Localization of the trichloroethylene-related compound S-(1, 2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine in mouse cartilage

Abstract

S-(1, 2-Dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) is derived from trichloroethylene (TCE) and known to cause renal cell injury after metabolic activation by cysteine conjugate β-lyase. We examined the in vivo disposition of [³⁵S] DCVC in mice after intraperitoneal administration at a dose of 30 mg/kg (2.42 MBq/6 mg/mL). DCVC and its related-substances were absorbed rapidly and distributed highly in the kidneys. Whole-body autoradiography analyses revealed high accumulation of DCVC and its related-substances in hyaline cartilage of growth plates of the femoral epiphysis, vertebral endplates of the spinal column, costal cartilage, and tracheal cartilage, in addition to the kidneys. These findings suggest that TCE and DCVC are likely to be a cause of damaged cartilage.