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Tox21_202523
Also known as: Methyl alcohol, 67-56-1, Wood alcohol, Carbinol, Wood spirit, Wood naphtha
Molecular Formula
CH4O
Molecular Weight
32.042  g/mol
InChI Key
OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII
Y4S76JWI15

A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of FORMALDEHYDE and ACETIC ACID, in chemical synthesis, antifreeze, and as a solvent. Ingestion of methanol is toxic and may cause blindness.
1 2D Structure

Tox21_202523

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
methanol
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/CH4O/c1-2/h2H,1H3
2.1.3 InChI Key
OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CO
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
Y4S76JWI15
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Alcohol, Methyl

2. Alcohol, Wood

3. Carbinol

4. Methoxide, Sodium

5. Methyl Alcohol

6. Sodium Methoxide

7. Wood Alcohol

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. Methyl Alcohol

2. 67-56-1

3. Wood Alcohol

4. Carbinol

5. Wood Spirit

6. Wood Naphtha

7. Methylol

8. Methyl Hydroxide

9. Pyroxylic Spirit

10. Colonial Spirit

11. Columbian Spirit

12. Monohydroxymethane

13. Methylalkohol

14. Columbian Spirits

15. Alcohol, Methyl

16. Alcool Methylique

17. Meoh

18. Methyl Hydrate

19. Ch3oh

20. Metanolo

21. Alcool Metilico

22. Bieleski's Solution

23. Colonial Spirits

24. Metylowy Alkohol

25. Pyroxylic Spirits

26. Hydroxymethane

27. Freers Elm Arrester

28. Surflo-b17

29. Rcra Waste Number U154

30. Wilbur-ellis Smut-guard

31. Metanol [spanish]

32. Metanolo [italian]

33. Coat-b1400

34. Eureka Products, Criosine

35. Metanol

36. Caswell No. 552

37. Methylalkohol [german]

38. Spirit Of Wood

39. Alcool Metilico [italian]

40. Metylowy Alkohol [polish]

41. Alcool Methylique [french]

42. X-cide 402 Industrial Bactericide

43. Hsdb 93

44. Ideal Concentrated Wood Preservative

45. Methyl Alcohol [nf]

46. Eureka Products Criosine Disinfectant

47. Nsc 85232

48. Un1230

49. Ccris 2301

50. Alcohol,methyl

51. Pyro Alcohol

52. Ai3-00409

53. Metoh

54. Rcra Waste No. U154

55. Epa Pesticide Chemical Code 053801

56. Methanol-water Mixture

57. Chebi:17790

58. Nsc-85232

59. Y4s76jwi15

60. Methanol, Anhydrous

61. Mfcd00004595

62. Methyl Alcohol (nf)

63. Ncgc00091172-01

64. Aqualine™ Solvent

65. Methanol-[17o]

66. Dsstox_cid_1731

67. Aqualine™ Titrant 5

68. Dsstox_rid_76297

69. Dsstox_gsid_21731

70. 170082-17-4

71. Ch4o

72. Methanol, For Hplc, >=99.9%

73. Methanol, Acs Reagent, >=99.8%

74. Methanol, Or Methyl Alcohol [un1230] [flammable Liquid, Poison]

75. Cas-67-56-1

76. Moh

77. Einecs 200-659-6

78. Unii-y4s76jwi15

79. Methylalcohol

80. Methly Alcohol

81. Primary Alcohol

82. Methanol-

83. Wood

84. Primary Alcohols

85. Methanol Cluster

86. Methanol Nf

87. Nat. Methanol

88. A Primary Alcohol

89. Methanol Lc-ms

90. Methanol, For Hplc

91. Methanol (recovered)

92. Methanol, Acs Grade

93. Solutions, Bieleski's

94. Methanol, Hplc Grade

95. Methanol, Lcms Grade

96. Columbian Spirits

97. Methanol [mi]

98. Hydroxymethylidyne Radical

99. 3'-hydroxystanozolol-d3

100. Methanol (peptide Grade)

101. Methanol, Histology Grade

102. Bmse000294

103. Epitope Id:116865

104. Methanol [usp-rs]

105. Methanol [who-dd]

106. Ec 200-659-6

107. Aqualine™ Solvent Cm

108. Methanol Reagent Grade Acs

109. Methanol, Or Methyl Alcohol

