Influence of protein deficiency on the neurobehavioral toxicity of styrene during gestation and early infancy was studied in rats. Eye opening and fur growth were delayed in rat pups born to dams receiving a low protein diet. These pups also showed a delay in the development of surface and air righting reflexes and cliff avoidance response and a marginal increase in the levels of dopamine and serotonin receptors in comparison to those born to dams receiving a normal protein diet. Alterations in these parameters were more marked in pups born to dams exposed to styrene and receiving a low protein diet. In addition, these pups also showed a significant decrease in the activity of monoamine oxidase, Na+, K(+)-ATPase and succinic dehydrogenase as well as significant increases in motor activity and receptor sensitivity when compared to rat pups born to dams receiving a low protein diet. No significant alterations in behavioral and biochemical parameters were observed in the pups born to dams exposed to styrene and receiving a normal protein diet at this dose level. These results suggest that protein deficiency during early life renders the animals more susceptible to styrene.