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Effect of two isomeric tetrachlorobiphenyls on rats and their hepatic enzymes

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Abstract

Oral administration of two isomeric tetrachlorobiphenyls (TCBs) (2, 3, 4, 5-and 3, 5, 3′, 5′-tetrachlorobiphenyls) to rats at three dosage levels does not cause any adverse effect on their growth. However, several hepatic enzyme systems are affected, even at the lowest level (5 mg/kg). EthylmorphineN-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities are slightly induced by 2, 3, 4, 5-TCB but, at a medium dose level (20 mg/kg), the activity ofpara-nitroanisoleO-demethylase is induced two-fold. Also, 3, 5, 3′, 5′-TCB induces these enzyme systems in male rats but decreases the activities of aniline hydroxylase and ethyl morphineN-demethylase in female rats at higher doses. An extra polar metabolite occurs in thein vitro metabolism of oestradiol-3H when female rats are treated with 2, 3, 4, 5-TCB at a dosage level of 40 mg/kg. UDP-Glucuronyl/transferase and δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activities are not affected by the administration of these two TCBs.

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Chen, P.R., Mehendale, H.M. & Fishbein, L. Effect of two isomeric tetrachlorobiphenyls on rats and their hepatic enzymes. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 1, 36–47 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02030144

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