TIME COURSE OF THE ACUTE TOXIC EFFECTS OF SUBLETHAL DOSES OF CHLORDECONE (KEPONE)

Rats were monitored for toxic signs of the insecticide chlordecone permitting the characterization of onset, peak and duration of effects following administration of a single oral dose in corn oil. Tremors and abnormal gait were the major early features of toxicity. Both developed within 4 h, reached a peak 2 days after treatment, had greatly diminished after 2 wk and were absent after 49 days. Exaggerated startle response followed a similar pattern but was less severe. Muscle weakness developed during wk 2 and was still increasing slightly in intensity at 49 days although recovery was occurring by the end of 6 mo. While neurological effects are the most severe and rapidly developing effect of the pesticide, muscle weakness is the most persistent outward manifestation of chlordecone toxicity in the rat.