ASSESSMENT OF NEUROTOXICITY INDUCED BY ORAL-ADMINISTRATION OF CHLORDECONE (KEPONER) IN THE MOUSE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 2  (1) , 113-124
Abstract
Neurotoxicity in the mouse was produced following oral administration of chlordecone [an insecticide] at 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg per day in corn oil vehicle. Hyperexcitability and tremors were observed on 1st, 4th and 9th day after administration of chlordecone at 50, 25 and 10 mg/kg per day, respectively and mortality occurred on 5th, 7th and 13th day after daily administration. In all cases, cumulative LD50 for chlordecone was estimated between 180-200 mg/kg. Daily oral administration of chlordecone caused loss of body weight which was greatest at onset of tremor. Effect of chlordecone on food and water consumption varied depending on dose. A recovery in body weight and food and water consumption were observed at termination of chlordecone treatment. Effect of chlordecone on motor coordination in mouse was dose-dependent during treatment and recovery after terminating treatment. Threshold for pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures was significantly reduced in chlordecone treated animals. This study provided essential basic information for studying biochemical mechanisms of chlordecone-induced neurotoxicity in the mouse.