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