POLYNEUROPATHIES AND CNS PROTEIN METABOLISM. I. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACRYLAMIDE SYNDROME IN RATS

Behavioural, histological and metabolic studies were performed on acrylamide-intoxicated rats. Treated rats showed disturbed food and water consumption accompanied by loss of body weight. In addition, in an open field test they displayed less ambulation and rearing activity than controls, and had severe difficulties in balancing on a rotating rod. The last test gives a reliable indication of the acryla-mide-induced disorder before the onset of histological changes. In the discussion it is suggested that the data question the neurotoxic selectivity of acrylamide.