[Comparison of the distribution and toxicity of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) following 30 days of administration to rats].

Administration of 1000 ppm alpha-HCH, 600 ppm beta-HCH and greater than or equal to 125 ppm gamma-HCH to rats caused a growth retardation. alpha-HCH and beta-HCH led to livermass enlargement. beta-HCH caused a decrease of absolute brain-mass. In case of alpha-HCH and gamma-HCH fat tissue, kidneys and adrenals had a high burden in residues. Fat tissue and adrenals had high residues of beta-HCH. The level of HCH-residues during the test period was gamma much less than beta less than alpha. The results are discussed taking into account the contradictory knowledge from literature.