Action of acrylamide on selected enzymes of energy metabolism in denervated cat peripheral nerves

The effect of acrylamide on selected glycolytic and citric acid cycle enzymes has been studied in denervated cat sciatic nerves in vitro and in vivo. The enzyme activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH), neuron specific enolase (NSE), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), has been examined in saline-perfused, desheathed and denervated peroneal (P) and tibial (T) nerves from cats treated with acrylamide (15 mg/kg/day, s.c.) or vehicle for 15 days. GAPDH activity in Schwann cells in denerevated P and T nerve stumps was 2.0- and 2.3-fold higher than normal P and T nerve values. GAPDH activity in Schwann cells in denervated P and T nerves of acrylamide-treated cats was markedly reduced (56% and 61% of untreated denervated nerves, respectively). LDH and SDH activities were unaffected by acrylamide and NSE activity was absent in denervated nerve stumps. Acrylamide (0.5 and 20 mM) inhibited GAPDH activity in denervated nerve homogenates by 67% and 29%, respectively. This study demonstrates that acrylamide inhibits GAPDH in Schwann cells. The significance of GAPDH inhibition by acrylamide in denervated nerves and its relation to distal axonopathy has been discussed.