DISTRIBUTION OF C-14 FROM INGESTED, RADIOLABELED DICHLOROSTEARIC, STEARIC AND OLEIC ACIDS IN BODY AND IN LIPIDS OF PERCH, PERCA-FLUVIATILIS

The body distribution and incorporation into complex lipids of C-14 fr om orally administered, radiolabelled dichlorostearic, stearic and ole ic acid were studied in perch, Perca fluviatilis. Uptake and incorpora tion of C-14 from radiolabelled dichlorostearic acids did not differ s ignificantly from that of unchlorinated fatty acids, implying that dic hlorostearic acid most probably was not recognised as 'abnormal'. This may distinguish chlorinated fatty acids from other known organic poll utants. High concentrations of chlorinated fatty acids in fish have be en correlated with adverse biological effects and may cause disturbanc es in biological membranes, particularly if they become incorporated i nto phospholipids. Lack of recognition, and thereby elimination, of th e chlorinated fatty acids by the fish may impose an increased risk for toxic effects.