(14)C-trans-nonachlor, which comprises about 7% of technical chlordane, was administered to rats in corn oil as a single dose. Feces and urine were collected. The bulk of the radioactivity appeared in the feces and was identified as: 1,2-dihydroxydihydrochlordene (17.9%), 1-hydroxy-2-chlordene (15.4%), chlordene chlorohydrin (13.5%), oxychlordane (4.1%), trans-chlordane (0.8%), and 1-hydroxy-2-chloro-2,3-epoxychlordene. There were two unidentified compounds and unchanged nonachlor ... .
In vitro studies with human and rat liver microsomal preparations showed the presence of trans-chlordane, oxychlordane, chlordene chlorohydrin, and 1,2-dihydroxydihydrochlordene. With human liver preparations, the level of metabolites was very low. This correlates with the finding of trans-nonachlor as the major chlordane residue found in human tissues ... .
The estuarine fish, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), was exposed to technical heptachlor for 24 days. Heptachlor, t-chlordane, cis-chlordane, and nonachlor, which were present in the technical grade heptachlor, accumulated in edible fish tissue. Heptachlor epoxide formed and was also accumulated ... .
Rats were fed a diet containing 10 ppm of technical chlordane for 28 days. The depuration of the various chlordane compounds was then followed for 32 days. The concn of 14 components or metabolites of technical chlordane were measured in the adipose tissues of 21 rats, using electron capture, negative ionization mass spectrometry, coupled with capillary gas chromatography. The half-lives of the two major octachloro isomers, gamma- and alpha-chlordane, were determined to be 7.1 and 5.9 d respectively. The half-lives of the nonachlors were 9.7 (cis-nonachlor), 14.3 (trans-nonachlor), and 54.1 days (nonachlor III). The depuration rates seem to be controlled by three structural features of the molecules; the total number and configuration of the chlorines on ring 1 and the number of chlorines on carbon 2.
The toxic effects of the organochlorine insecticide chlordane were compared in man... . Analysis of blood for chlordane metabolites showed their presence in the descending order of trans-nonachlor, oxychlordane, hepatachlorepoxide and cis-nonachlor. The total range of chlordane and its metabolites in the sera of workers was 9.84 : 4.47 ng/g. Serum levels of triglycerides, creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were also found to be higher in pest control operators ...
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Oils should not be used as either cathartics or dermal cleansing agents, as they increase absorption. Gastric lavage and use of activated charcoal and sodium sulfate are indicated for ingestion. If dermal exposure occurred, contaminated clothes should be removed, and the skin should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water. Management of seizures in both children and adults is with Valium or phenobarbital. Respiratory depression and even respiratory arrest, especially with concomitant use of Valium and phenobarbital in children, may occur. These drugs preferably should be used only in critical care areas where emergency endotracheal intubation can be performed. /It is recommended/ that epinephrine not be utilized in patients with organochlorine poisoning, as the organochlorines induce myocardial irritability and ventricular arrhythmias may occur. However, dopamine may be necessary in the event of hypotension unresponsive to fluid administration, and epinephrine may be necessary in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest. ... /Organochlorine insecticides/
Seizures, hypoxemia, and resultant acidosis are the immediate life-threatening emergencies. Diazepam is the anticonvulsant of choice. Moderately to severely poisoned patients should have intravenous lines and a cardiac monitor. ...Most organochlorine insecticdes contain organic solvents, which are severe aspiration hazards. Skin decontamination (removal of contaminated clothes, washing of area with water and green or mild soap) is necessary to prevent continued dermal absorption. Be careful not to cross-contaminate health personnel. The use of cholestyramine (3-8 g four times a day) increased fecal excretion of chlordecone by seven times and reduced the mean blood half-life from 165 to 80 days. In organochlorine exposures to compounds that have substantial enterohepatic recirculation, activated charcoal also may reduce the half-life and should be considered in serial doses for moderate to severe acute poisonings. Dialysis, diuresis, and hemoperfusion are ineffective because of extensive tissue binding and large volumes of distribution. /Organochlorines/
Treatment: A rapidly acting barbiturate or diazepam may aid in controlling convulsions, but care must be taken not to augment any respiratory depression. Oxygen therapy and artificial ventilation may be necessary. Avoid epinephrine. Since no specific antidotes are known, symptomatic therapy must be accompanied by complete rest. Use soap and water in adequate quantities to wash off any compound spilled on the skin. If spilled in eyes, wash repeatedly with water. /Chlordane/
Persons exceptionally exposed to organochlorine pesticides by any route should be observed for sensory disturbances, incoordination, speech slurring, mental aberrations, and involuntary motor activity that would warn of imminent convulsions. If convulsions occur, place the victim in the left lateral decubitus position with the head down. Move away furniture or other solid objects that may be a source of injury. If jaw movements are violent, place padded tongue blades between the teeth to protect the tongue. Whenever possible, remove dentures and other removable dental work. Aspirate oral and pharyngeal secretions, and, when possible, insert an oropharyngeal airway to maintain an open passage unobstructed by the tongue. Minimize noise and any manipulation of the patient that may trigger seizure activity. Administer oxygen by mask. Maintain pulmonary gas exchange by mechanically assisted ventilation whenever respiratin is depressed. /Solid organochlorine insecticides/
Trans-nonachlor, one of the major constituents of technical chlordane, is an important compound, since it is known to accumulate in humans ... . /trans- Nonachlor/
The chief route of excretion is biliary, although nearly all organochlorines yield measurable urinary metabolites. ... Many of the unmetabolized pesticides are efficiently reabsorbed by the intestine (enterohepatic circulation) substantially retarding fecal excretion. /Solid organochlorine insecticides/
