Neurotoxicity of acrylamide and its analogues and effects of these analogues and other agents on acrylamide neuropathy.

N-Hydroxymethylacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, and N,N-diethylacrylamide produce peripheral neuropathy in rats. Seven other compounds related to acrylamide do not produce neuropathy. Rats given one of the three neurotoxic compounds are more susceptible to acrylamide. A regime for testing acrylamide analogues for neuro-toxicity is suggested. DDT, phenobarbitone, or high dietary concentrations of vitamin A or E have no effect on the development of acrylamide neuropathy in rats. Acrylamide produces neuropathy in hens but not in frogs or goldfish.