US EPA

2151151 

Journal Article 

Abstract 

Individual and combined effects of mirex and polychlorinated biphenyls on mouse liver-cells 

Abraham, R; Koepke, UC; Goldberg, L; Coulston, F 

1974 

No 

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
ISSN: 0041-008X
EISSN: 1096-0333 

29 

1 

128-129 

English 

WOS:A1974T653800141 

is part of a larger document 3378179 Abstracts of papers for the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology, Washington, D.C. March 10–14, 1974

Liver enlargement, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and increases in microsomal enzymes are common hepatic responses of rodents to the administration of single polychlorinated compounds, but little is known regarding the combined effects of 2 such compounds. A study was therefore undertaken of a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) (Aroclor 1254) and Mirex in Charles River CD-1 mice. The compounds were administered in the diet at the following levels for 7 days: group I, chow; group II, PCB 500 ppm; group III, Mirex 90 ppm; and group IV, Mirex 90 ppm and PCB 500 ppm. Loss of body weight, increases in liver weight and demethylase activity were recorded in all 3 experimental groups, being most pronounced in group IV. Glucose 6-phosphatase activity was decreased in groups II and III and remained unchanged in group IV. In mice of group IV there were striking structural changes in hepatic lysosomes, with formulation of large myeloid bodies (lysosomes containing cellular debris) and numerous autophagic vacuoles that were PAS-positive and stained for acid phosphatase. These changes were reflected in the elevated activities of both total and sedimentable acid phosphatase. The lysosomes were normal in all other groups. Further changes included loss of glycogen in groups III and IV and hepatic cell necrosis in group IV. The capacity of the combination of toxicants to elicit unique lysosomal responses posed questions regarding the biological interaction between environmental chemicals. (Author abstract by permission) (Abstract No. 135) 

Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology 

Washington, D.C. 

March 10-14, 1974