Chlordecone neurotoxicity: a brief overview

Chlordecone or Kepone is a polycyclic chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide that produces hyperexcitability, tremor, and other signs of nervous system toxicity. In addition, chlordecone has estrogenic-like effects and disturbs neuroendocrine function. Studies at the neurochemical level indicate that chlordecone inhibits neurotransmitter uptake; steady-state levels of biogenic amines are generally resistant to chlordecone, especially in mice. At the subcellular level, chlordecone may destabilize membrane function by altering energy metabolism and/or the disposition of ions required for neural transmission.