Inhibitory Effect of Perthane (2, 2-Bis-[para-Ethylphenyl]-L, 1-Dichloroethane) on Adrenocortical Function in Human Subjects

Abstract

PERTHANE (2, 2-bis-[para-ethylphenyl]-1, 1-dichloroethane) is an insecticide that is structurally related to the insecticide DDD (2,2-bis-[para-chlorphenyl]-1,1-dichloroethane) and DDT (2,2-bis-[parachlorphenyl]-1,1,1-trichloroethane). Interest in the biologic properties of this series of compounds was enhanced in 1949, when it was reported that DDD administered orally in corn oil produced adrenocortical atrophy in the dog.¹ Other investigators confirmed this finding in the dog.^{2 3 4 5} In the rat, mouse, rabbit and monkey no adrenocortical atrophy was found when DDD was given orally,¹ but this effect occurred in the rat⁶ on parenteral administration. Such an action from DDT has not been reported in any species.² In the human . . .