Effect of Halogenated Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Proteins of Rat Tissues

Summary

Phenacyl bromide, p-chlorobromobenzene, or naphthalene tetrachloride inhibit growth of rats which ingested an 8% casein diet. The inhibition was alleviated by supplementary cystine, or by a 27% casein diet. Nitrogen balance remained positive in rats which ingested the 27% casein diet or the 8% casein diet which was supplemented with cystine. Intraperitoneal injection of naphthalene tetrachloride into adult rats on the high or low protein diet induced a negative nitrogen balance, accompanied by a decrease in the -SH and S-S content of the whole blood and in the protein content of practically all tissues. The implication of these observations is discussed in terms of possible interference of the hydrocarbons with the protein metabolism of the rat via direct binding of the hydrocarbons to the proteins through the -SH or S-S groups.