Assessing the neurotoxic potential of methyl ethyl ketoxime in rats.

The potential of methyl ethyl ketoxime (MEKO) to produce neurotoxicity following acute and subchronic exposure was studied in rats. A Functional Observational Battery, assessment of motor activity, and neuropathology evaluations were conducted in the context of acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Three independent studies are reported: a pilot time-effect study designed to determine the time course and time to peak effect following a single high dose of MEKO, a single-dose neurotoxicity study, and a subchronic (13-week) repeated-dose neurotoxicity study in rats. An acrylamide-positive control group was included in the acute and subchronic studies for comparison with MEKO. Following an acute oral exposure of MEKO at a dose level of 900 mg/kg, locomotor activity was decreased compared to control with maximum decreases occurring between 30 and 60 min following oral administration. In the acute study, transient treatment-related changes in ease of cage removal, ease of handling, and in posture and gait were observed 1 hr after dosing with 900 mg/kg MEKO, as were significant depressions in motor activity. Following a single 300 mg/kg dose, transient MEKO-related changes in gait and aerial righting reflex were noted 1 hr after dosing. All effects were reversible within 24 hr of dosing. The single 100 mg/kg dose of MEKO was without observable effects. No acrylamide-related behavioral effects were noted following a single 50 mg/kg dose. In the subchronic study, transient treatment-related changes in ease of cage removal, ease of handling, and in posture, gait, and aerial righting were observed at the 400 mg/kg/day dose level when assessments were conducted immediately after dose administration. No consistent behavioral effects were observed prior to daily dose administration even after 13 weeks of exposure, indicating a lack of cumulative behavioral effect. No consistent behavioral changes were noted at doses of 125 mg/kg/day and below. Significant dose-related decreases in red cell mass, and increases in methemoglobin levels, reticulocyte, leukocyte, Heinz body counts, and spleen weights occurred at subchronic MEKO doses of 40 mg/kg/day and higher. No MEKO-related neuropathological changes occurred. Animals receiving acrylamide at 20 mg/kg/day showed expected behavioral and neuropathological changes consistent with peripheral neuropathy. In conclusion, high doses of MEKO can produce transient and reversible changes in neurobehavioral function consistent with central nervous system (CNS) depression. No evidence of cumulative neurotoxicity was detected. The hematopoietic system was effected at doses which did not produce detectable changes in CNS function.