The neurotoxicity of organotin: behavioural changes in rats.

The neurotoxic action of the fungicide Tinestan 60 WP (containing 60% triphenyltin acetate) was examined in male rats. Due to daily doses as small doses as 6 and 0.6 mg/kg daily administered over six weeks the exploratory activity in maze was diminished, the animals made significantly more errors. There was no difference between the poisoned and the control groups in the speed of acquisition of the conditioned avoidance responses, however the extinction was significantly slower, as a sign of slower development of active inhibition. Tested in stress situation the behaviour of poisoned animals altered, as a sign of decreased habituation. It is concluded that Tinestan crosses the blood-brain barrier, and induces diminished plasticity of the CNS.