3,3'-Diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride

The relationship between the structure and mutagenicity of benzidine analogs was examined. The mutagenic activities of benzidine, benzidine dihydrochloride, and their analogs, 3,3'-diaminobenzidine, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine dihydrochloride, and N,N,N',N'-tetramethylbenzidine, were evaluated in the Ames assay. Salmonella strains (TA-100) and (TA-98) were used, with or without metabolic activation by liver S9 mix from male Sprague-Dawley rats induced with aroclor-1254. In the absence of S9 mix only 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine in strain TA-98 showed significant mutagenic activity. In the presence of S9 mix all compounds except N,N,N',N'-tetramethylbenzidine were mutagenic in strain TA-100. Bridged diphenyl compounds showed mutagenicity equal to or greater than that of the parent compound, benzidine. In strain TA-98 biphenyl compounds were more mutagenic than the bridged diphenyl compounds. No significant differences in mutagenicity were seen between the free base and dihydrochloride salt forms of benzidine or its dimethoxy analog. Compounds capable of inducing frame shift mutations must have a planar aromatic moiety and an activated electrophilic side chain, and mutagenicity in this series of compounds increases with decreasing basicity of the aniline moiety.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poison A and B/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poison A and B/