[Guinea pig brain and spinal cord glycolipids in tricresyl phosphate poisoning].

Experimental neuroparalytic form of chronic intoxication with tricresylphosphate (TCP was induced in adult guinea pigs by means of single intracutaneous administration of TCP (industrial mixture containing 37% of ortho-isomer) at a dose of 2.0-2.2 ml/kg of body weight. Moderate and severe forms of the impairment, accompanied by paresis and paralysis of hind extremities was developed in 66.1% of the treated animals. Content of galactolipids (cerebrosides + sulphatides) and gangliosides was determined in brain stem, lumbar and sacral parts of spinal cord of intact and impaired animals. Content of galactolipids was distinctly decreased in spinal cord (by 22.9%) and in brain stem (9.0%). Total gangliosides were decreased by 19.1% in spinal cord, but its content was altered in brain stem. These alterations appear to reflect destructive processes not only in myelin membranes but also in structure of neurones.