Influence of Benzene Hexachloride (Hexachlorocyclohexane) on Certain Endocrine Glands of South Indian Gerbil, Tatera indica cuvieri

The present study investigates the histopathological effects of Benzene Hexachloride (BHC/Hexachlorocyclohexane) on selected endocrine glands of the South Indian gerbil, Tatera indica cuvieri. Fifteen adult male gerbils were divided into three groups: normal, control, and experimental. Experimental animals were administered BHC orally mixed with tapioca powder at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight. Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas were examined histologically after 7 and 14 days using Haematoxylin–Eosin staining. Distinct degenerative changes were observed in pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands of BHC-treated animals, while the pancreas remained largely unaffected. Behavioral dullness and a reduction in body weight accompanied histological degeneration. This study demonstrates that BHC exerts toxic effects predominantly on the endocrine system of gerbils, except the pancreas.