Hexacarbon Neuropathy: Tracking a Toxin

This paper will present the progression of hexacarbon studies which followed the investigation of circumstances surrounding the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in an occupational setting. The identification of methyl n-butyl ketone as the neurotoxin led to systematic studies of the biotransformation and mechanism of neurotoxicity. A consistent line of evidence showed that the neurotoxic potential of hexacarbons is directly related to the formation of the gamma-diketone metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione. The precise nature of the chemical interaction at the neurofilament is the subject of continuing investigation.