"Giant axonal neuropathy" caused by industrial chemicals: neurofilamentous axonal masses in man.

Abstract

Symmetrical polyneuropathy developed in two patients after they had been in contact with acrylamide and methyl n-butyl ketone, respectively. In sural nerve biopsy material from both patients, electron microscopy showed frequent focal axonal swellings containing masses of neurofilaments. Some axons undergoing axonal degeneration also were seen. These morphologic features are identical to those produced in experimental animals after exposure to these chemicals and are similar to those found in n-hexane neuropathy and in the three reported cases of giant axonal neuropathy. Sural nerve biopsy is an important diagnostic test in identifying cases of peripheral neuropathy caused by these chemicals.

• Authors: J G Davenport, D F Farrell, M Sumi
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 26 Issue 10 Pg. 919-23 (Oct 1976) ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States
• PMID: 183168 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Acrylamides
• Hexanones
• Ketones

Topics

• Acrylamides (poisoning)
• Adult
• Axons (ultrastructure)
• Chemical Industry
• Environmental Exposure
• Hexanones (poisoning)
• Humans
• Ketones (poisoning)
• Male
• Myelin Sheath (pathology)
• Occupational Diseases (pathology)
• Peripheral Nervous System Diseases (chemically induced, pathology)
• Sural Nerve (pathology)