Polysaccharide accumulation in the central nervous system of D-penicillamine-treated rats.

A complex polysaccharide accumulation was observed in the central nervous system (CNS) of rats treated with D-penicillamine similar to Lafora-like bodies. They have histochemical similarities comparable to bodies described in previous studies of Lafora disease. The clinical usefulness of D-penicillamine has been limited by many side effects including renal damage. It is suggested that, in addition to D-penicillamine nephropathy, there are toxic effects of this drug on the CNS.