n-hexane induces parkinsonism in rodents

• Published in: Brain research Vol. 531; no. 1-2; p. 355
• Main Authors: Pezzoli, G, Ricciardi, S, Masotto, C, Mariani, C B, Carenzi, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 29.10.1990
• Subjects: Animals; Corpus Striatum - drug effects; Corpus Striatum - metabolism; Dopamine - metabolism; Hexanes - toxicity; Hexanones - pharmacology; Homovanillic Acid - metabolism; Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid - metabolism; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Motor Activity - drug effects; Norepinephrine - metabolism; Parkinson Disease, Secondary - metabolism; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Reference Values; Serotonin - metabolism; Substantia Nigra - drug effects; Substantia Nigra - metabolism
• ISSN: 0006-8993; 1872-6240
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)90801-H

A case of human parkinsonism, due to n-hexane exposure, was recently described. On the basis of this observation, we treated mice and rats with n-hexane and its principle toxic metabolite 2,5-hexanedione. The mice underwent a chronic treatment intraperitoneum, the rats were treated stereotaxically into the substantia nigra. At biochemical analysis of the striata, dopamine and homovanillic acid levels were significantly lower compared with control animals; norepinephrine, serotonin, 5-hydroxindolacetic acid levels were unchanged. The rats treated with 2,5-hexanedione showed an apomorphine-induced rotational behavior significantly higher compared to controls. Since n-hexane and its metabolites are environmental contaminants and by-products of endogenous metabolic pathways, we propose that they may play a role in inducing parkinsonism in humans.