Hypertension and myocarditis in rabbits exposed to hexachlorocyclohexane and endosulfan

Male albino rabbits were exposed to the organochlorinated pesticides hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and endosulfan (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, ip) twice a week for 12 mo. The mean body weight of the rabbits at 12 mo was lower than that of the controls. There was rise in blood pressure and heart rate. Electrocardiograms (ECG) in both the exposed groups showed increases in PR, QT and RR intervals. Extensive myocardial damage was recorded with marked degeneration of muscle fibers vacuolization and leucocytic infiltration. Adrenals had thickened capsules and hyperplasia of cortical cells. Both pesticides produced significant increases (p less than 0.001) of 11-hydroxycortisone at all time intervals. Hypertension and myocarditis occurred in rabbits exposed to HCH and endosulfan.