Histopathological and biochemical changes in guinea pigs after repeated dermal exposure to benzene hexachloride.

Dermal application of benzene hexachloride in daily doses of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg for a total period of 30 days caused significant changes in male guinea pigs. The animals exposed to high doses of benzene hexachloride (1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane) (BHC) (BHC) died within 5--12 days. There was no mortality in 100 mg/kg/day but significant pathologic and biochemical changes were observed in the vital organs of the experimental animals. Massive congestion and thickened blood vessels were seen in liver of the BHC treated animals in comparison to the normal picture of the controls. Similarly, testicular changes included mild to severe pathologic lesions. There was no change in the epididymis, kidney, spleen, brain and lungs. The changes in the skin were mild and no signs of dermatitis were observed in the BHC painted areas. The activity of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase in liver and serum revealed significant changes from that of the controls. The significance of biochemical changes with the tissue damage of the insecticide exposed animals are discussed.