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Effects of Polybrominated Biphenyls on the Excretion of Steroids^1,2,

Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster 44691

⁴ Person to whom correspondence should be directed.

Abstract

When polybrominated biphenyls (fireMaster BP-6, PBB) are ingested by cattle, they have been shown to alter hepatic enzyme systems, and produce renal lesions with chronic high exposure. These changes provide mechanisms for alteration of the metabolism and clearance of steroid hormones that might then affect reproductive function. This study was conducted to examine the effects of PBB on the excretion of radiolabel from injected estradiol-17β and progesterone. Toxicity was induced by dosing two Holstein cows with 25 g of fireMaster BP-6/d for 39 or 50 d. Single iv injections of 35 µCi [4-¹⁴C] progesterone and 400 µCi [2,4,6,7-³H]estradiol-17β were given on d -5, 10, 30 and 38 or 48 relative to dosing. Last injections were given when animals were terminally toxic. Clinical signs and necropsy findings confirmed the typical toxic syndrome and renal lesions. Excretion of ¹⁴C was primarily in feces, while ³H appeared in both urine and feces. As toxicosis developed, the excretion of steroids in feces was delayed as anorexia reduced mass and rate of passage of feces. This had little effect on the amount of steroid excreted and the rate of urinary excretion was affected only minimally. Recovery of both radiolabels declined 10 to 20% by d 30 of dosing as excretion rate was reduced from pre-PBB dosing. Excretion declined sharply when animals were moribund. Despite developing toxicosis, both animals continued to have estrous cycles with normal periodicity.

¹ Approved for publication as Journal Article No. 39-82 of the Ohio Agr. Res. and Develop. Center.

² This project was supported in part by Contract No. 223-75-7015, Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Vet. Med. We acknowledge portions of this research were conducted by A. L. Sprosty, and the capable technical assistance of B. A. Amiet, C. W. Clark and H.I. Durst.

³ Dept. of Dairy Sci.

⁵ Dept. of Vet. Sci.