Changes in auditory brainstem response in rats chronically exposed to carbon disulfide

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Auditory System Research

Background:

• Carbon disulfide (CS2) is an industrial solvent with known neurotoxic potential.
• Chronic exposure effects on the central nervous system (CNS) require further investigation.
• Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) are a sensitive tool for evaluating auditory pathway function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the chronic effects of CS2 inhalation on the CNS.
• To assess CS2-induced changes in auditory brainstem responses (ABRs).
• To evaluate the reversibility of neurotoxic effects after CS2 exposure cessation.

Main Methods:

• Female Wistar rats were exposed to 200 ppm or 800 ppm CS2 (6h/day, 5 days/week, 15 weeks).
• Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded at 61 and 96 dB sound pressure levels during and after exposure.
• Analysis focused on latencies of ABR components (I, III, V) and interpeak latencies (IPLs).

Main Results:

• Significant delays in ABR component latencies and IPLs were observed in rats exposed to 800 ppm CS2.
• Higher CS2 concentrations led to more pronounced and prolonged latency delays.
• Transient delays were noted at 200 ppm CS2, with recovery observed in both groups post-exposure.

Conclusions:

• Chronic CS2 exposure induces conduction dysfunction in the brainstem.
• The severity of neurotoxicity correlates with CS2 concentration and exposure duration.
• Observed recovery suggests potential for CNS function restoration after CS2 cessation.