Effects of dihalogenated biphenyls on various functional parameters in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis

Abstract 1. 1. Snails were treated subchronically with 2,2'- or 4,4'-dihalogenated biphenyls (-DHBs) during 6 or 3 weeks, 3 times a week or acutely for 1 or 3 days. 2. 2. Subchronical treatment with the DHBs (H = Br) did affect reproduction: production of egg masses and eggs were inhibited in treated snails. 2,2'-DBB showed a sooner onset of the effect than 4,4'-DBB. 3. 3. No effects were found on growth, heart rate, locomotion and food consumption of the snails. 4. 4. After acute treatment of the snails with the DHBs (H = Br or Cl) latency of oviposition was only increased after treatment with the DCBs, 2,2'-DCB showing a sooner onset of the effect. 5. 5. It is suggested that DHBs affect reproduction upon metabolic activation of the DHBs.