Comparative Histology of the Respiratory Tract of Normal Peromyscus Floridanus and P. Gossypinus and Effects of Exposure to Solid Rocket Motor Fuel Exhaust on P. Gossypinus

Author

Terry Lee Bitner, University of Central FloridaFollow

Keywords

Peromyscus floridanus, Peromyscus gossypinus, Solid propellants

Abstract

Microscopic examination of the tracheal dimensions of normal Florida mice (Peromyscus floridanus) and cotton mice (P. gossypinus) showed no significant differences between the two species, but external examination showed the tracheal length of the Florida mouse to be longer than that of the cotton mouse. Microscopic examination of the intrapulmonary apparatus (bronchioles, alveolar ducts, atria, and alveoli) of normal Florida and cotton mice showed no significant differences in measurements between the two species. Cotton mice were exposed to exhaust gases produced by the burning of solid rocket motor (SRM) fuel. Mice exposed once for a duration of 10 min demonstrated an LD50 of 52 to 56 ppm HCl/g body weight and an LD50 of 169 to 173 mg Al2O3/m3/g body weight. These LD50 values suggested that SRM exhaust components may have a synergistic lethal effect when compared to the effects of individual components of the exhaust. Cotton mice exposed to the exhaust exhibited external signs of respiratory distress and dyspnea. Those mice that received lethal exposures showed internal signs of early inflammatory reactions. However, the most likely cause of death was a sudden shift in blood pH.

Graduation Date

1977

Advisor

Stout, I. Jack

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Natural Sciences

Degree Program

Biological Sciences

Format

PDF

Pages

54 p.

Language

English

Rights

Written permission granted by copyright holder to the University of Central Florida Libraries to digitize and distribute for nonprofit, educational purposes.

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0011601

Subjects

Peromyscus floridanus, Peromyscus gossypinus, Solid propellants

STARS Citation

Bitner, Terry Lee, "Comparative Histology of the Respiratory Tract of Normal Peromyscus Floridanus and P. Gossypinus and Effects of Exposure to Solid Rocket Motor Fuel Exhaust on P. Gossypinus" (1977). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 322.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/rtd/322

Contributor (Linked data)

Stout, I. Jack [VIAF]

Stout, I. Jack [LC]

Collection (Linked data)

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Accessibility Status

Searchable text