Biotransformation of n-hexane and methyl n-butyl ketone in guinea pigs and mice

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1978 Apr;39(4):295-300. doi: 10.1080/0002889778507761.

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathies caused by exposures to the industrial solvents n-hexane and MBK exhibit strinkingly similar characteristics. In in vivo studies, the metabolites of MBK and n-hexane identified in blood and urine of guinea pigs were 2-hexanol (partly as glucuronide in urine); and 2,5-hexanedione which was detected only in MBK treated groups. Phenobarbital pretreatment increased 2-hexanol urinary excretion in both solvent treatment groups. In in vitro studies, hepatic reduction of MBK required the cytosol fraction to form 2-hexanol; whereas the oxidation of MBK and n-hexane required the microsomal fraction to form 2,5-hexanedione and 2-hexanol, respectively. The in vivo and in vitro biotransformation of MBK and n-hexane to a common metabolite (2-hexanol) suggests that the neurotoxic action of these solvents may be metabolite related.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotransformation
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hexanes / blood
  • Hexanes / metabolism*
  • Hexanes / urine
  • Injections, Intraperitoneal
  • Ketones / metabolism*
  • Methyl n-Butyl Ketone / blood
  • Methyl n-Butyl Ketone / metabolism*
  • Methyl n-Butyl Ketone / urine
  • Mice
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Phenobarbital / pharmacology

Substances

  • Hexanes
  • Ketones
  • Methyl n-Butyl Ketone
  • Phenobarbital