Conduction velocity in the peripheral nerves of rats with chronic carbon disulphide neuropathy

Effects of carbon disulphide (CS2) on conduction velocity in sciatic and tibial nerve were investigated in rats exposed to CS2 vapour at concentrations of 0.9 mg/l or 1.6 mg/l of air for periods of 1.5, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The conduction velocity was measured on the day following each exposure period, and again, three and six months after the last day of exposure. The majority of exposed rats showed a reduction in conduction velocity on the day after exposure: the extent of this reduction was dependent on the CS2 concentration and the duration of exposure. Exposure for 1.5 months to 1.6 mg CS2/l produced temporary and fully reversible impairment of conduction velocity. Increased exposure to CS2 (3,6 or 9 months at 1.6 mg/l; 6 or 12 months at 0.9 mg/l CS2 in air) caused a reduction in velocity which was only partially reversible.