Acute toxicity of methyl isocyanate in mammals. IV. Biochemical and hematological changes in rabbits.

Subcutaneous administration of methyl isocyanate (MIC) in 0.5 LD50 and 1.0 LD50 to female rabbits resulted in significant increases of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and leukocyte count in blood, as well as plasma total proteins, urea and cholesterol. A significant decrease in plasma albumin level was only observed in the 1.0 LD50 group. Urine of MIC intoxicated animals showed presence of protein, bilirubin, elevated urea and urobilinogen, while urine volume was reduced. The hematological and biochemical changes induced by MIC are perhaps the result of fluid loss from the vascular compartment as evidenced by the histopathological observations. This study further substantiates the view that acute toxicity of MIC is mediated in vivo by its effects on vascular beds.