Effects of the organophosphorus compound, O-ethyl-N-dimethyl-phosphoramidocyanidate (tabun), on flavor aversions, locomotor activity, and rotarod performance in rats.

An assessment of the behavioral effects of acutely administered anti-cholinesterase compound O-ethyl-N-dimethyl phosphoramidocyanidate (tabun), to male rats was performed in three studies across five dose levels (100-198 micrograms/kg, sc). Doses of 122 micrograms/kg or greater produced conditioned flavor aversions. Spontaneous locomotor activity was significantly decreased at doses of 122 micrograms/kg or greater when compared to vehicle control levels. When administered doses of 168 micrograms/kg or greater, rats exhibited significant decrements in rotarod performance. In addition, the LD50 of tabun was determined to be 240 micrograms/kg. Signs of cholinergic intoxication were not apparent until 144 micrograms/kg tabun or more were given. Behavioral effects were thus obtained at doses that were between 54 and 71% of the LD50.