Renal handling of the polar DDT metabolite DDA (2,2-bis[p-chlorophenyl] acetic acid) by marine fish

The renal handling of 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) acetic acid (DDA) was examined in the isolated tubules of the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in vitro in conjunction with clearance studies in the flounder and in the aglomerular goosefish (Lophius americanus). In vitro, both uptake studies and autoradiography showed extensive energy-dependent accumulation within the cytoplasm of tubular cells and the tubular lumen. The uptake was strongly inhibited by p-aminohippurate and chlorophenol red. A second component of uptake was insensitive to metabolic inhibitors or organic acids and represented tissue binding. In vivo, both species showed net secretion which was inhibited by probenecid. Comparison of DDT and DDA distribution and excretion emphasized the importance of the greater water solubility of DDA and of its secretory transport, since DDA was excreted at over 200 times the rate of DDT. Liver, kidney, and bile also showed elevated DDA tissue-to-plasma ratios. Thus, the organic acid system mediates the accumulation and excretion of DDA in these fish.