Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) has recently been shown to potentiate the cholestasis induced by manganese-bilirubin (Mn-BR) or manganese (Mn) in rats. In this study, we investigated the effect of 4-methyl-2-pentanol (4MPOL) and 4-hydroxymethyl isobutyl ketone (4-OHMIBK), two major metabolites of MIBK, on these models of cholestasis. Dosages varying from 1.88 to 15 mmol/kg 4MPOL or 4-OHMIBK were administered once, 18 hr prior to the administration of a cholestatic Mn-BR combination. The cholestatic effect of the manganese-bilirubin combination was enhanced with dosages of 4MPOL of 3.75 mmol/kg and larger. On the other hand, dosages smaller than 15 mmol/kg of 4-OHMIBK did not potentiate the Mn-BR cholestasis. Daily pretreatment for 3 days resulted in an increased response to the cholestatic challenges of either Mn-BR or Mn alone. 4MPOL administered repetitively was a better potentiator than 4-OHMIBK with the Mn-BR model of cholestasis. However, with Mn alone, 4-OHMIBK proved to be more effective. 4MPOL and 4-OHMIBK per se were devoid of cholestatic properties, since the bile flow measured prior to the cholestatic challenge was not decreased and in some cases was significantly greater than that of vehicle-pretreated animals. These results show that MIBK metabolites can potentiate the cholestatic form of hepatotoxicity.