Carcinogenicity of heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide.

Heptachlor and its metabolite heptachlor epoxide are unequivocally carcinogenic in rats and mice. The chemicals induced carcinomas of the liver, which were highly significant. There were neoplasms at other sites in rats. Neoplasms at all sites, as well as malignant tumors, were increased in heptachlor-treated male rats. There were similar increases in benign and malignant neoplasms of endocrine organs, particularly in female rats. Neoplasms of the thyroid and pituitary were increased in male rats and neoplasms of the reproductive system, including the ovary and uterus, in female rats given heptachlor. Mice also developed hepatic vein thrombosis and thrombosis of the atria of the heart. Nephritis, myocarditis, encephalitis, hepatitis, polyarteritis and atrophy of the testes were observed in rats.