Gupta B N, Stefanski S A, Bucher J R, Hall L B
Environ Health Perspect. 1987 Jun;72:105-8. doi: 10.1289/ehp.8772105.
The accidental release of methyl isocyanate gas in Bhopal, India, was reported to cause temporary blindness and other eye injuries in many of the exposed people. Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is known to be corrosive and to irritate intact skin and mucous membranes, but little is known about the extent of ocular damage incurred during exposure to its vapors. The eyes of male and female Fischer 344 rats were evaluated immediately after a 2-hr exposure to 0, 3, 10, or 30 ppm of MIC, and periodically thereafter during a 91-day recovery period. During exposure to 10 ppm and higher concentrations, rats kept their eyes partially closed. Copious lacrimation and occasional frothy nasal discharge were evident. Eyes were examined under ultraviolet light after topical application of sodium fluorescein, and histopathologic examination included lids, cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, and Harderian gland. There was no significant gross or microscopic evidence of epithelial erosion or ulceration of the cornea, or of adjacent tissues immediately after, or at any time following exposures. No skin irritation was noted. It would appear that the natural protective mechanisms of the eye of rats were adequate to prevent ocular damage at these exposure levels.
据报道，印度博帕尔异氰酸甲酯气体的意外泄漏致使许多接触者出现暂时失明和其他眼部损伤。已知异氰酸甲酯（MIC）具有腐蚀性，会刺激完好的皮肤和黏膜，但对于接触其蒸气期间眼部损伤的程度了解甚少。将雄性和雌性Fischer 344大鼠暴露于0、3、10或30 ppm的MIC中2小时后立即对其眼睛进行评估，此后在91天的恢复期内定期评估。在暴露于10 ppm及更高浓度时，大鼠眼睛部分闭合。明显有大量流泪和偶尔的泡沫状鼻分泌物。局部应用荧光素钠后在紫外线下检查眼睛，组织病理学检查包括眼睑、角膜、晶状体、视网膜、视神经和哈德腺。暴露后即刻或之后任何时间，均未发现角膜或相邻组织有明显的肉眼或显微镜下上皮糜烂或溃疡迹象。未观察到皮肤刺激。在这些暴露水平下，大鼠眼睛的天然保护机制似乎足以防止眼部损伤。
