Journal article

Publication year: 2009

Pages: S103-S103

Journal: Toxicology Letters

Volume number: 189

Issue number: Supplement

ISSN: 0378-4274

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.06.335

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

PCB 180 is a persistent heptachlorinated non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (NDL–PCB) abundantly present in food and the environment. Risk characterisation of NDL–PCBs is confounded by the presence of highly potent dioxin-like (DL) impurities. We used high purity PCB 180 (DL impurities 2.7 ng TEQWHO/g PCB 180) for the 28-day toxicity study in adult rats. Groups of 5 males and 5 females were given total doses of 0, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000 or 1700 mg/kg PCB 180 by gavage using loading dose/maintenance dose regimen. Bodyweight gain was retarded at 1700 mg/kg during loading dosing, but recovered thereafter. Hepatic effects are reported separately. Distribution of locomotor activity in the open field was affected in females, indicating an altered emotional response and impaired behavioural inhibition. Erythrocyte count, haematocrit and haemoglobin were dose-dependently decreased. Serum steroid hormone levels were not affected, but FSH and LH were decreased in males. Serum free T4 and to lesser extent T3 were dose-dependently decreased in association with thyroid follicle depletion and follicle epithelium activation, and with increased TSH immunostaining in the pituitary. In the adrenals, dose-dependent hypertrophy of zona fasciculata cells (with higher sensitivity in females) suggests activation of adrenal cortex. Tissue levels of polar and apolar retinoid forms were dose-dependently altered. Mechanical strength of long bones was not affected. The results demonstrate a distinct toxicological profile of PCB 180, and can be used for improved risk assessment of this NDL congener.

Harvard Citation style: Viluksela, M., Heikkinen, P., van der Ven, L., Miettinen, H., Korkalainen, M., Savolainen, K., et al. (2009) Toxicological profile of high purity PCB 180 in adult rats, Toxicology Letters, 189(Supplement), p. S103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.06.335

APA Citation style: Viluksela, M., Heikkinen, P., van der Ven, L., Miettinen, H., Korkalainen, M., Savolainen, K., Lilienthal, H., Adamsson, A., Toppari, J., Finnila, M., Tuukkanen, J., Hamscher, G., Andersson, P., Schrenk, D., Halldin, K., & Hakansson, H. (2009). Toxicological profile of high purity PCB 180 in adult rats. Toxicology Letters. 189(Supplement), S103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.06.335