Open AccessCoexposure of man to m-xylene and methyl ethyl ketone. Kinetics and metabolism.
Author(s) -
Juha Liira,
Riihimäki,
Kerstin Engström,
Pirkko Pfäffli
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of work, environment and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.621
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1795-990X
pISSN - 0355-3140
DOI - 10.5271/sjweh.1912
Subject(s) - hippuric acid , chemistry , xylene , ketone , metabolism , urine , excretion , m xylene , kinetics , ketone bodies , chromatography , biochemistry , organic chemistry , toluene , physics , quantum mechanics
In a study of the kinetics and metabolic interaction of xylene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) eight male volunteers were exposed to m-xylene (100 ppm) and MEK (200 ppm). The exposures to the two compounds were carried out both separately and in combination. Respiratory uptake and blood concentration, as well as urinary metabolites (methyl hippuric acid and 2,3-butanediol), were monitored. Coexposure to xylene and MEK resulted in inhibited xylene metabolism. The xylene concentration in blood increased significantly, and the urinary excretion of methyl hippuric acid decreased. The combined exposure did not cause any change in the concentration of MEK in the blood or the excretion of 2,3-butanediol in the urine. Exposure to MEK 20 h before the m-xylene exposure had no detectable effect on the kinetics of m-xylene.