Effects of Propellant Hydrazines on Red Blood Cells: Methemoglobin and Heinz Body Formation.

摘要

Exposure to various hydrazine compounds causes methemoglobinemia and Heinz body production in human red blood cells. Three hydrazine compounds, monomethylhydrazine (MMH), 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and hydrazine (Hz) are principal cmponents of several Air Force propulsion systems and exposure to any of these compounds produces a hemolytic anemia. The anemia following MMH exposure is characteristized by methemoglobin and Heinz body formation. This study was designed to determine if UDMH and Hz exposure also produce these effects and to compare the effective dose levels. MMH is the most effective agent, producing these effects at concentrations eight to ten times lower than Hz. UDMH did not cause methemoglobinemia or Heinz bodies at the concentrations used indicating the probability of a different hemolytic mechanism. (Author)