Chronic toxicity of S‐(trans‐1,2‐dichlorovinyl)‐L‐cysteine in mice

S‐(trans‐1,2‐Dichlorovinyl)‐L‐cysteine (DCVC) exposure causes acute renal tubular cytotoxicity. To further characterize the effects of DCVC, a chronic study was undertaken. Male Swiss–Webster mice received DCVC dissolved in their drinking water at 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg ml⁻¹. At 4, 8, 21 and 37 weeks, animals were terminated. Bladders, spleens, livers, kidneys and eyes were removed for histopathological examination. At 0.05 and 0.1 mg ml⁻¹ DCVC, growth retardation was evident by 21 weeks. By 26 weeks, all animals in the 0.1 mg ml⁻¹ group had developed cortical cataracts. Cytomegaly, nuclear hyperchromatism and multiple nucleoli were noted in the cells of the pars recta region of the kidney by 4 weeks and correlated to time and dose. At later time points, renal tubular atrophy and early interstitial fibrosis were evident. The epithelial cytological cellular abnormalities appear to be dose‐related. Minor pathological changes were noted in the spleen, while there was no effect on the liver or bladder. Chronic ingestion of DCVC results in severe kidney injury.