 24 h. Samples were assayed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, MTT dye reduction activity, glutathione level, and rate of protein synthesis as indicators of toxicity. Of the compounds tested, M-1, especially at the 10-mM dose, appeared to be more potent than the other chemicals, as measured by these toxicity assays. M-DE, the current FSII, elicited little response in the toxicity assays. Although some variations in toxicity were observed at the 10-mM dose, the in vitro toxicities of the chemicals tested (except for M-1) were not considerably greater than that of M-DE.

Effects of organosilicon pyrethroid-like insecticides on nerve preparations of American cockroaches and crayfish

Quaternary organosilicon pyrethroid-like ethers (five compounds) and alkanes (three compounds) were used for neurophysiological tests. Their activities in inducing repetitive firing in the central nervous cord of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) were evaluated by an extracellular recording method. The ethers were more active than the corresponding alkanes. The ability of the compounds to cause conduction blockage was also measured using the same nerve preparations, but the effects were too weak to allow definitive activity values to be determined. The compounds prolonged the sodium tail-current in the crayfish giant axon under voltage clamp conditions. The rate of decay of the tail-current changed in parallel with the reported insecticidal activity against P americana. These findings indicated that tail-current activity was the most useful nerve parameter in predicting insecticidal activity. Regression analysis of the numerical data together with those reported for other alkanes revealed that the higher the tail-current activity, the higher the insecticidal activity when a structural feature and the hydrophobicity were considered separately. The insecticidal activity of the ethers was about seven-fold higher than that of the alkanes with equivalent tail-current activity and hydrophobicity. Variations in insecticidal activity were parabolically correlated with the hydrophobicity [(log P)opt = 9.1] when other factors were similar.