Toxicity of technical X-factor to weanling rats. II. A subacute oral study

Eighty male weanling rats were fed dietary levels of Technical X-factor (beta-isomer free BHC, a by-product obtained during the separation of lindane from Tech. BHC) at dosages of 10,50,250,750,1500 and 3000 ppm for 90 days. No overt signs of toxicity or mortality were observed at any of the dietary levels. However, a significant reduction in food consumption and growth was evident beyond 750 ppm. Pronounced hepatomegaly observed at 1500 and 3000 ppm was associated with histological alterations such as cellular hypertrophy, cytoplasmic vacuolisation and focal necrosis. Adrenals showed cortical hypertrophy and highly vacuolated cytoplasm. Though a significant increase in the levels of SGOT was noted at 3000 ppm dosage, no appreciable changes were observed in the levels of SGPT and SLDH. Technical X-factor appeared to possess low chronic toxicity compared to Tech. BHC as evidenced by the various parameters studied. The observed low chronic toxicity of X-factor is probably due to the absence if beta-isomer and altered composition of delta and alpha isomers.