Organization of the Central Nervous System

Bromothiophenes are toxic materials by aU routes. Inhalation toxicity of 2-bromothiophene is significant. Ecotoxicity is also noted for these materials, particularly for 2-bromo-3-methylthiophene. 2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde and the 3-methyl derivative can cause minor irritation to the skin and eyes of rabbits. The former is a sensitizer to guinea pig skin, the latter is not. 2-Acetylthiophene is toxic in aU modes of contact. Severe exposure causes serious inflammation of the lung, damage to many organs, and depression of the central nervous system. 

Air-poUutant effects on neural and sensory functions in humans vary widely. Odorous pollutants cause only minor annoyance yet, if persistent, they can lead to irritation, emotional upset, anorexia, and mental depression. Carbon monoxide can cause death secondary to the depression of the respiratory centers of the central nervous system. Short of death, repeated and prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can alter sensory protection, temporal perception, and higher mental functions. Lipid-soluble aerosols can enter the body and be absorbed in the lipids of the central nervous system. Once there, their effects may persist long after the initial contact has been removed. Examples of agents of long-term chronic effects are organic phosphate pesticides and aerosols carrying the metals lead, mercury, and cadmium. 

Cavenee WK, Fumari FB, Nagane M, Huang H-JS, Newcomb EW, Signer DD, Weller M, Berens ME, Plate KH, Israel MA, Noble MD, Kleihues P (2000) Astrocytic Tumours. In Kleihues P, Cavenee WK (eds) World Health Organization classification of tumours tumours of the central nervous system. lARC Press, Lyon, pp 9-54... 

Ciriello J et al. Organization of the Autonomic Nervous System Central and Peripheral Mechanisms. New York Liss, 1987. 

The functional unit of the central nervous system (CNS) is the neuron, and most neuropharmacological agents have the neuron as their primary site of action. CNS neurons are capable of transmitting information to and receiving information from other neurons and peripheral end organs, such as muscle cells, glandular cells, and specialized receptors, for example, those involved with proprioception, temperature sensing, and so on. 

---