Hexachlorocyclohexane-induced behavioural and neurochemical changes in rat

Effect of chronic oral exposure (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) body wt, for 7, 15 and 30 days) to hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) on open-field behaviour and activi ties of cerebral Na+,K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of rat was evaluated. Motor and grooming activities were altered, whereas vertical exploratory activity was unaffected by HCH. Activities of Na+,K+-A TPase, Mg2+-ATPase and AChE were inhibited significantly by the pesticide. The results suggest that HCH induces impairment of the enzymes involved in synaptic activity, resulting in behavioural alterations. (C) 1998 John Wile y & Sons, Ltd.