Characterization of a murine model for human bismuth encephalopathy.

An epidemic of bismuth (Bi)-related neurotoxicity in France remains poorly understood, partly because no satisfactory animal model exists. We have now characterized such a model. Single or multiple intraperitoneal injections of Bi subnitrate into female mice produced neurologic signs (myoclonus, ataxia, tremors, convulsions) and blood (1.2 micrograms/g) and brain (8.4 micrograms/g) Bi levels like those in human cases. Hydrocephalus and axonal swellings in spinal cord were the major neuropathologic lesions.