THE EFFECTS OF HEXACHLOROBENZENE ON CIRCULATING LEVELS OF ADRENAL-STEROIDS IN THE OVARIECTOMIZED RAT

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), is a global pollutant that resists degradatio n and possesses a propensity to bioaccumulate. However, the effect of HCB on adrenal function remains largely unknown. Thus, circulating lev els of adrenal steroids in HCB-exposed (0.0, 1.0, 10.0, or 100.0 mg/kg /day-for 30 days by gavage) adult ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats ( N = 32) were investigated. A terminal blood sample was collected for H CB residue analysis, and levels of circulating progesterone (P-4), cor ticosterone (CS), and aldosterone (ALD) were quantified. Mean serum CS levels were significantly (P = 0.02) reduced by HCB exposure, startin g with the lowest dose group (1.0 mg/kg/day for 30 days), whereas no d ifferences in mean serum P-4 and ALD levels were observed. Since it ha s been argued that the rodent possesses the ability to produce small a mounts of cortisol and that levels of this glucocorticoid are altered in pathological states, serum cortisol (C) levels were also measured. Circulating levels of C were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the hig hest dose group compared with controls. The presence of C in serum was confirmed by reverse-phase HPLC. These data suggest that even at the lowest dose studied, HCB exposure induces alterations in steroidogenes is of cells of the adrenal cortex inner zone.