Experimental neuropathy produced by 2,5-hexanedione--a major metabolite of the neurotoxic industrial solvent methyl n-butyl ketone.

Chronic exposure of rats to 2,5-hexanedione (CH3COCH2CH2COCH3), a major metabolite of the neurotoxic industrial solvent methyl n-buryl ketone (CH3COCH2CH2CH2CH3), has been shown to cause a clinical peripheral neuropathy with dying-back peripheral and central nervous system degeneration characterized by giant axonal swellings filled with neurofilaments. This pattern of disease is similar to that produced by methyl n-butyl ketone.