Biochemical toxicity of hexachlorocyclohexane and its gamma-isomer in albino mice

Dietary hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and gamma-isomer of HCH produced significant increase in liver weights of mice. Elevated levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases and of alkaline phosphatase in the blood of these animals suggested hepatotoxicity. Hepatic soluble enzymes--aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase--were markedly lowered. Among the hepatic lysosomal enzymes, acid phosphatase and acid cathepsin were increased in the experimental animals. Hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase was lowered by HCH while aldolase activity was increased. Hydrolytic enzymes in small intestine, viz., disaccharidases, lipase, amylase, dipeptidase and phosphatases, were also affected by dietary HCH and gamma-HCH. The results suggested cellular toxicity in hepatocytes of HCH and gamma-HCH fed animals, and also interference in gastrointestinal absorption.