[The influence of sodium nitrite upon the physical functions of mice].
Male mice of ICR-strain (four weeks old) were divided into seven groups, of each five animals. Sodium nitrite (NaNO2), dissolved in the physiological saline solution, was administered orally at doses of 250, 220, 110, 80, 50 and 5 mg per kg, everyday during successive seven days to each group. The forced running distance was monitored by means of the treadmill (Eiken-model) during the period of the administration and recovery. All the mice which received 250 mg/kg dose died after the single shot. The capability of muscular exercise was found decreased particularly in the groups which received 110 and 80 mg/kg of NaNO2. Mean methemoglobin level (Met-Hb) in the blood of male mice was about 1.0%. Mean Met-Hb levels were increased to about 1.2% and 3.8% after the oral administration of NaNO2 at the dose of 110 mg/kg everyday for successive 7 and 21 days, respectively. Met-Hb levels were measured by means of modified Evelyn-Malloy's method. In the groups which received 110 mg/kg or less, no significant changes in the body weight as well as the other physical functions were observed, as compared with those received only physiological saline solutions.
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000097:blood*; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D009573:Nitrites / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012977:Sodium Nitrite / Q000494:pharmacology*
D009573:Nitrites; D012977:Sodium Nitrite