Hexachlorocyclohexane and its isomers: regional brain levels in the rat after dermal exposure.

In the present study the distribution of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its isomers in the brain of rats given dermal exposure of this pesticide have been investigated using a gas liquid chromatographic technique. The male Druckery rats were given dermal exposure of HCH 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight/day in 0.2 ml acetone for the period of 60 or 120 days. The results reveal that an appreciable quantity of HCH and its isomers alpha, beta, gamma, and delta accumulate in a dose- and time-dependent manner in different regions of the brain, which may adversely affect the specific physiological function of these brain regions.