Initial evaluation of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and permethrin absorption in human volunteers under stress conditions.
Author(s): Roy MJ, Kraus PL, Cooper JA, Cherstniakova S, Coll R, Seegers CA, Deuster PA, Koslowe P, Law WA, Krantz DS, Cantilena L
Affiliation(s): Department of Medicine, Division of Military Internal Medicine, Room A3062, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Publication date & source: 2006-02, Mil Med., 171(2):122-7.
Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES: This was a pilot study to determine (1) whether it is feasible to effectively blind human subjects to the presence of the insect repellents N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) and permethrin; (2) whether DEET affects the absorption of permethrin; and (3) whether combat videotape viewing and mental arithmetic are stressful. METHODS: Ten volunteers were exposed to DEET, permethrin, and stress (1-hour combat videotape plus mental arithmetic) in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Outcome measurements included hemodynamics, plasma DEET and permethrin levels, and questionnaires to assess blinding. RESULTS: Highly sensitive serologic assays readily detected DEET but not permethrin. Staff members and subjects were effectively blinded to both. The videotape-math combination was stressful by both self-report and hemodynamic measures. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to blind subjects with respect to DEET and permethrin. Permethrin on clothing does not enter the bloodstream at appreciable levels. Combat videotapes and mental arithmetic can be stressful.
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