Induction of a Cerebellar Disorder with Cycasin in Newborn Mice and Hamsters ∗

Abstract

Summary

A single administration of cycasin, β-d-glucosyloxyazoxymethane, was given in dosage near the LD₅₀ level to newborn mice and hamsters within 24 hr after birth. Under these conditions cycasin produced a distinctive neurologic disorder. In the affected newborns there was rapid and extensive necrosis of the cells of the external granular layer (embryonal layer) of the cerebellum. In animals surviving to maturity this resulted in defective development of the molecular and granule cell layers. The affected animals had ataxia and gait disturbances. Comparable administration of cycasin to rats within 24 hr after birth produced no apparent disorder of the central nervous system.