110. Methyl Alcohol [ii]

111. Methanol, Lr, >=99%

112. Methanol, Saj Special Grade

113. Methanol, Analytical Standard

114. Methyl Alcohol [fcc]

115. Wln: Q1

116. Methanol Hplc Gradient Grade

117. Methanol, Environmental Grade

118. Aqualine™ Electrolyte A

119. Chembl14688

120. Methyl Alcohol [hsdb]

121. Methyl Alcohol [inci]

122. Alcohol,methyl [vandf]

123. Methanol, Anhydrous, 99.8%

124. Methanol, P.a., 99.8%

125. Methanol, P.a., 99.9%

126. Aqualine™ Electrolyte Ag

127. Aqualine™ Electrolyte Cg

128. Methanol [ep Monograph]

129. Methyl Alcohol [mart.]

130. Dtxsid2021731

131. Methanol, Ar, >=99.5%

132. Methyl Alcohol [usp-rs]

133. Chebi:15734

134. Methanol, Nmr Reference Standard

135. Methanol, Ultrapure, Hplc Grade

136. Methyl Alcohol (methanol)

137. Methanol, 99.8%, Acs Reagent

138. Methanol, Anhydrous, >=99.5%

139. Methanol, Low Water For Titration

140. Methanol Gc, For Residue Analysis

141. Eriochrome™ Black T Solution

142. Methanol, Absolute - Acetone Free

143. Methanol, Low Benzene, Hplc Grade

144. Methanol, Hplc Gradient, 99.9%

145. Methanol, Or Methyl Alcohol [un1230] [flammable Liquid, Poison]

146. Nsc85232

147. Methanol, For Hplc, >=99.8%

148. Methanol, Pra Grade, >=99.9%

149. Tox21_111094

150. Tox21_202523

151. Methanol, Hplc Plus, >=99.9%

152. Akos000269045

153. Methanol, Purification Grade, 99.8%

154. Un 1230

155. Methanol, Uhplc, For Mass Spectrometry

156. Acetone Impurity A [ep Impurity]

157. Methanol Solution, Technical Grade, 95%

158. Methanol, >=99.8%, For Chromatography

159. Methanol, Saj First Grade, >=99.5%

160. Ncgc00260072-01

161. Methanol, Jis Special Grade, >=99.8%

162. Methanol, Laboratory Reagent, >=99.6%

163. Methanol, Uv Hplc Spectroscopic, 99.9%

164. Methanol, Anhydrous, Zero2(tm), 99.8%

165. Methanol, Spectrophotometric Grade, >=99%

166. Ft-0623465

167. Ft-0628297

168. Ft-0628299

169. Ft-0700908

170. Ft-0700959

171. M0097

172. M0628

173. Methanol, Ultrapure, Spectrophotometric Grade

174. C00132

175. D02309

176. Methanol, For Hplc, Gradient Grade, 99.93%

177. Methanol, Suitable For Determination Of Dioxins

178. Q14982

179. Methanol 100 Microg/ml In N,n-dimethylacetamide

180. Methanol, For Hplc, Gradient Grade, >=99.9%

181. Methanol, Glass Distilled Hrgc/hplc Trace Grade

182. Methanol, Low Benzene, Acs Reagent, = 99.8%

183. Methanol, Low Benzene, Acs Reagent, >=99.8%

184. Methanol, Acs Spectrophotometric Grade, >=99.9%

185. Methanol Hplc, Uv-ir Min. 99.9% Isocratic Grade

186. Methanol, Bioreagent, Suitable For Protein Sequencing

187. Methanol, For Hplc, Gradient Grade, >=99.8% (gc)

188. Methanol, Hplc Plus, >=99.9%, Poly-coated Bottles

189. Q27115113

190. Methanol Solution, (methanol:acetonitrile 1:1 (v/v))

191. Methanol Solution, Contains 0.50 % (v/v) Triethylamine

192. Methanol, Vetec(tm) Reagent Grade, Anhydrous, >=99.8%

193. Methanol Solution, (methanol:dichloromethane 1:1 (v/v))

194. Methanol, For Residue Analysis, Suitable For 5000 Per Jis

195. Moisture In Methanol, 325 Mg/kg, Nist(r) Srm(r) 8510

196. Moisture In Methanol, 93 Mg/kg, Nist(r) Srm(r) 8509

197. Methanol Solution, (methanol:dimethyl Sulfoxide 1:1 (v/v))

198. Methanol Solution, Contains 0.1 % (v/v) Trifluoroacetic Acid

199. Methanol Solution, For Protein Sequence Analysis, ~50% In H2o

200. Methanol With 0.1% Trifluoroacetic Acid, Tested For Uhplc-ms

201. Methanol, >=99.8%, Suitable For Absorption Spectrum Analysis

202. Methanol, Semiconductor Grade Puranal(tm) (honeywell 17824)

