Chronic exposure to n-hexane induces changes in nerve-specific marker proteins in the distal peripheral nerve of the rat.

1. After long-term n-hexane exposure (2000 ppm, 12 h d-1, 6 d week-1, for 24 weeks), the content of neuron-specific enolase (gamma-enolase), creatine kinase-B and beta-S100 protein in the cortex, cerebellum, spinal cord and proximal and distal sciatic nerves of rats was determined by enzyme immunoassay. 2. The amounts of the three proteins decreased significantly in the distal segment of sciatic nerve, whereas they remained unchanged in the brain and proximal sciatic nerve. The quantitative decline in these marker proteins in the distal sciatic nerve could be related to neurophysiological deficits in the peripheral nerves. 3. This study indicates that the biochemical changes observed are consistent with the clinical and pathological findings of n-hexane neuropathy. These nerve-specific marker proteins can be used to assess solvent-related peripheral neurotoxicity.