Effect of alcohol intake on some disturbances induced by chronic exposure to carbon disulphide in rats. II. Biochemical and ultrastructural alterations in the peripheral nerves.

The effect of chronic ethanol (EtOH) administration on CS2-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats was studied. Rats were exposed to 0.8 mg/l CS2 for 12-15 months and to 10% EtOH as only drink during the last 4 months of the experiment. Some biochemical correlates of Wallerian degeneration of the peripheral nerve were estimated and ultrastructural examinations of the peripheral nerves were performed. It was shown that EtOH augmented the alterations in lipid content provoked by CS2 in the peripheral nerves, i.e. an increase in cholesterol esters and in the ratio of cholesterol esters to free cholesterol (E/F ratio) and a decrease in phospholipid content. The magnitude of ultrastructural changes induced by CS2 in the nerves was increased by EtOH.