Dithiocarbamates exhibit potent metal-binding properties which have been exploited in a variety of applications, one of which is chelation therapy for heavy metal toxicity. Such therapy, however, promotes the accumulation of metals in the brain, a side effect which may result in neurotoxicity. To examine this possibility the authors used morphological and biochemical indices to assess the effects of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) on cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in the newborn rat. Co-administration of DDC prevented the neurotoxic effects of cadmium while causing a persistent increase in the distribution of cadmium to brain.