Tissue Distribution and Transfer to Eggs of Ingested α-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCDD) in Laying Hens ( Gallus domesticus )
Résumé
The aim of the current study was to describe the fate of ingested alpha-hexabromocyclododecane (alpha-HBCDD) in laying hens. Individuals were exposed to two dietary concentrations of a-HBCDD (50 and 5 ng g(-1) feed) for 18 or 11 weeks followed by a 7-week decontamination period. The results show that no isomerization of alpha- to beta- or gamma-HBCDD forms occurred, whereas OH-HBCDD was identified as a product of alpha-HBCDD metabolism. Irrespective of the level of feed contamination, estimates of steady-state accumulation ratios were 5.2, 3.6, and 9.2 and half-lives were estimated at 17.4, 22.8, and 35.3 days in egg yolk, liver tissue, and abdominal fat, respectively. The steady-state carry-over rate to eggs was 22.9%. Thus, alpha-HBCDD ingested by laying hens is readily transferred to eggs and significantly accumulates in adipose tissue.