The neurotoxic effects of triethyltin (TET) sulfate on myelinating cultures of mouse spinal cord.

Well myelinated cultures of mouse spinal cord, exposed to varying concentrations of triethyltin sulfate, were examined at different time intervals by light and electron microscopy. At a high concentration of TET (10(-6)M) for 1-2 hours, the myelin sheaths and cells showed marked degenerative changes. At lower concentrations of TET (10(-7)-10(-9) M) intramyelinic and other types of vacuole formation were seen; however, these lesions were always accompanied by changes in the perikarya, dendrites and axons of neurons and in the astrocytes. Also, there was an apparent increased number of neurofilaments and neurotubules in many axons. The findings are discussed in relation to the lesions induced in the experimental animal by alkyl tin intoxication.