Biochemical alterations in the peripheral nerves of rats intoxicated with carbon disulphide.

Some biochemical correlates of Wallerian degeneration of the peripheral nerve were compared in carbon disulphide (CS2) and acrylamide-induced neuropathies. Rats were exposed to CS2 at two concentrations (1.5 mg/l and 0.8 mg/l air). An increase in the activities of beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase, in the ratio of cholesterol esters to free cholesterol (E/F) and a decrease in phospholipids in the sciatic nerve of rats exposed to CS2 was found. The magnitude of these changes was related to the concentration of CS2 and the alterations were similar to those observed in the sciatic nerve of rats intoxicated with acrylamide.