Jd. Brain et al., RELATIVE TOXICITY OF DI(2-ETHYLHEXYL) SEBACATE AND RELATED-COMPOUNDS IN AN IN-VIVO HAMSTER BIOASSAY, Inhalation toxicology, 8(6), 1996, pp. 579-593
The acute pulmonary toxicity of di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DEHS) was e
xamined in a bioassay and compared to the responses seen with other ma
terials suggested as suitable aerosols for human studies. Suspensions
of DEHS, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), corn oil, mineral oil, and
hexaethylene glycol (2.5%, w/v) in saline were instilled (0.15 ml/100
g body weight) into the lungs of hamsters. The resultant dose of oil
was 3.75 mg/100 g. Control hamsters were instilled with physiological
saline. One day later the hamsters were killed, and the lungs were lav
aged. Biochemical and cellular components of the lavage fluid were the
n analyzed. Measurements included indicators of inflammation, edema, b
leeding, macrophage phagocytosis, cell injury, and cell secretion. All
values for these oils were either within or below control levels. In
contrast, earlier studies with mineral dusts at the same dose demonstr
ated dramatic changes in these indicators. Our results suggest that DE
HS, DEHP, corn oil, mineral oil, and hexaethylene glycol cause negligi
ble acute pulmonary toxicity in hamsters when given at doses as high a
s 3.75 mg/700 g body weight. When these substances are used at far low
er doses as inhaled aerosols for human studies of particle deposition
or quantitative respirator fit testing, we believe it is unlikely that
any acute pulmonary toxicity would result. The chronic effects and ph
armacokinetics of these substances warrant further study, particularly
if they are used in humans at higher concentrations or for chronic ex
posures.