The relationship of glucose utilization and morphological change in the visual system in hexacarbon neuropathy.

A reduction in local glucose utilization occurs in the superficial layer of the superior colliculus of rats following exposure to 0.5% 2,5-hexanedione in drinking water for 3 weeks. Axonal pathology, with increased neurofilaments and swelling, is seen at about 5 weeks in the distal portions of the optic pathways to the superior colliculus. These lesions in the optic system occur earlier and are more marked than those in the peripheral nerves and dorsal columns. The results suggest that the functional abnormality, as implied by the decreased glucose utilization, precedes the morphological changes in hexacarbon neuropathy.