Minimal dose and time protection by lindane (gamma-isomer of 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexachlorocyclohexane) against liver tumors induced by aflatoxin B1.

This study was carried out in order to investigate the minimal exposure to lindane (LD, 99.72% gamma isomer of 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexachlorocyclohexane), a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide, required to protect against liver tumor induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Materials fed to Buffalo strain rats were as follows: LD 100 ppm; AFB1 1 ppm, LD 100 ppm plus AFB1 1 ppm; and control basal diet. The experimental animals were clinically observed and then serially killed at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 82 weeks. Concurrent administration of LD with AFB1 to rats for more than 3 weeks totally inhibited the incidence of AFB1-induced hepatocellular carcinomas by week 82. Only 1 of 20 rats (5%) fed the same regimen for 1 week developed liver tumors. Animals given 1 ppm AFB1 singly for 15 weeks had a high liver tumor incidence (31.5%). No animals developed liver tumors in LD-treated and control groups. LD may inhibit AFB1-induced liver tumors by stimulating hepatic metabolism and excretion of AFB1 so that less carcinogen is available to liver tissue.