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Title: Combined effects of mercury and hexachlorobenzene in the rat

Journal Article · · Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes; (United States)
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Environmental Health Directorate, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada). Environmental and Occupational Toxicology Div.
  2. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States). College of Veterinary Medicine

The objective of the present study was to assess the potential interactive effects of two Great Lakes chemical contaminants, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and mercury (HgCl[sub 2]). Groups of 10 female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered by gavage single doses of HCB, HgCl[sub 2] or combinations of both followed by observation for clinical signs of toxicity for 14 days. Five animals from treatment groups died before the termination of the study; one animal each in 600 mg HCB, 400 mg HCB + 10 mg HgCl[sub 2], and 600 mg HCB + 10 mg HgCl[sub 2], and two animals in 600 mg HCB + 12.5 mg HgCl[sub 2]. The surviving animals were necropsied at the termination of the study, and hematological, clinical chemistry, histopathological and tissue residue analyses were performed. Mild to moderate morphological changes occurred in the liver, thyroid, thymus, ovary and bone marrow of rats exposed to HCB or HCB + HgCl[sub 2], and in the kidney of HgCl[sub 2] or HgCl[sub 2] + HCB treated animals. More severe histological changes occurred in the groups receiving both chemicals. The histological effects appeared to be additive. It was concluded that co-administration with HCB and HgCl[sub 2] resulted in additive effects in some of the endpoints measured by no synergism or antagonism was observed.

OSTI ID:
6910213
Journal Information:
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes; (United States), Vol. 29:5; ISSN 0360-1234
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English