Biomaterial Database

Toxicity and metabolism of the neurotoxic hexacarbons n-hexane, 2-hexanone, and 2,5-hexanedione. 1982

D Couri, and M Milks

Human exposure to hexacarbon compounds is quite pervasive, including occupational exposures to industrial solvents as well as unintentional and sometimes deliberate exposures to hexacarbon solvents contained in innumerable commercial products. The exact mechanism of hexacarbon neurotoxicity has not yet been identified, but an interference with neuronal axoplasmic flow seems most likely. Metabolism of n-hexane and 2-hexanone to 2,5-hexanedione is a prominent feature which appears to be causally related to the neuropathologic syndrome, and mixed solvent effects have been noted in regard to potentiation of hexacarbon neurotoxicity. Continued effort in investigating the chemically induced peripheral neuropathy is essential not only to define the precise molecular mechanism, but to advance our basic understanding of other polyneuropathies as well. Ultimately, progress in these areas should yield such benefits as early diagnosis of potential neuropathology, better measures for the prevention of neurotoxicities, and more effective modalities of treatment. Indeed, sustained research efforts are imperative in maintaining human health and safety throughout our current era of advancing global technology.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007659	Ketones	Organic compounds containing a carbonyl group	Ketone
D007928	Lethal Dose 50	The dose amount of poisonous or toxic substance or dose of ionizing radiation required to kill 50% of the tested population.	LD50,Dose 50, Lethal
D008742	Methyl n-Butyl Ketone	An industrial solvent which causes nervous system degeneration. MBK is an acronym often used to refer to it.	2-Hexanone,Butylmethyl Ketone,Hexan-2-one,2 Hexanone,Hexan 2 one,Ketone, Butylmethyl,Ketone, Methyl n-Butyl,Methyl n Butyl Ketone,n-Butyl Ketone, Methyl
D009422	Nervous System Diseases	Diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes disorders of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscle.	Neurologic Disorders,Nervous System Disorders,Neurological Disorders,Disease, Nervous System,Diseases, Nervous System,Disorder, Nervous System,Disorder, Neurologic,Disorder, Neurological,Disorders, Nervous System,Disorders, Neurologic,Disorders, Neurological,Nervous System Disease,Nervous System Disorder,Neurologic Disorder,Neurological Disorder
D009784	Occupational Diseases	Diseases caused by factors involved in one's employment.	Diseases, Occupational,Occupational Illnesses,Disease, Occupational,Illnesse, Occupational,Illnesses, Occupational,Occupational Disease,Occupational Illnesse
D004357	Drug Synergism	The action of a drug in promoting or enhancing the effectiveness of another drug.	Drug Potentiation,Drug Augmentation,Augmentation, Drug,Augmentations, Drug,Drug Augmentations,Drug Potentiations,Drug Synergisms,Potentiation, Drug,Potentiations, Drug,Synergism, Drug,Synergisms, Drug
D006586	Hexanes	Six-carbon saturated hydrocarbon group of the methane series. Include isomers and derivatives. Various polyneuropathies are caused by hexane poisoning.	Hexane,Isohexane,Isohexanes
D006588	Hexanones	6-carbon straight-chain or branched ketones.	Butyl Methyl Ketones,Ethyl Propyl Ketones,Ketones, Butyl Methyl,Ketones, Ethyl Propyl,Methyl Ketones, Butyl,Propyl Ketones, Ethyl
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia