Tissue disposition of carbon disulfide. II. Whole-body autoradiography of 35S- and 14C-labelled carbon disulfide in pregnant mice.

Occupational exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) has been associated with an increased rate of spontaneous abortions. Animal experiments have shown that CS2 is embryotoxic and teratogenic. In the present study, the embryonal and foetal distribution of CS2 and its metabolites was studied after administration of 35S- or 14C-labelled CS2 to pregnant mice in different stages of gestation. CS2 and its metabolites passed the placenta at all stages of gestation. High levels of metabolites of CS2 were registered in the embryonic neuroepithelium. In mid and late gestation CS2 itself accumulated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the brain. 14C-labelled metabolites of CS2 showed affinity for bone and were retained in the liver even at long survival times (24 hours). These localizations may be of significance for some of the reported teratogenic effects of CS2, such as hydrocephalus, ossification defects and foetal liver injury, and support the idea that CS2 and/or its metabolites are embryotoxic and teratogenic by acting directly on embryonal and foetal structures.