Toxicity of Plastics Used in Medical Practice II.: Toxicity of citric acid esters used as plasticizers

Abstract

The acute and chronic toxicity of triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, and acetyl tributyl citrate was studied in a series of small animals. The behavior response to parenteral administration of the esters was observed in rats, mice, frogs, and rabbits. Mice were used to determine the LD50 for each compound. All of the esters exhibited a marked effect on the CNS evidenced by increased respiration rate, convulsions, and cord depression. When applied locally to the nerve, the citrates rapidly blocked nerve conduction. A profound depressor action was observed in cats and rabbits which was attributed to a direct cardiac inhibitory effect. Chronic administration for a period of 2 weeks resulted in a depression of weight gain; in the animals that received acetyl tributyl citrate evidence of a change in the blood picture was observed. Histopathological examinations revealed no damage to the liver, kidney, lungs, and spinal cord in the chronic animals. The acute and chronic toxicity of triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, and acetyl tributyl citrate was studied in a series of small animals. The behavior response to parenteral administration of the esters was observed in rats, mice, frogs, and rabbits. Mice were used to determine the LD50 for each compound. All of the esters exhibited a marked effect on the CNS evidenced by increased respiration rate, convulsions, and cord depression. When applied locally to the nerve, the citrates rapidly blocked nerve conduction. A profound depressor action was observed in cats and rabbits which was attributed to a direct cardiac inhibitory effect. Chronic administration for a period of 2 weeks resulted in a depression of weight gain; in the animals that received acetyl tributyl citrate evidence of a change in the blood picture was observed. Histopathological examinations revealed no damage to the liver, kidney, lungs, and spinal cord in the chronic animals.