Abstract
Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (CAS 80-12-6), commonly referred to as TETS, was first synthesized in 1933 as a condensation product of sulfamide and formaldehyde. TETS was subsequently used as a rodenticide until banned worldwide in 1991. TETS is, however, still available illegally, primarily in rural China, and is responsible for accidental and intentional poisonings that cause a significant number of human deaths annually. TETS induces convulsive seizures mediated by antagonism of γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA)-mediated chloride channels. There are no known antidotes for TETS poisoning, and in cases of severe TETS intoxication that progress to status epilepticus, prognosis is poor even with aggressive anti-convulsant treatment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Toxicology |
Subtitle of host publication | Third Edition |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 509-511 |
Number of pages | 3 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780123864543 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780123864550 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2014 |
Keywords
- China
- Chloride channels
- Convulsant
- GABA receptor antagonist
- Neurotoxicant
- Rodenticide
- Seizures
- Status epilepticus
- Tetramine
- TETS
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)