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Science 11 May 1979:
Vol. 204. no. 4393, pp. 633 - 635
DOI: 10.1126/science.432669
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Articles

Science, Vol 204, Issue 4393, 633-635
Copyright © 1979 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Neurotoxic fragrance produces ceroid and myelin disease

PS Spencer, AB Sterman, DS Horoupian, and MM Foulds

Acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin (AETT), a component of soaps, deodorants, and cosmetics, produces hyperirritability and limb weakness in rats repeatedly exposed to the compound. Brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves are discolored blue, show progressive neuronal ceroid degeneration, and develop spectacular myelin bubbling. These neurotoxic properties of AETT provide the basis for industry's decision to withdraw the compound from consumer products. In addition, AETT offers the experimentalist a new probe to explore the etiology and pathogeneses of human ceroid and myelin diseases.




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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)