Effect of diethyl maleate on acrylamide induced neuropathy in rats

Pre-administration of diethyl maleate (DEM) to rats resulted in an earlier onset and development of hind limb paralysis following acrylamide administration than in rats treated with acrylamide only. A marked depletion of brain biogenic amine content and of glutathione levels was also observed in the DEM pretreated groups. Depletion of cellular glutathione would appear to lead to an increased neurotoxicity of acrylamide.