Hepatic and muscle injuries in mice treated with heptachlor

Heptachlor is a major component of the insecticide, chlordane. It is a health hazard but is still in use in some countries of Southeast Asia. To elucidate the toxicity of heptachlor its effects on mice after oral and intraperitoneal administration were studied. A 3-day group, 92-day group and 180-day group were given heptachlor intraperitoneally, orally and ad libitum, respectively. Results showed increased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and decreased levels of serum cholinesterase activity. Serum creatine phosphokinase levels increased significantly. These may be due to the disruption of muscle membrane by chlordane. Results also showed significant variations of serum lipid levels from control as heptachlor has a known effect on lipid metabolism. Also the lipid peroxide levels expressed as TBA values were increased significantly, showing heptachlor's role in causing liver injury. These results suggest that the deterioration of membranes due to lipid peroxidation leads to liver and muscle injuries caused by heptachlor.