The Determination of the Repeated Oral Toxicity of Halocarbon Oil, Series 27-S

Abstract

Halocarbon 27-S (HC 27-S), a polymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), is used as a lubricating oil for pumps in hyperbaric chambers. Although monomeric CTFE has been shown to produce renal lesions in rats, the toxicity of CTFE polymers have not been investigated. To assess the toxicity of repeated exposure to HC 27-S, three groups (N = 6/group) of male and female Fischer-344 rats were dosed with 2.5 g HC 27-S/kg for 7 or 21 consecutive days. Groups were sacrificed at 7, 21, and 35 days (14 days after the 21-day dosing). Corresponding control groups (N = 6) were dosed with deionized water. Decreased water consumption and urine output were apparent in all test groups. Statistically significant increases in fluoride excretion were noted in 24-hr urine samples assessed periodically during the study. Neurotoxic signs were observed in female rats but not in male rats. Significant increases in liver and kidney weights were seen in all rats, regardless of number of dosing days. The increased fluoride burden in treated animals appeared sufficient to alter bone calcium/phosphate ratios in male rats but not female rats. Gross liver enlargement and hepatocellular cytomegaly indicated that the liver was probably the primary target organ following repeated administration of HC 27-S.