PHYSIOLOGIC AND PATHOLOGIC CHANGES IN ACRYLAMIDE NEUROPATHY

Nerve conduction studies and histopathologic examinations were performed in 11 cats and four Cebus albifrons monkeys after induction of severe peripheral neuropathy by oral dosage with acrylamide. Clinical paralysis was readily induced in both species but required higher dosage in monkeys. Conduction velocity in the sciatic nerves decreased by 28% in cats and 22% in monkeys, and in the monkey ulnar nerve by 20%. Muscle and nerve spike amplitudes were reduced, and sharply increased residual latencies indicated an effect in the distal nerve trunk or in muscle arborization fibers. Affected nerves revealed both myelin degeneration and axonal destruction, and muscle atrophy was seen in the more distal muscles. Clinical improvement occurred in all animals returned to a normal diet. Increasing use of acrylamide will require stringent industrial hygiene measures to prevent serious toxicity in workmen. © 1969 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.