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At least 433 records · Page 24

Effects of inhalation of Freon 113 on laboratory animals

Four monkeys, 8 dogs, 40 mice, and 50 rats were exposed continuously to 2000 ppm Freon 113 in a Thomas Dome for 14 days. This exposure produced no mortalities nor adverse symptomology. There were no significant alterations in hematological values, clinical chemistries, electroencephalographic findings, body weights, or organ to body weight ratios. The effect of 2% Freon 113 on nicotinic transmission through the stellate ganglion of the spinal dog was also evaluated. The exposure induced a reduction in nicotinic transmission comparable to 2% halothane.

Carter, V. L.↗

Factors modifying the response of large animals to low-intensity radiation exposure

In assessing the biological response to space radiation, two of the most important modifying factors are dose protraction and dose distribution to the body. Studies are reported in which sheep and swine were used to compare the hematology and lethality response resulting from radiation exposure encountered in a variety of forms, including acute (high dose-rate), chronic (low dose-rate), combinations of acute and chronic, and whether received as a continuous or as fractionated exposure. While sheep and swine are basically similar in response to acute radiation, their sensitivity to chronic irradiation is markedly different. Sheep remain relatively sensitive as the radiation exposure is protracted while swine are more resistant and capable of surviving extremely large doses of chronic irradiation. This response to chronic irradiation correlated well with changes in radiosensitivity and recovery following an acute, sublethal exposure.

Page, N. P.↗

Neurophysiological findings relevant to echolocation in marine animals

A review of echolocation mechanisms in marine mammals, chiefly porpoises, is given. Data cover peripheral auditory and central neurophysiological specializations favorable to the analysis of echolocating clicks and their echoes. Conclusions show (1) signals are received from 50 up to at least 135 kHz, (2) sound is received through the mandible skin, and (3) the midbrain sites are insensitive to low frequencies (below 6 kHz).

Bullock, T. H.↗

Continuous animal exposure to dichloromethane

Continuous exposures of dogs, monkeys, rats and mice to 5000 ppm and 1000 ppm of dichloromethane vapor (CH2Cl2) produced severe toxic effects on dogs, rats and mice. Dogs died after 3 weeks exposure to 1000 ppm and after 6 weeks exposure to 5000 ppm. Thirty percent of the mice also succumbed during four weeks exposure to 5000 ppm CH2Cl2. Although rats survived 14 weeks exposure to 5000 ppm, they experienced subnormal weight gains. Significant gross and histopathological hepatic lesions were noted in all 3 species at death or experimental termination in 14 weeks. In addition, rats showed abnormal kidney histopathology. Fat stains disclosed mild fatty increase in monkey livers after 14 weeks exposure to 1000 ppm CH2Cl2.

Macewen, J. D.↗

Effects of gravity on ontogeny in animals.

Inversion or clinostat rotation of frogs' eggs demonstrated a critical period of enhanced gravity-sensitivity prior to the first cleavage. These results were corroborated by centrifugation studies which localized the period of maximal sensitivity at approximately 20 minutes post-fertilization. Eggs of various invertebrates suspended in aqueous solution proved capable of normal development following brief ultracentrifugation. Among fly larvae, grasshopper nymphs, turtles, mice, rats, and chickens, growth rates were inversely related to G-force, and maximal chronic acceleration tolerated was inversely related to body size. Body composition data demonstrated the importance of separately evaluating fat and the fat-free portion of the body in studies of the effect of acceleration on growth in homeotherms. The attempt to evaluate the effect of weightlessness on the development of frogs' eggs in Biosatellite 2 was inconclusive for technical reasons.

Pitts, G. C.↗

A study of the biological effect of continuous inhalation exposure of 1, 1, 1-trichloroethene (methyl chloroform) on animals

The effects of continuous exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane on hepatic morphology and function are evaluated and compared with those produced by methylene chloride (dichloromethane) to determine environmental concentrations of each compound that would produce a similar biological response, i.e., a comparable increase in liver triglycerides over control levels. Experimental findings on mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys indicate that the pathological alternations observed with 1,1,1-trichloroethane are similar to those observed with dichloromethane except for different time courses of the effects and different degrees of recovery. A ten fold greater atmospheric concentration of 1,1,1-trichloroethane is required to produce the minimal liver changes found at 100 ppm dichloromethane.

Macewen, J. D.↗

Telemetry in animal and human biometeorology

Radio transmitters swallowed, surgically implanted, or carried externally make it possible to study a subject with minimum disturbance to normal patterns of activity. The radio frequency of transmission chosen will depend on the application, and will generally fall in the range from 50 kHz to 300 MHz. A number of specific experiments are reported, including the case of a snake which has swallowed a mouse containing a transmitter of pressure and temperature. Questions of monitoring are explored. Satellite Doppler tracking considerations are discussed together with the attachment of the transmitter package in the case of a study of birds.

Mackay, R. S.↗

Satellite animal tracking feasibility studies

A study was initiated in Tsavo National Park to determine movements and home ranges of individual elephants and their relations to overall distribution patterns and environmental factors such as rainfall. Methods used were radio tracking and observations of visually identifiable individuals. Aerial counts provided data on overall distribution. Two bulls and two cows were radio-tagged in Tsavo West and two bulls and four cows in Tsavo East, providing home range and movement data. The movements of individuals were useful in interpreting relatively major shifts in elephant distribution. Results point to the following preliminary conclusions: (1) elephants in the Tsavo area undertook long distance movements in fairly direct response to localized rainfall; (2) a subdivision of the overall population into locally distinct units may exist during the dry season but did not occur after significant rainfall; and (3) food appears to be the primary factor governing movements and distribution of elephants in the area.

Buechner, H. K.↗