Acrylamide decreased dopamine levels and increased 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) levels in PC 12 cells

Acrylamide is a chemical known to produce neurotoxicity in animals, as well as in humans. The mechanism of acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity is not fully known. However, recent studies have revealed that acrylamide affects the dopaminergic system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acrylamide on dopamine (DA) and the metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxy phenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillicacid (HVA), levels in Pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells. In addition, the generation of peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), measured by 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), was investigated as a possible mechanism in acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity. HPLC-coupled to electrochemical detection (ECD) was used to determine DA, DOPAC, HVA and 3-NT levels. Acrylamide (0.01–5 mM) exposure produced a dose- and time (1–42 h)-dependent decrease in DA levels. The decrease (P < 0.05) in DA levels was noted at 24 h after exposure to acrylamide. The study also revealed that 3-NT levels in PC 12 increased as a result of treatment with acrylamide. Thus, these data suggest that acrylamide-induced decrease in DA levels in PC 12 cells may be associated with peroxynitrite formation, measured as 3-NT levels.