203. Methanol, P.a., Acs Reagent, Reag. Iso, Reag. Ph. Eur., 99.9%

204. Methanol, Puriss. P.a., Absolute, Acs Reagent, >=99.8% (gc)

205. Methanol, Semiconductor Grade Vlsi Puranal(tm) (honeywell 17744)

206. Methanol, Suitable For Protein Sequencing, Bioreagent, >=99.93%

207. Methyl Alcohol, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

208. Methanol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

209. Methanol, Puriss., Meets Analytical Specification Of Ph Eur, >=99.7% (gc)

210. Methanol, Suitable For 1000 Per Jis, >=99.8%, For Residue Analysis

211. Methanol, Suitable For 300 Per Jis, >=99.8%, For Residue Analysis

212. (5beta,17beta)-17-hydroxy-17-(methyl-d3)-2'h-androst-2-eno[3,2-c]pyrazol-5'(1'h)-one

213. Methanol Solution, Contains 0.1 % (v/v) Trifluoroacetic Acid, 5 % (v/v) Water, For Hplc

214. Methanol Solution, Contains 0.10 % (v/v) Trifluoroacetic Acid, 10 % (v/v) Water

215. Methanol Solution, For Hplc, Contains 10 % (v/v) Water, 0.1 % (v/v) Trifluoroacetic Acid

216. Methanol, For Hplc, Gradient Grade, Suitable As Acs-grade Lc Reagent, >=99.9%

217. Methanol, Puriss. P.a., Acs Reagent, Reag. Iso, Reag. Ph. Eur., >=99.8% (gc)

218. Residual Solvent Class 2 - Methanol, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

219. Jandajel(tm)-oh, 100-200 Mesh, Extent Of Labeling: 1.0 Mmol/g Oh Loading, 2 % Cross-linked

220. Jandajel(tm)-oh, 200-400 Mesh, Extent Of Labeling: 1.0 Mmol/g Oh Loading, 2 % Cross-linked

221. Jandajel(tm)-oh, 50-100 Mesh, Extent Of Labeling: 1.0 Mmol/g Oh Loading, 2 % Cross-linked

222. Methanol Solution, Contains 0.10 % (v/v) Formic Acid, Uhplc, For Mass Spectrometry, >=99.5%

223. Methanol Solution, Nmr Reference Standard, 4% In Methanol-d4 (99.8 Atom % D), Nmr Tube Size 3 Mm X 8 In.

224. Methanol Solution, Nmr Reference Standard, 4% In Methanol-d4 (99.8 Atom % D), Nmr Tube Size 5 Mm X 8 In.

2.4 Create Date
2004-09-16
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 32.042 g/mol
Molecular Formula CH4O
XLogP3-0.5
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count1
Rotatable Bond Count0
Exact Mass32.026214747 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass32.026214747 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area20.2 Ų
Heavy Atom Count2
Formal Charge0
Complexity2
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Minimum/Potential Fatal Human Dose

The minimum lethal dose of methanol in the absence of medical treatment is between 0.3 and 1 g/kg.

Environmental Health Criteria 196: Methanol pp. 8 (1997) by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organization.


... A 67-year-old woman ... committed suicide by ingestion of 500 mL of absolute methanol. ...

PMID:22398189 Cascallana JL et al; Forensic Sci Int 220 (1-3): e9-12 (2012)


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Solvents

Liquids that dissolve other substances (solutes), generally solids, without any change in chemical composition, as, water containing sugar. (Grant and Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed) (See all compounds classified as Solvents.)


5.2 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Methanol is absorbed following inhalation or ingestion, and inhalation is the major route of absorption in the occupational environment. There is no agreement on the potential risk of dermal exposure to methanol. Methanol is uniformly distributed according to the relative water content of the tissue.

Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V6 374


Methyl alcohol is readily absorbed from GI and respiratory tracts.

Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984., p. III-275


The rate of absorption /of methanol from the gastrointestinal tract is approximately/... 8.4 mg/sq cm/hr. Time to peak serum concentration... after ingestion /is/... 30-60 minutes for methanol... .

Goldfrank, L.R. (ed). Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th Edition McGraw-Hill New York, New York 2002., p. 982


... Under ... experimental conditions in man following ingestion and inhalation, dosages of 71-84 mg/kg orally resulted in blood levels of 4.7-7.6 mg/100 mL ... 2-3 hr afterward. urine/blood concentration ratio was ... constant at about 1.3. ... Inhalation of ... 500-1000 ppm ... for ... 3-4 hr gave urine concentration of about 1-3 mg/100 mL. ...

Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982., p. 4537


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Methanol (27 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.3 Metabolism/Metabolites

We recently showed that methanol emitted by wounded plants might function as a signaling molecule for plant-to-plant and plant-to-animal communications. In mammals, methanol is considered a poison because the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts methanol into ... formaldehyde /and other products/. However, the detection of methanol in the blood and exhaled air of healthy volunteers suggests that methanol may be a chemical with specific functions rather than a metabolic waste product. Using a genome-wide analysis of the mouse brain, we demonstrated that an increase in blood methanol concentration led to a change in the accumulation of mRNAs from genes primarily involved in detoxification processes and regulation of the alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenases gene cluster. To test the role of ADH in the maintenance of low methanol concentration in the plasma, we used the specific ADH inhibitor 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP) and showed that intraperitoneal administration of 4-MP resulted in a significant increase in the plasma methanol, ethanol and formaldehyde concentrations. Removal of the intestine significantly decreased the rate of methanol addition to the plasma and suggested that the gut flora may be involved in the endogenous production of methanol. ADH in the liver was identified as the main enzyme for metabolizing methanol because an increase in the methanol and ethanol contents in the liver homogenate was observed after 4-MP administration into the portal vein. Liver mRNA quantification showed changes in the accumulation of mRNAs from genes involved in cell signaling and detoxification processes. We hypothesized that endogenous methanol acts as a regulator of homeostasis by controlling the mRNA synthesis.

PMID:24587296 Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3937363 Komarova TV et al; PLoS One 9 (2): e90239 (2014)


Many studies have reported that methanol toxicity to primates is mainly associated with its metabolites, formaldehyde (FA) and formic acid. While methanol metabolism and toxicology have been best studied in peripheral organs, little study has focused on the brain and no study has reported experimental evidence that demonstrates transformation of methanol into FA in the primate brain. In this study, three rhesus macaques were given a single intracerebroventricular injection of methanol to investigate whether a metabolic process of methanol to FA occurs in nonhuman primate brain. Levels of FA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were then assessed at different time points. A significant increase of FA levels was found at the 18th hour following a methanol injection. Moreover, the FA level returned to a normal physiological level at the 30th hour after the injection. These findings provide direct evidence that methanol is oxidized to FA in nonhuman primate brain and that a portion of the FA generated is released out of the brain cells. This study suggests that FA is produced from methanol metabolic processes in the nonhuman primate brain and that FA may play a significant role in methanol neurotoxicology.

PMID:27066393 Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4811046 Zhai R et al; Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2016: 4598454 (2016)


Methanol is among the most common short-chain alcohols in fermenting fruits, the natural food and oviposition sites of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Our previous results showed that cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) were associated with methanol detoxification in the larvae. Catalases, alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs), esterases (ESTs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) were specifically inhibited by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT), 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP), triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and diethylmeleate (DEM), respectively. CYPs were inhibited by piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and 1-aminobenzotriazole (1-ABT). In the present paper, the involvements of these enzymes in methanol metabolism were investigated in female and male adults by determining the combination indices of methanol and their corresponding inhibitors. When PBO, 1-ABT, 3-AT, 4-MP and TPP were individually mixed with methanol, they exhibited significant synergism to the mortality of the adults after 72 hr of dietary exposure. In contrast, the DEM and methanol mixture showed additive effects. Moreover, methanol exposure dramatically increased CYP activity and up-regulated mRNA expression levels of several Cyp genes. Bioassays using different strains revealed that the variation in ADH activity and RNAi-mediated knockdown of alpha-Est7 significantly changed LC50 values for methanol. These results suggest that CYPs, catalases, ADHs and ESTs are partially responsible for methanol elimination in adults. It seems that there are some differences in methanol metabolism between larvae and adults, but not between female and male adults.

PMID:23751173 Wang SP et al; Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 166 (1): 7-14 (2013)


Metabolism of methanol occurs in a three-step process initially involving oxidation to formaldehyde by hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase, which is a saturable rate-limiting process. In the second step, formaldehyde is oxidized by aldehyde dehydrogenase to formic acid or formate depending on the pH. In the third step, formic acid is detoxified by a folate-dependent pathway to carbon dioxide. Elimination of methanol from the blood appears to be slow in all species, especially when compared to ethanol. In humans, urinary methanol concentrations have been found to be proportional to the concentration of methanol in blood.

WHO/Health and Safety Guide No. 105 for Methanol (67-56-1) (1997). Available from, as of September 29, 2011: https://www.inchem.org/pages/hsg.html


For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for Methanol (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.4 Biological Half-Life

... The mean plasma half-life of methanol during fomepizole treatment was 52 hr (range 22-87); the higher the serum methanol, the longer the half-life. ...

PMID:16035197 Hovda KE et al; Clin Toxicol (Phila). 43 (4): 221-7 (2005)


Biological half-life of methanol elimination in expired air is 1.5 hr after either oral or dermal application.

Dutkiewicz B; Int Congr Ser- Excerpta Med 440 (Ind Environ Xenobiotics): 106-9 (1978)


... Experiments were made during the morning after /human volunteers/ had consumed 1000-1500 mL red wine (9.5% weight/volume ethanol, 100 mg/L methanol) the previous evening. The washout of methanol from the body coincided with the onset of hangover. The concentrations of ethanol and methanol in blood were determined indirectly by analysis of end-expired alveolar air. In the morning when blood-ethanol dropped below the Km of liver alcohol dehydrogenase of about 100 mg/L (2.2 mM), the disappearance half-life of ethanol was 21, 22, 18 and 15 min in 4 test subjects, respectively. The corresponding elimination half-lives of methanol were 213, 110, 133 and 142 min in these same individuals. ...

PMID:3588516 Jones AW; Pharmacol Toxicol 60 (3): 217-20 (1987)


Urinary methanol levels decreased exponentially with a half-life of about 2.5 to 3 hr in four volunteers exposed by inhalation to 102, 205, or 300 mg/cu m for 8 hr.

Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V6 381


For more Biological Half-Life (Complete) data for Methanol (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.5 Mechanism of Action

... The metabolic mechanisms of methanol toxicity /are/ reviewed. ... It is noted that the most severe toxicity occurs many hours following peak blood and tissue methanol concentrations so that these do not necessarily provide an accurate indication of toxicity. Individual differences are seen both in this latent period and in individual susceptibility to methanol. This susceptibility may depend on the activity of folic acid requiring metabolic reactions involved in formate metabolism, formate being an intermediate produced during methanol oxidation and responsible for many toxic effects of methanol. Studies of the characteristics of methanol poisoning in non-primates and monkeys are examined. Despite the ingestion of lethal doses of methanol, non-primates generally do not develop significant metabolic acidosis nor impairment of vision, and no consistent histopathology has been demonstrated in these species. In monkeys, results suggest that the latent period represents a period of compensated metabolic acidosis; when compensatory mechanisms are exhausted, blood pH begins to drop. Formate accumulates and produces acidosis in the methanol poisoned monkey, but not in the rat, apparently due to a slower rate of formate metabolism to carbon dioxide in the monkey. ... Studies demonstrating the role of alcohol dehydrogenase in methanol metabolism in the monkey are reported; however, the catalase/peroxidative system which participates in methanol metabolism in rats apparently does not function in the monkey. Formaldehyde and formate metabolism are also examined. The regulation of the rate of formate metabolism is governed by regulation of the hepatic tetrahydrofolate concentrations. ... Further research is needed to determine what step or process it is which places the primate at a distinct liability in the metabolic disposition of one carbon moieties.

