SYNTHETIC TREHALOSE DICORYNOMYCOLATE (S-TDCM) - BEHAVIORAL-EFFECTS AND RADIOPROTECTION

This study evaluated synthetic trehalose dicorynomycolate (S-TDCM), an immunomodulator, for its survival enhancing capacity and behavioral t oxicity in B6D2F1 female mice. Tn survival experiments, mice were admi nistered S-TDCM (25-400 mu g/mouse i.p.) 20-24 hr before 5.6 Gy mixed- field fission-neutron irradiation (n) and gamma-photon irradiation. Th e 30-day survival rates for mice treated with 100-400 mu g/mouse S-TDC M were significantly enhanced compared to controls. Toxicity of S-TDCM was measured in nonirradiated mice by locomotor activity, food intake , water consumption, and alterations in body weight. A dose-dependent decrease was noted in all behavioral measures in mice treated with S-T DCM. Doses of 100 and 200 mu g/mouse S-TDCM significantly reduced moto r activity beginning 12 hr postinjection with recovery by 24 hr. A dos e of 400 mu g/mouse significantly decreased activity within the first 4 hr after administration and returned to control levels by 32 hr foll owing injection. Food and water intake were significantly depressed at doses of 200 and 400 mu g/mouse on the day following drug administrat ion, and were recovered in 24 hr. Body weight was significantly decrea sed in the 200 mu g/mouse group for 2 days and in the 400 mu g/mouse g roup for 4 days following injection. A dose of 100 mu g/mouse effectiv ely enhanced survival after fission-neutron irradiation with no advers e effect on food consumption, water intake, or body weight and a minim al, short-term effect on locomotor activity.