Levels and distribution of organochlorine pollutants in primary dental tissues and bone of lamb

Abstract

This study examined the bioconcentration of selected organochlorine pollutants, tetra- and hexa-chlorobiphenyls with planar (PCB-80, PCB-169) and non-planar (PCB-54, PCB-155) structure, and persistent organochlorine pesticides with planar [hexachlorobenzene (HCB)] and non-planar [1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (4,4′-DDE)] structure in primary dental tissues (pulp, dentine, and enamel) and mandibular bone of lactationally exposed lambs, and compared it with the organochlorines distribution pattern in permanent dental tissues and bone. Also, the role of pollutants physicochemical properties and tissue specific characteristics in the bioconcentration was assessed. Residual levels of individual pollutants were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. Our results showed that transfer of organochlorines to primary hard dental tissues was higher than to permanent hard dental tissues. Metabolically more stable, planar, and toxic organochlorines (e.g. PCB-169 and HCB) predominated in primary hard dental tissues, where they may represent a potential risk for developmental dental defects.