How does glue affect mice? - briefly
Exposure to adhesive substances can cause respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal blockage, and increased mortality in rodents due to toxic chemicals and physical obstruction. Laboratory studies report reduced locomotor activity and weight loss after acute glue contact.
How does glue affect mice? - in detail
Adhesive compounds applied to laboratory rodents produce measurable physiological changes. Contact with cyanoacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, or epoxy formulations induces dermal irritation, leading to erythema and edema within minutes. Systemic absorption through compromised skin can result in hepatic enzyme elevation, detectable via alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase assays. Renal function may decline, evidenced by increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, particularly after prolonged exposure.
Behavioral alterations accompany chemical exposure. Mice display reduced locomotor activity in open‑field tests, with average distance traveled decreasing by 30 % compared to untreated controls. Grooming frequency rises, reflecting discomfort or pruritus. In maze navigation, latency to reach the goal increases, indicating impaired cognition or heightened anxiety.
Toxicological assessments reveal dose‑dependent mortality. LD₅₀ values for common adhesives range from 150 mg kg⁻¹ (cyanoacrylate) to 300 mg kg⁻¹ (polyvinyl acetate) when administered intraperitoneally. Sub‑lethal doses produce:
- Hematological changes: leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia.
- Histopathological lesions: epidermal necrosis, pulmonary edema, hepatic vacuolization.
- Neurological signs: tremors, ataxia, reduced righting reflex.
Experimental protocols mitigate adverse effects by:
- Applying minimal adhesive volume (≤ 0.01 mL) to the dorsal surface.
- Using anesthetic agents to reduce stress during application.
- Monitoring clinical parameters at 1‑hour, 6‑hour, and 24‑hour intervals.
- Providing supportive care, including analgesics and fluid therapy, when systemic toxicity emerges.
Overall, adhesive exposure compromises skin integrity, impairs organ function, alters behavior, and carries a quantifiable risk of mortality in rodents. Proper handling procedures and dose limitation are essential to minimize these outcomes.