Effects of intraperitoneal carbon disulfide on sensory-evoked potentials of Fischer-344 rats.

Sensory-evoked potentials (EPs) were studied in male Fischer-344 rats to characterize the electrophysiologic concomitants of carbon disulfide (CS2) neurotoxicity. Behavioral measures also studied were forelimb and hindlimb grip strengths and performance of a conditioned avoidance response task. CS2 (172, 286, and 400 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally five days per week for eleven weeks caused a decrease in grip strength, interfered with escape from shock, and disturbed visual and auditory EPs. Latency of the fifth but not the first component of the brainstem auditory-evoked response was prolonged, indicating an effect on central auditory tract conduction. Conduction velocity in the ventral caudal nerve and latencies of somatosensory EP components were unaffected.