Effect of Starvation on Excretion, Distribution and Metabolism of DDT in Mice

Abstract

Effect of starvation on tissue radioactivity of ¹⁴C-DDT was examined in mice 8 days after its single injection. Animals were completely fasted and given barium sulfate by gastric intubation for the last 3 days. The findings obtained from starved mice were as follows: 1) loss of body weight, 2) decrease in organ weight of epididymal fat and liver, 3) reduction in lipid content of whole body as well as of epididymal fat, 4) a marked elevation of DDT levels in tissues except muscle, and 5) occasional neurotoxic signs characterized by tremors and convulsions. Excretion of DDT-related metabolites was not changed by starvation. Analysis of metabolic products of ¹⁴C-DDT using thin-layer radiochromatography revealed that there was little or no significant difference between control and starved mice in the metabolic pattern of DDT-related compounds in the tissues and excreta. It was assumed that DDT-ingested animals with dietary energy restriction had a subsequent risk of toxicity resulted from redistribution of DDT, but not from alteration in excretion or metabolism.