The effect of
lindane (
gamma-HCH) on temperature, food intake and
body weight was studied in male and female rats after single or repeated non-
convulsant oral doses. A single dose of 30 mg/kg induced a significant decrease of core temperature (0.4 degrees C in males and 0.66 degrees C in females) 5 h after administration when compared to the control value.
Lindane-
induced hypothermia was strongly potentiated (1.45 degrees C) by cold stress when rats were kept at 4 degrees C. The same dose of
lindane produced a significant decrease in
body weight gain (-85% in males and -219% in females compared to the control gain), accompanied by a diminution of food intake, 24 h after administration. No decrease in both parameters was observed when alpha- or
delta-HCH isomers 30 mg/kg were tested. After daily administration with 10 mg/kg
lindane for 7 days, no hypothermic effects were observed. However, a slight but significant decrease in
body weight gain was recorded over the treatment period. This effect was also accompanied by a reduced food intake. The observed stereoselective effects of HCH isomers on core temperature and
body weight could be a useful model to study the mechanisms of
lindane neurotoxicity at low subconvulsant doses.