Neurobehavioral toxicity of carbon disulfide

Abstract

Carbon disulfide is an exceptionally potent neurotoxicant. In industrial settings its effects are pernicious, producing symptoms and behavioral alterations in the absence of frank poisoning; affective disorders are common, and exposure is associated with an elevated incidence of suicide. With more severe exposure, sensory disturbances are commonplace, as are alterations in sensory and motor nerve function. Alterations in behavior and central nervous system function can be readily produced in the laboratory with acute or chronic carbon disulfide exposure. Profound morphological changes, especially in the basal ganglia, can be produced with intense exposure. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase inhibition has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. Despite prolonged interest in its health effects, the toxic sequelae of exposure have not been adequately described using modern techniques of neurobehavioral toxicology, nor have the mechanisms of action been adequately elucidated.