| Toxicity |
An alkyltin compound occurring as an impurity in
manufacturing processes. The oral LD50 in male rats is 10 mg/kg
for the chloride salt. Trimethyltin is a neurotoxicant that causes
neuronal damage to sensory neurons of both the central and
peripheral nervous systems. Trimethyltin also causes damage to
the limbic system, specifically the hippocampus. The mode of
action is, at present, unknown, although in the hippocampus damage to the machinery associated with neurotransmission may be
preferentially affected. Symptoms in humans include headaches,
fatigue, weakness, loss of libido and motivation, sleep disturbances, depression, fits of rage, and seizures. There is no specific
antidote; treatment is therefore symptomatic. |
