Methods for testing of compounds with non-lethal effect.

The effect of some toxic chemicals differing in their mechanism of action was studied by means of the method of the spontaneous motoric activity. Qualitative and quantitative changes in behaviour following administration of sublethal doses of these compounds were found. Depending on the doses administered, exploratory activity (both horizontal and vertical) following soman administration was decreased. Very low doses of VX decreased motoric activity of animals in dependence in time of its action. Anticholinergic substance QB significantly increased the frequency of motor activity. Noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP 4 decreased both horizontal and vertical activities depending on time of its exposition. The increase followed by decrease of spontaneous motor activity was observed following administration of yperite.