Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KINETIN RIBOSIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A cell division factor found in various plants and in yeast. Used as a plant growth
regulator where it causes rapid cell division. Also augments the growth of microbial
cultures. Has been used as an anticancer and antiviral agent.

SYNONYMS

C15-H17-N5-O5, "adenosine, N-furfural", "adenosine, N-furfural", N-(2-
furanylmethyl)adenosine, N-(2-furanylmethyl)adenosine, furfuryladenosine, "N(sup 6)-
furfuryladenosine", ribosylkinetin, "plant hormone", "plant growth regulator"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Adenosine has a depressant action in the brain, heart, kidneys and other organs and is believed to mediate its effects via four adenosine receptor subtypes (A1, A2a, A2b, and A3). In addition, adenosine has been shown to be involved in pain cognition, movement and sleep. Caffeine and other alkylxanthines act as physiological stimulants by blocking the neuromodulator effects of adenosine. Adenosine receptor agonists, which are almost exclusively derivatives of adenosine have been identified as potential anti-arrhythmic, anti- lipolytic (thus antidiabetic) and neuroprotective agents (as agonists of the A1 receptor) and hypotensive and antipsychotic agents (as agonists of the A2a receptor). A3 receptor agonists have potential as prophylactic neuroprotective agents. The release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, in response to A3 receptor activation, is proposed as the origin of the resultant hypotensive effect. There is substantial impetus for the development of therapeutic agents based on selective interactions with one of the four subtypes of receptor. In brain, exogenously administered adenosine receptor agonists are efficient in producing neuroprotection. Neuroprotection is, in part, due to counteraction of the damaging effects of excessive glutamine release. Adenosine receptors have also been proposed to play a role in the patho-physiology of cerebral ischaemia. Adenosine receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family and possess seven transmembrane helical regions. Extracellular adenosine, produced locally in response to increased activity or stress, activates adenosine receptors of the A1 and A2a subtypes. The A2b subtype has a considerably higher threshold for activation by endogenous adenosine. Such feedback mechanisms allow the organ to compensate for the increased activity or stress by decreasing energy demand, a feedback generally associated with A1 receptor activation, and by increasing oxygen demand (e.g. by vasodilation and inhibition of platelet and neutrophil function), a feedback generally associated with A2 receptor activation. The A3 receptor subtype requires relatively high pathological concentrations of adenosine for activation.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact and inhalation of generated dust.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.