Chlordecone neurotoxicity: a brief overview
Tilson, H.A.; Mactutus, C.F.
Neurotoxicology 3(2): 1-8
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0161-813X PMID: 6186953 Document Number: 195038
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.