The Metabolism of C14-Labeled DDT in the Larvae, Pupae, and Adults of Drosophila melanogaster1

Abstract

A metabolic product of C¹⁴-DDT in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen was found to be primarily 2,2,2-trichloro-1,1-bis-(p-chlorophenyl) ethanol, (Kelthane®), confirming the results of Tsukamoto. Kelthane was found in larvae, pupae and adults exposed to larval medium containing C¹⁴-DDT and also in adults exposed by topical application to C¹⁴-DDT. Of the two strains of Drosophila examined by adult topical exposure, one (Oregon Re) showed the active formation of Kelthane, while the other (Oregon R) did not. A new, unknown metabolite of the same chromatographic mobility as p,p’-dichlorobenzophenone was found in the larval exposure as well as a large amount of a very polar metabolite(s). Another new metabolite of the same chromatographic mobility as 2,2-dichloro-1,1-bis-(p-chlorophenyl) ethanol was found in the internal tissue extract upon adult topical exposure.