The lymphocytic absorption of p,p'-DDT and some structurally-related compounds in the rat.

The lymphatic absorption of a series of 14C-labelled compounds structurally related to p,p'-DDT has been examined in thoracic duct-cannulated rats. The compounds (p,p'-DDT, p,p-DDT, P,P'-DDD, p,p-DDD, DDE, DDA and 2,4-D) varied markedly in lipid solubility, as well as in extent of lymphatic absorption, urinary and biliary excretion, and localization in body fat. More than 12% of the dose was recovered in 24-hour thoracic duct lymph of rats treated with the p,p'- and o,p-isomers of DDT and DDD and with DDE, and this percentage was increased by concomitant fat absorption. A strict parallel between lipid solubility and lymphatic absorption was not observed in this series of compounds, possibly because of differences in their rates and routes of excretion.