Tissue Distribution and Elimination of 1,2,3,4-, 1,2,3,5- and 1,2,4,5-Tetrachlorobenzene in the Rat

The tissue distribution and elimination of 14C-labelled 1,2,3,4-, 1,2,3,5- and 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene (TeCB) were investigated in the rat. All three tetrachlorobenzenes were rapidly absorbed and distributed in all tissues examined after oral administration; the highest concentrations were found in the fat, liver, skin and adrenal gland. Of the three isomers, tissues of 1,2,4,5- tetrachlorobenzene treated rats had the highest radioactivity measured at most sampling times; radioactivity in those of the other two isomers were lower and were of the same magnitude. The decay rates of the three isomers in the tissues were: 1,2,4,5-TeCB 105 hr; 1,2,3,4-TeCB 12 hr and 1,2,3,5-TeCB 6.5 hr, respectively.