Effects of mixed-function oxidase modifiers on neurotoxicity of acrylamide in rats.

The effects of modifiers of the microsomal mixed-function oxidase system on acrylamide-induced hind-limb paralysis were investigated in rats. Pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital, trans-stilbene oxide or dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) resulted in an earlier onset and subsequent development of acrylamide-induced hind-limb paralysis than that observed in animals treated only with acrylamide. Cobalt chloride pretreatment of rats caused a significant delay in the onset and development of hind-limb paralysis. Our results suggest that an intermediate formed by the cytochrome P-450 system may be responsible for acrylamide neurotoxicity.