title: Cardiorespiratory effects of brevetoxin (PbTx-2) in conscious, tethered rats.
abstract: The cardiorespiratory effects of various doses of brevetoxin (0-100 micrograms PbTx-2/kg) were studied in conscious, tethered rats, After surgical preparation and a 24 hr recovery, toxin or vehicle was infused into the tethered, awake rats for 1 hr. They were then monitored for 6 hr or until death. Toxin-infused rats had decreased core and peripheral temperatures and decreased respiratory rates; these values were all low in the 100 micrograms/kg group at the time of death. Blood gas values remained within normal limits, except terminally. Electrocardiographic (ECG) disturbances, noted in all groups given greater than or equal to 25 micrograms/kg, included heart block, premature ventricular contractions and idioventricular rhythms. It was concluded that brevetoxin causes changes in cardiac conduction and multiple changes in nervous system function.
authors: Pathophysiology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21701-5011.
authors: C B
authors: CB
authors: Templeton
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Poli
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: LeClaire
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008387:Marine Toxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D035964:Oxocins; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D013997:Time Factors; D000095702:Polyether Toxins
chemical_list: D008387:Marine Toxins; D035964:Oxocins; C053342:brevetoxin; D000095702:Polyether Toxins