Effects of the Organophosphorus Compound, O-ethyl-N-dimethyl phosphoramidocyanidate (Tabun), on Flavor Aversions, Locomotor Activity, and Rotarod Performance in Rats

Effects of the Organophosphorus Compound, O-ethyl-N-dimethyl-phosphoramidocyanidate(Tabun), on Flavor Aversions, Locomotor Activity, and RotarodPerformance in Rats. ROMANO, J. A., JR., AND LANDAUER M. R.(1986). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 6,62–68. An assessmentof the behavioral effects of acutely administered anti-cholinesterasecompound O-ethyl-N-dimethyl phosphoramidocyanidate (tabun),to male rats was performed in three studies across five doselevels (100–198 µg/kg, sc). Doses of 122 µg/kgor greater produced conditioned flavor aversions. Spontaneouslocomotor activity was significantly decreased at doses of 122µg/kg or greater when compared to vehicle control levels.When administered doses of 168 µg/kg or greater, ratsexhibited significant decrements in rotarod performance. Inaddition, the LD50 of tabun was determined to be 240 µg/kg.Signs of cholinergic intoxication were not apparent until 144µg/kg tabun or more were given. Behavioral effects werethus obtained at doses that were between 54 and 71% of the LD50.