Comparative study on the distribution of α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane in the rat with particular reference to the problem of isomerization

Abstract

1. Blood levels and tissue distributions of α-, β-, γ- and δ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were studied following oral administration of α-HCH and γ-HCH to rats.

2. Following administration of α-HCH, there was no evidence of β-HCH, γ-HCH or δ-HCH, nor could transformation into α-HCH, β-HCH or δ-HCH be detected after exposure to γ-HCH.

3. After eight weeks of administration, tissue retention of α-HCH was 10–20 times greater than that of γ-HCH.

4. γ-HCH was eliminated to a much greater extent than α-HCH from the tissues, and in particular from fatty tissue.

5. α-HCH accumulated in fat and brain, while γ-HCH showed very low affinity for lipid.