Tephly TR, Martin KE; Food Sci Technol 12: 111-40 (1984)


Methanol toxicity is observed in monkeys and humans but is not seen in rats or mice. The expression of methanol poisoning is related to the ability of an animal to metabolize formate to carbon dioxide. Since the rate of formate oxidation is related to hepatic tetrahydrofolate content and the activites of folate dependent enzymes, studies were designed to determine hepatic concentrations of hepatic tetrahydrofolate and activites of folate dependent enzymes of human liver and livers of species considered insensitive to methanol poisoning. An excellent correlation between hepatic tetrahydrofolate and maximal rates of formate oxidation has been observed. In human liver, levels were only 50% of those observed for rat liver and similar to those found in monkey liver. Total folate was also lower (60% decreased) in human liver than that found in rat or monkey liver. Interestingly, mouse liver contains much higher hepatic tetrahydrofolate and total folate than rat or monkey liver. This is consistent with higher formate oxidation rates in this species. A second important observation has been made. 10-Formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity, the enzyme catalyzing the final step of formate oxidation to carbon dioxide, was markedly reduced in both monkey and human liver. Thus, two mechanisms may be operative in explaining low formate oxidation in species susceptible to methanol toxicity, low hepatic tetahydrofolate levels and reduced hepatic 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity.

PMID:3574297 Johlin FC et al; Mol Pharmacol 31 (5): 557-61 (1987)


Formic acid, the toxic metabolite of methanol, has been hypothesized to produce retinal and optic nerve toxicity by disrupting mitochondrial energy production. It has been shown in vitro to inhibit the activity of cytochrome oxidase, a vital component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain involved in ATP synthesis. Inhibition occurs subsequent to the binding of formic acid to the ferric heme iron of cytochrome oxidase, and the apparent inhibition constant is between 5 and 30 mM. Concentrations of formate present in the blood and tissues of methanol-intoxicated humans, non-human primates and rodent models of methanol-intoxication are within this range. Studies conducted in methanol-sensitive rodent models have revealed abnormalities in retinal and optic nerve function and morphology, consistent with the hypothesis that formate acts as a mitochondrial toxin. In these animal models, formate oxidation is selectively inhibited by dietary or chemical depletion of folate coenzymes, thus allowing formate to accumulate to toxic concentrations following methanol administration. Methanol-intoxicated rats developed formic acidemia, metabolic acidosis and visual toxicity analogous to the human methanol poisoning syndrome.

WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 196, Methanol (1997). Available from, as of July 19, 2017: https://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html


In addition to neurofunctional changes, bioenergetic and morphological alterations indicative of formate-induced disruption of retinal energy metabolism have been documented in methanol-intoxicated rats. Morphological studies, coupled with cytochrome oxidase histochemistry, revealed generalized retinal edema, photoreceptor and /retinal pigment epithelium/ (RPE) vacuolation, mitochondrial swelling and a reduction in cytochrome oxidase activity in photoreceptor mitochondria from methanol intoxicated rats. The most striking structural alterations observed in the retinas of methanol-intoxicated rats were vacuolation and mitochondrial swelling in inner segments of the photoreceptor cells. Photoreceptor mitochondria from methanol-intoxicated rats were swollen and expanded to disrupted cristae and showed no evidence of cytochrome oxidase reaction product. In contrast, photoreceptor mitochondria from control animals showed normal morphology with well-defined cristae and were moderately reactive for cytochrome oxidase reaction product. These findings are consistent with disruption of ionic homoeostasis in the photoreceptors, secondary to inhibition of mitochondrial function. Biochemical measurements also showed a significant reduction in retinal and brain cytochrome oxidase activity and ATP concentrations in methanol-intoxicated rats relative to control animals. Surprisingly, no differences from control values were observed in hepatic, renal or cardiac cytochrome oxidase activity or ATP concentrations in methanol-intoxicated rats. The reduction in retinal function, inhibition of retinal, optic nerve and brain cytochrome oxidase activity, depletion of retinal and brain ATP concentrations, and mitochondrial disruption produced in methanol-intoxicated rats are consistent with the hypothesis that formate acts as a mitochondrial toxin with selectivity for the retina and brain.

WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 196, Methanol (1997). Available from, as of July 19, 2017: https://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html


For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for Methanol (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


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