title: Distribution of isomers of BHC and related histopathology of liver in hexachlorocyclohexane (technical grade BHC) fed mice.
abstract: In an attempt to correlate body burden and related liver histopathology after exposure to 500 ppm benzene hexachloride, 6- to 8-wk-old male and female mice were fed benzene hexachloride with their mash diet for a 6-month period. The mice were divided into 8 groups (12/group; 6 experimental, 6 control) and were sacrificed by group monthly. During the first month, 3 groups of mice were sacrificed after 10, 20, and 30 days of treatment, respectively. A dose-related increase in liver weight was found in test animals (P less than .01). The histopathology of liver showed clear, oval cells; hypertrophied cells with foci; and neoplastic nodules that were apparent during the final 3- to 6-month period. Few oval and hypertrophied cells were found in control animals. The alpha isomer concentration of benzene hexachloride rose during the first 2 months of treatment, but declined after that time. A transient rise was noted for the beta isomer concentration of benzene hexachloride at the end of the 6-month period. The gamma isomer concentration was elevated during the initial 3 months of treatment, but declined during the subsequent 3 months. The results present definitive changes suggestive of precancerous states.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens; D005260:Female; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D007536:Isomerism; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane