Experimental hexachlorophene encephalopathy in mice and baboons: light and electron microscopic study.

An experimental study on acute Hexachlorophene (HCP) neurotoxicity is reported in mice and baboons: - by light microscopy, a severe spongiform lesion of the central nervous system is localized in the white matter without myelin breakdown or cellular reaction; - by electron microscopy, the myelin alteration is characterized by the presence of vacuolation of "splitting" in the intralamellar spaces of compact sheaths; myelinated axons are occasionally involved. The changes described are discussed according to various reports on HCP neurotoxicity in humans and experimental animals. The effects of this chemical agent on the central nervous system is related to the percentage of HCP in talcum powder or solution for topical use. The toxicity of very low dosage level is demonstrated in baboons. Therefore HCP use cannot be recommended for young infants.