The effect of 2-hexanone and 2-hexanone metabolites on pupillomotor activity and growth.

Neurotoxic agents such as MBK (2-hexanone) and MBK metabolites were fed in drinking water to guinea pigs. Effects of these solvents on locomotor activity were studied. Dynamic pupillometry indicated that MBK, 2,5-hexanedione and 2-hexanol decreased pupillary response throughout the first five weeks; by the 24th week, all treatment groups showed a greatly impaired pupillary response. From biotransformation studies, it is possible that the 2-hexanol effect on pupillary response may be attributed to its conversion to MBK and/or 2,5-hexanedione. Each of the solvents increased body weight, but decreased locomotor activity. The pupillary changes reported here may serve as an index of solvent exposure in the work environment, if such measurements were to be conducted on workers.