Infertility in Rats Induced by 2,5‐Hexanedione in Combination with Acetone

Abstract

The morphological changes as well as the functional consequences for the reproduction of the testis-injuring effect of 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) were evaluated in rats. The potentiation by acetone and the reversibility of the effects was also studied. Male rats were dosed for 6 weeks with 0, 0.13%, 0.25% or 0.50% 2,5-HD alone or in combination with 0.50% acetone in the drinking water. During the last week of treatment the fertility of half of the treated males was studied by introducing each of them to a non-treated female rat, after which the number of matings, pregnancies and foetuses was examined. In order to evaluate the degree of reversibility of the effect on testis the same examination was made in the other half of the males after a 10 weeks dose-free period. The weight and morphology of testis from all the males was studied. The weight of testis, testis tubuli diameter and fertility was reduced by 2,5-HD and further reduced in groups dosed with 2,5-HD, 0.25% and 0.50% plus acetone 0.50%. Combined administration of acetone and 2,5-HD caused a potentiation comparable to the effect of the double dose of 2,5-HD. Minor changes were reversible within the 10 weeks dose-free period, whereas infertility and other severe changes in the highest combined group were non-reversible within this period. The number of matings was unaffected. It is concluded that 2,5-HD has a testis-injuring effect, which in high doses and combined with acetone causes non-reversible infertility and that testis is more sensitive than the nerve tissue to 2,5-HD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Worker Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in the Vehicle Repair Industry

“…Hexane-induced testicular toxicity has been observed in rats (30)(31)(32)(33)(34) but not in mice. (35) Animal studies suggest that both the severity and duration of the neurotoxic effects of n-hexane are amplified when exposure occurs simultaneously with acetone (36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41) or methyl ethyl ketone. (42)(43)(44)(45) …”

Decrease of Glucose Utilization Rate in the Spinal Cord of Experimental 2,5-Hexanedione Poisoning Rats. Application of Microdetermination Technique.

“…The alterations in glucose metabolism might divert energy production away from the maintenance of structure and function of the axon, such as axonal transport and impulse conduction. Furthermore, as a variety of toxic effects of 2,5-HD have been observed, such as alteration in lipid metabolism in peripheral nerves 37) , release of acetylcholinesterase from muscles 38) , inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in brain 39) and infertility due to testis injury 40) , it is likely that this compound has multiplicity in its neurotoxic actions.…”

Atropine Reverses Antinociception Induced by 2,5‐Hexanedione in Rats

“…Occupational or chronic environmental exposure to hexacarbon compounds induces several toxic effects both in humans and in experimental animals (Allen et al 1975;Couri & Milks 1982;WHO 1991;Ladefoged et al 1989;Larsen et a/. 1991;Pereira et al 1992).…”