[Stimulative effect of chlordanes on guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes]

To investigate the toxicity of chlordane, an organochlorine insecticide, effects of cis-Chlordane, trans-Chlordane, Heptachlor and Heptachlor epoxide were examined on stimulus responses of guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Results obtained were as follows. These chlordane-related compounds stimulated superoxide (O2-) generation, altered membrane potential and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ((Ca2+]i). As a significant tendency was not found in the stimulating effects of these compounds, the relationship between the effect and molecular structure of these substances remains unknown. Of these response reactions of PMN stimulated by chlordanes, stimulation of O2- generation lagged behind the others. Increase in [Ca2+]i was due to both acceleration of extracellular Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from intracellular pool. These results indicate that these chlordane-related compounds stimulate PMN and suggest a causal relationship between the stimulation of O2- generation by these substances and their toxicity.