Chlordecone potentiation of CCl4 hepatotoxicity in ovariectomized rats

Previous reports from this laboratory have established the propensity of chlordecone to potentiate the hepatotoxicity and lethality in male and female rats. The present study was designed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of CCl4 in chlordecone (CD) pretreated, ovariectomized rats. Ten days after bilateral ovariectomy, the rats were maintained on a dietary protocol of either 0 or 10 ppm chlordecone and on the day 15, they received a single i.p. injection of either corn oil (1 ml/kg) or 25 microliter CCl4/kg in corn oil. Hepatic function, serum enzyme levels and histopathological changes were assessed 24 h after CCl4 challenge as functional biochemical, and morphological parameters of hepatotoxicity. Hepatobiliary function was markedly impaired and serum enzyme levels were elevated in ovariectomized rats receiving the same treatment but not significantly different from normal females receiving the chlordecone and CCl4 combination. Histological findings indicated a greater degree of centrilobular hepatic necrosis accompanied by extensive fatty infiltration. This study suggests that chlordecone sensitizes the liver in ovariectomized rats as well to amplify the toxic effects of CCl4.