Neurochemical and behavioural correlates in cassava-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Chronic cyanide intoxication from cassava has been implicated as the cause for a degenerative neuropathy known widely as tropical ataxic neuropathy. An attempt has been made in this study to identify the specific cause for neuropathy caused by cassava using Wistar strain albino rats as the experimental animal model. The results of cassava fed animals were compared with control animals, animals given cyanide, malnourished animals and malnourished animals fed cyanide, to identify the causative factors. This study revealed that though the behavioural pattern in motor coordination of the cassava fed animals was similar to the other groups studied, the neurochemical basis for the observed behavioural pattern was unique for cassava. Hence the neurotoxicity of cassava could be attributed to unmetabolized linamarin, more than its nutritional status and/or cyanide toxicity.