Effect of lindane on brain monoamine metabolism.

The effect of the oral administration of the organochlorinate pesticide Lindane (gamma-hexachlorociclohexane) in doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg on the cerebral metabolism of 5-HT and catecholamines in female rats was studied 24 hr after the administration of the pesticide. All the doses tested caused a decrease in the concentration of cerebral and free serum tryptophan, with no significant change in the cerebral levels of 5-HT, although its rate of synthesis was inhibited at the lowest dose. The variations in the levels of 5-HIAA appears to be linked to its elimination from the brain. The higher doses cause increases in NA levels and turnover rates.