8. How do neurotoxins affect the nerves?

8.1 Actions on neuronal cell bodies (neuronopathies)

Their action has an irreversible destructive effect that can lead to varying degrees of disability or death.

Organomercurials (methylmercury) produce a diffuse neuronopathy centered on the neurons of the visual and cerebellar cortex, leading to loss of vision and reduced mobility (ataxia) in the most severe forms in adults. In children, extensive neuronal loss occurs, leading to profound mental retardation and paralysis. In some newborns, severe brain atrophy (microcephaly) is observed as a result of methylmercury contamination "in utero".

For example, the Minamata Bay disaster (1936-1966) resulted from the poisoning...