Interactions between "handling" and acrylamide on endocrine responses in rats.

Serum prolactin and corticosterone levels were measured in rats that had been gentled by handling and that had been exposed to 100 mg/kg acrylamide. Handling reduced both corticosterone and prolactin levels. Acrylamide had no effect on corticosterone levels. Prolactin levels were significantly lower in acrylamide-exposed nonhandled animals. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for studying the effects of toxicants on neural function.