Biological activity of organotin compounds--an overview.

As a consequence of the rapid expansion of the uses and applications of the organotin compounds, the concern about their environmental and health effects is increasing. The main subject of this overview is the current understanding of the mammalian toxicity of the organotin compounds. Four different types of target organ toxicity, namely neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity, immunotoxicity, and cutaneous toxicity, are discussed in more detail. The effects of the organotin compounds on the mitochondrial and cellular level are summarized and discussed in relation to the mode of action of these compounds on the central nervous system, the liver and bile duct, the immune system, and the skin.