Induction of chromosome loss in yeast by combined treatment with neurotoxic hexacarbons and monoketones.

The neurotoxic hexacarbon compounds n-hexane, 2-hexanone and 2,5-hexanedione were tested in combination with acetone and methyl ethyl ketone for the potential to induce chromosome loss in strain D61.M of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. n-Hexane and 2-hexanone, alone or in combination, induced only marginally positive chromosome loss, whereas the metabolite and presumed proximal genetically active agent 2,5-hexanedione was strongly positive when tested alone and in combination. These observations are discussed in relation to the reported potentiation of the neurotoxic effects of these hexacarbons when exposure results from combinations with other solvents, e.g., acetone and methyl ethyl ketone. Treatments that result in neurotoxicity in experimental animals and humans and those that result in chromosome loss in a yeast genetic test system may be correlated by their activity on a common intracellular target.