DOSE & TIME RELATED EFFECT OF HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE (hch)

Abstract

H exachlorocyclohexane (HCH) was studied for its effects on Male Oryctolagus cuniculus rabbit blood, in variable
doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg b.w. given orally for 30 days in order to observe some haematochemical and
haematoenzymic parameter changes with regard to the toxicity produced by drug and further these changes were
discussed in relation to hepatic lesions produced. Dose and time related anorexia, GIT disturbance (diarrhoea), hair
loss, decreased growth rate, behavioural changes and bleeding tendency were observed in HCH exposed animals.
Histological changes of liver revealed granular degeneration, dilated and congested central vein, narrowed sinusoids
and periportal fibrosis. These signs increased with the increase of dose. With the dose of 15mg/kg b.w, picture
showed pseudonodules formation. With further increase in dose (20mg/kg), fibrosis was less marked and necrotic
lesions dominated the picture pointing to the toxic nature of the chemical. Biochemical analysis showed dose and
time related hypouraemia, hyperglycemia and hypercholesteremia in treated animals. Serum alkaline phosphatase
and SGPT levels also increased with the increase in dose and duration. All biochemical parameters investigated had
positive correlation with the hepatic lesions pointing hepatotoxic nature of the drug.