Motor Performance Effects of Propylene Glycol Dinitrate in the Rat

Propylene glycol dinitrate (PGDN) is a major constituent of a volatile liquid torpedo propellant, Otto Fuel II, used by the U.S. Navy. Based on animal research, the major toxic effects of PGDN are Hemosiderin deposits in the liver and kidneys, hypotension, and methemoglobin formation. Human studies have shown the PGDN also produces headaches, nasal congestion, dizziness, impairment of motor coordination and balance, eye irritation, disruption in the organization of the visual evoked response, and changes in oculomotor function. In the work place, inhalation is the main route of exposure for personnel handling the propellant, although considerable potential also exists for percutaneous absorption. An occupational exposure survey by Carmichael and Lieben (1963) of explosive workers suggests serious PGDN induced physiologic consequences, i.e., headaches, nausea, vomiting, lowered blood pressure, and increased pulse rate. The primary objective of this study was to determine the neuromotor effects of PGDN using the rat accelerod model, which has been shown to be a good test of motor performance following neurotoxic insult . Human inhalation studies conducted to date have been exposures to Otto Fuel II which includes stabilizers, dyes, and desensitizers, as well as PGDN. Pub. in Jnl. of Toxicology and Environmental Health, v22 p17-27 1987.