Distribution and elimination of [14C]-hexachlorobenzene after single oral exposure in cod (Gadus morhua) and flounder (Platichthys flesus).

Distribution and elimination of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) after administration to COD (Gadus morhua) of a single oral dose of 5 microCi [14C]HCB/100 g body weight were studied by whole-body autoradiography and liquid scintillation counting. To obtain some information on the physicochemical properties of the radiolabeled compounds, whole-body autoradiography was performed exposing parallel sagittal sections, treated at -20 degrees C, evaporated at 50 degrees C, and extracted separately with polar and nonpolar solvents. The highest concentration of radioactivity was found in the liver, the bile, and the central nervous system (CNS). Radioactivity in the liver and CNS, which was completely evaporable, was considered to represent the highly volatile HCB itself, and/or metabolites with high vapor pressure. No part of radioactivity in bile was evaporable, but it was completely extractable with water. Radioactivity in the intestinal content, the skin, and the uveal tract of the eye was partly evaporable. No radioactivity remained in any tissue after extraction with polar and nonpolar solvents. The rate of elimination was slow, and substantial amounts remained in the body 60 d after administration. In addition to bile excretion of nonevaporable, water-soluble radioactivity, a possible excretion through the intestinal mucosa was suggested. Whole-body autoradiography of female flounders (Platichthys flesus) revealed a high content of radioactivity in the developing eggs.