Comparative study of dechlorane plus (DP) in adult chickens and developing embryos: Stereo-selective bioaccumulation of DP in chickens

Although isomer-specific bioaccumulation of dechlorane plus (DP) has been addressed in many studies, it remains unclear which factors determine this process and whether biotransformation of DP occurs in organisms. Comparative experiments were conducted in both in vivo and in ovo incubation using hens and eggs to identify the dominant factors determining the bioaccumulation of DP. Hens and fertilized eggs were exposed to DP isomers (syn- and anti-DP) by feeding and spiking, respectively, to investigate absorption, elimination, and metabolism. No significant differences were found between absorption efficiencies of DP isomers in the adult hens. Following first-order kinetics, anti-DP exhibited a slightly longer half-life than syn-DP as well as an elevated anti-DP fraction in laid eggs, thereby suggesting selective enrichment of anti-DP in adult hens. However, chicken embryos metabolized approximately 12% and 28% of the absorbed syn- and anti-DP, respectively, thereby verifying that anti-DP was preferably metabolized. This result indicated that stereo-selective excretion of syn-DP, rather than preferred metabolism of anti-DP, played a more prominent role in isomer-specific bioaccumulation of DP in chickens. Further studies on metabolites of DP are crucial to understanding the fate of DP in organisms. [Display omitted] •Key factors determining stereo-selective bioaccumulation of DP were studied.•A selective enrichment of anti-DP was observed in hens and corresponding laid eggs.•Isomer-specific metabolism of DP was confirmed in chicken embryos.•Stereo-selective excretion of syn-DP is dominant in bioaccumulation of DP in chicken. Stereo-selective excretion of syn-DP, rather than metabolism, is the dominant factor determining bioaccumulation of DP in chicken.