Quantitative cytochemical assessment of the neurotoxicity of misonidazole in the mouse.

A quantitative, cytochemical assay for measuring lysosomal enzymes in the peripheral nerves of mice has been developed. That the time course of lysosomal enzyme changes after misonidazole (MISO) treatment reflects the degree of neurotoxicity of this agent in the mouse, has been confirmed by the use of two known neurotoxic compounds: methyl mercury and acrylamide. This effect is specific to the peripheral nerves and was not found in liver, kidney, heart or cerebral cortex. Enzyme activities varied with mouse strain and sex, as did the response to MISO treatment. Of the mice studied, female C57 gave the greatest increase in beta-glucuronidase activity. With the MISO dose of 0.6 mg/g/dose the increased enzyme activity was independent of the route of administration and appeared to approach a plateau after 5 daily doses.