Effects of chlorinated hydrocarbon on plasma alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol in rats

Ten chlorinated hydrocarbons (tetradifon, Chlorobenzilate, Kepone, lindane, Kelthane, toxaphene, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, dienochlor, and Aroclor 1254; see below) were evaluated in rats to assess agents which might selectively elevate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL). Single, nontoxic doses of Aroclor, dieldrin, and Kepone elevated C-HDL at day 7 (31%, 26%, and 24%, respectively, p less than 0.05). The C-HDL elevations were maintained at days 21 and 60 (28% and 31%, p less than 0.01) in the Aroclor group, while C-HDL returned to baseline in the dieldrin and Kepone groups. Liver function tests were unchanged from control, suggesting that the changes in C-HDL were not the consequence of hepatotoxicity. The hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 content of animals receiving Aroclor, dieldrin, and Kepone was 67%, 56%, and 44% higher than control values (p less than 0.02), indicating probable hepatic enzyme induction. If HDL (an antiatherogenic lipoprotein) is also selectively elevated by chlorinated hydrocarbons in man, then analogues might potentially be developed as antiatherogenic pharmacologic agents. Alternatively, the implications of man's exposure to halogenated hydrocarbons may be better understood.