Hepato- and Neurotoxicity by Ethylenethiourea

The study from 1985 investigated the toxic effects of Ethylenthiourea (ETU) on non-thyroid tissues, particularly focusing on its hepato- and neuro-toxicity. It was found that ETU's lethality increased with accumulated doses, especially in male rats, and was exacerbated by ethanol, while phenobarbital offered some protection. Acute ETU administration significantly impaired liver triglyceride secretion, leading to steatosis, and long-term exposure reduced liver microsomal cytochrome P450. Over a 30-week period, 28.6% of animals died, and survivors experienced weight loss, alopecia (80% hair loss), conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and peripheral nervous system distress. The study highlighted the need to consider synergistic effects and non-traditional target organs when assessing environmental pollution tolerance limits.