Arsenic central nervous system effects

When used in therapeutic doses, dimercaprol is associated with a high incidence of adverse effects, including hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, lacrimation, salivation, fever (particularly in children), and pain at the injection site. Its use has also been associated with thrombocytopenia and increased prothrombin time—factors that may limit intramuscular injection because of the risk of hematoma formation at the injection site. Despite its protective effects in acutely intoxicated animals, dimercaprol may redistribute arsenic and mercury to the central nervous system, and it is not advocated for treatment of chronic poisoning. Water-soluble analogs of dimercaprol—unithiol and succimer—have higher therapeutic indices and have replaced dimercaprol in many settings. 

Bismuth arsphenamine sulphonate (Bismarsen , Fig. 9) a yellow powder readily soluble in water, was first prepared by Raiziss in 1924 [70]. Stokes and Chambers [71] were the first to use the drug clinically, giving two injections a week for 14 weeks. Four such courses separated by intervals of a fortnight were administered in all. Nevertheless the effects were slow compared with the arsphenamines, although the tonic effect was greater and the side effects less numerous. Relapses, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS) were more frequent. Consequently, Rayburn and Boyd emphasized the fact that some individuals with neurosyphilis who were intolerant to arsenic in any other form could nevertheless tolerate it in the form of Bismarsen [72]. The low toxicity, the tonic effect, and the ease of administration were the chief advantages in favor of Bismarsen . The other compounds of bismuth with arsenic were not extensively tested in humans. 

NIOSH REL (Arsine) CL 2 ng(As)/mVl5M DOT CLASSIFICATION 2.3 Label Poison Gas, Flammable Gas SAFETY PROFILE Confirmed human carcinogen. Poison by inhalation. Human red blood cell, gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and other systemic effects by inhalation. Flammable when exposed to flame. Moderately explosive when exposed to CI2, HNO3, (K + NH3), open flame, or powerful shock. Dangerous, more toxic than its oxidation product. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of arsenic. See also ARSENIC, ARSENIC COMPOUNDS, and HYDRIDES. 

Effects of Arsenic (Ash known as far back as the 13 century. As is a poison as well as a cure for some diseases or metal for glass, laser, semiconductors. Routes of attack are ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact. The targeted organs are digestive, respiratory, reproductive and central nervous systems, skin, liver, kidneys etc. 

Few animal studies have reported neurotoxic effects due to arsenic exposure. Rozenshtern (1980, as reported in US EPA 1984) exposed rats to arsenic trioxide aerosol at a concentration of 46 pg m for three months. The rats developed central nervous system deficits characterized by altered conditional reflexes and structural damage. 

Kannan, GM., Tripathi, N., Dube S.N., et al., 2001. Toxic effects of arsenic (III) on some hematopoietic and central nervous system variables in rats and guinea pigs. CHn. Toxicol. 39, 675-682. 

Chronic effects of arsenic poisoning include neurotoxic effects to the central and peripheral nervous systems. Symptoms include sensory changes, muscle sensitivity, prickling and tingling sensations (paresthesia), and muscle weakness. Liver injury is a common symptom of chronic arsenic poisoning. Studies of victims of chronic arsenic poisoning from contaminated drinking... 

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