Histopathologic lens changes in mirex-exposed rats.

The early histologic lesions and sequential changes in the development of mirex-induced cataracts were studied in the offspring of lactating female Sherman rats given oral doses of mirex for 5 consecutive days post partum. The earliest histologic change, seen at neonatal day 7, was slight swelling of the individual cortical lens fibers. At day 9, many swollen but intact fibers were observed, and at days 11 and 13, extensive degeneration and necrosis appeared throughout the cortex of the affected lenses.