Effects of ethanol on the toxicity and metabolism of acetonitrile and acrylonitrile

Authors

Nancy Ochoa-Garza, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

8-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Mohammed Farooqui

Second Advisor

Dr. Robert I. Lonard

Third Advisor

Dr. Scott J. Gunn

Abstract

This study examined the effects of ethanol on the toxicities and metabolism of two aliphatic nitriles: acetonitrile and acrylonitrile (one unsaturated and one saturated aliphatic nitrile, respectively) in male Sprague-Dawley rats at four different time intervals. Toxicity signs were apparent in all animals given the nitrile dosage, but those treated with ethanol dosages showed signs of toxicity earlier than those treated with glucose dosages. Both of the nitrites were metabolized to cyanide and thiocyanate. The concentration levels of each metabolite was apparent at 2 and 3 g/kg ethanol dosage for acetonitrile and 3 and 4.5 g/kg ethanol dosage for acrylonitrile at 12 hours indicating that ethanol is inhibiting the metabolism of the respective nitrile at those concentrations. The data also showed that the ethanol is capable of depleting glutathione (GSH), but there was no clear pattern as to the ethanol dosage administered.

Comments

Copyright 2002 Nancy Ochoa-Garza. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/effects-ethanol-on-toxicity-metabolism/docview/230979873/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American