Histologic evidence for a toxic polyneuropathy due to exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in rats.
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a considerable environmental hazard in industrial societies. Its toxic effects on animals and humans are numerous, but little is known about its neurotoxicity. We studied the neurotoxic effects of TCDD in 80 male, adult Wistar rats. The substance was dissolved in corn oil and a single dose injected intraperitoneally (8.8 micrograms, 6.6 micrograms, 4.4 micrograms or 2.2 micrograms/kg). Neurophysiological examinations proved a dose-related, statistically significant slowing of sensory and motor conduction velocities. Ten months after the application of TCDD peripheral nerves showed a progressive, and proximally accentuated neuropathy. The extent of changes, however, differed remarkably between individual animals. Our data indicate that TCDD caused a toxic polyneuropathy in rats.
Grehl
H
H
Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen, Germany.
Grahmann
F
F
Claus
D
D
Neundörfer
B
B
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins