INTERACTION OF LINEAR ALKYLBENZENE SULFONATE AND HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE IN GUINEA-PIGS AFTER DERMAL APPLICATION

Guinea pigs were dermally exposed to linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a detergent, and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), a pesticide, for 15 and 30 days. The exposure to these two xenobiotics individually resulted in elevations in the activities of some enzymes, such as acid and alkaline phosphatases, tyrosinase, and histidase. The exposure also resulted in elevations in lipid peroxidation, amino nitrogen, and sulfhydryl groups. Exposure to individual chemicals resulted in histologic damage to dermis and epidermis showing infiltration of inflammatory cells, sloughing of layers, and hyperkeratinization. The concomitant exposure showed more damage both biochemically and histopathologically, depending on the duration. The results show that industrial and/or agricultural workers exposed to these xenobiotics may experience skin damage.