Objective   To study the subchronic neurotoxic effect of acrylamide by subohronic poisoning on neurobehavioral function of rats.

  Methods   Male Wistar rats weighing 180-230 g were divided into three groups, each 10 animals.The rats in group 1 served as control, and received normal saline.The animals in group 2 and 3 were given acrylamide dissolved in physiological saline(20, 40 mg/kg ip 3 days/week)for 8 weeks.Neurobehavioral indexes was determined per week.Special tests included observations of spontaneous locomotion in an open field, measurements of hindlimb landingfoot splay, nervous sensory to pain and heat, and the rotator test.

  Results   The weight grow of the rats treated with acrylamide reduced(P> 0.05), the conduction of sensory nerve to heat changed(the high dose group increased by 55%(P < 0.05), the low dose deceased by 39%(P < 0.01), and the conduction of pain fasted(on the fourth week the high-dose group decreased 45%, on the seventh week the low-dose group decreased 45%, P < 0.01);the hindlimb landingfoort splay increased(high-dose group increased 109%, the low-dose group increased 59%, P < 0.01);the time staying on the rotating cylinder decreased(on the fourth week the high-dose group decreased 98%, on the sixth week the low-dose group decreased 81%, P < 0.01).

  Conclusion   Acrylamide can change the conduction of heat, increase the conduction of pain, damage the motor nerve and the corrdination ability of muscles in rat nerve system.